Governor Rick Perry has recognized Lamar State College-Port Arthur President Sam Monroe as the longest-serving president of a Texas higher education institution. Gov. Perry presented Dr. Monroe with a certificate of recognition during a meeting in the Governor's Office last week.
Dr. Monroe was elected president of Port Arthur College by the Board of Trustees in 1974 and a year later proposed a merger between Port Arthur College and Lamar University to create Lamar University-Port Arthur. The merger was approved by both governing boards and funded by the Legislature in 1975. Dr. Monroe was named director of the campus and later dean, provost, and finally president. The institution was renamed Lamar State College-Port Arthur in 1999.
During his tenure at LSC-PA, Dr. Monroe has overseen the expansion and modernization of the 40-acre campus to include, most recently, a Student Success Center which houses the college’s tutoring and developmental education programs.
Governor Perry's certificate of recognition reads, "Over your 38 years of leadership at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, you have helped thousands of students achieve their academic goals and discover a bright future for themselves and their families. Your commitment to education and service to the Port Arthur community will inspire those around you for many years to come."
