Polaris Spring 2023

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F rom T he P residen T

Dear Navigators and friends,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Polaris, the official magazine of Lee College. If you are familiar with astronomy, Polaris, also known as the North Star, is the brightest star in its constellation, and serves as a guiding light to navigate the seas. Just like Polaris, we are helping students navigate their futures and removing obstacles in the way of their success.

The launch of this magazine could not have come at a more opportune time as the college is experiencing a remarkable and historic year.

We achieved record fall enrollment, became the first higher education institution in southeast Texas to offer students and part-time employees 24/7 access to health care at a minimal cost, overhauled our nursing programs to better prepare the next generation of health care providers and witnessed our nationally ranked basketball team win their first division conference championship.

As you enjoy reading this first issue of Polaris, you will learn why one of our notable alumni was destined to become a public servant and how one faculty member is changing students’ lives for the better.

We are so proud to be Lee College, and I am thrilled to share our achievements with you!

Warm regards,

Dr. Lynda Villanueva President, Lee College

HEALTH HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Nadine Duran has been dealing with anxiety and stress for years and admittedly never had the courage to ask someone for help. That all changed when the Lee College student signed up for TimelyCare, an app-based platform that offers users round-the-clock access to medical, mental health and basic needs support.

“I was able to express some thoughts and feelings that I’ve had bottled up for some time,” shared Duran. “The counselor I spoke with gave me tips on how to relieve stress and anxiety in the classroom. She made me feel like I was talking to a friend.”

In Fall 2022, Lee College became the first higher education institution in the Houston area to partner with TimelyMD, the leading virtual health and well-being solution in higher education. TimelyMD’s TimelyCare platform serves as a 24/7 virtual

available to college parttime employees at no cost.

“There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our college community,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “TimelyCare’s ease of use, convenience and immediacy make it easy for our students and part-time employees to get the help they need, at a time that is convenient for them.”

the hassle of traditional insurance premiums or co-pays – including:

• On-demand or appointment-based medical care

• On-demand mental health and emotional support (TalkNow)

• Appointment-based mental health counseling

• Psychiatric support

• Health coaching

• Digital self-care content

extension of campus health and counseling center resources, with the goal of improving student well-being, engagement and retention. The service is funded by a $12.50 student fee each semester and is additionally

Through TimelyCare on a mobile phone or tablet, students and parttime employees can select from a wide-ranging menu of virtual care options from licensed physicians and counselors in all 50 states – without

Duran appreciates the platform’s anonymity and ease and plans to have weekly sessions with a counselor. “What I like the most about this experience is that I don’t feel judged. I know I’m not the only one who is dealing with these feelings.” ✪

“There is no greater priority than the health and safety of our college community.”

FEELING THE SPARK: Lee College Hosts High School Welding Series

Sparks flew at the Lee College McNair Center for the Texas High School Welding Series (TXHSWS.)

The annual competition and certification event brought nearly 600 students from 32 high schools across Texas and Louisiana to the college’s instructional space in Baytown. Armed with jackets, helmets and gloves, future welders performed torch cutting and metal fusing techniques before judges to receive their industry-based certifications.

The welding contest, which is part of the Texas Rice Festival, was held at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont for decades, but in Fall 2022, organizers decided to move the event to the McNair Center because it provides a much bigger space.

The TXHSWS was established to help students develop the technical and employability skills necessary for the modern welding industry. The contest challenges students of all levels to improve their abilities and increase their desire to pursue a career in welding.

“Students earning industry recognized certifications are essential to growing our skilled workforce and support of local industry,” said John Elliott, industrial studies division chair at Lee College. “We hope these young people will have connected with long-term training opportunities at Lee College as they grow their skill sets to enter high-paying positions in welding and allied professions.”

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers is rising at a steady rate of 8%, which translates to more than 34,000 new jobs over the next decade. Texas and the greater Houston area have the highest concentration of manufacturing and industries that require welding. ✪

A Cut Above: Renovated Cosmetology Center Opens at Liberty Campus

Liberty Mayor Carl Pickett was among several area elected officials who joined Lee College for the official opening of its newly renovated cosmetology space at the Lee College Education CenterSouth Liberty County.

Labor Statistics, careers in cosmetology are expected to grow 11% by 2031. The earning potential as a cosmetologist can go well into the six figures, and Lee College instructors, who have worked in the industry, are training the next generation of salon and med spa owners to meet this growing demand.

Students now have access to 25 brand-new, full-service stations for haircuts, hair styling, hair coloring, a shampoo area, manicure stations and pedicure chairs, as well as private rooms for facials and waxing. Students also learn the business and legal aspects of the cosmetology field.

“The cosmetology department at Lee College is helping students of all ages become productive citizens in finding something they like doing and they can make a great living out of it,”

said the mayor to a crowded room of attendees during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

According to the U.S. Bureau of

Established in the 1960s, the cosmetology program offers an Associate of Applied Science of Cosmetology Operator and a certificate of completion. There are just over 200 traditional and dual-credit students enrolled at LCEC, the Technical Vocational 8 building and 650 W. Texas building at the main campus in Baytown. ✪

From left, F. Scott Churchman, Lee College division business technology chair; Howie Howeth, vice president, Dayton Chamber of Commerce; Mayor Carl Pickett, City of Liberty; Gilbert Santana, chair, Lee College Board of Regents; Daryl Fontenot, assistant secretary, Lee College Board of Regents; Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president; Dr. Laura Lane-Worley, director, Lee College Education Center - South Liberty County; Angela Noack, lead cosmetology instructor; Alan Stilts, PBK Architects Inc.; Jennifer Garcia, director of major and planned gifts, Resource Development, Lee College; and Joel Mueller, Generocity Services, Inc.

Lee College Fall 2022 Enrollment Sets Record

President Credits New Strategies for Enrolling More than 8,400 Students

Lee College has recorded its highest enrollment in its 88-year history. Numbers indicate the college has enrolled 8,443 students for the Fall 2022 semester. The previous high was in Fall 2018, with slightly more than 8,000 students.

The Fall 2022 number translates to a 9 percent increase in headcount compared to the same time last year at the college’s main campus in Baytown, its two satellite locations at McNair (Baytown) and South Liberty County, and the Prison Education Program at the Huntsville Center.

“This enrollment number is very encouraging to me as it demonstrates the strategies we began implementing during the height of the pandemic are bearing fruit,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “Our college’s greatest challenge has been a decline in enrollment, so to see this new bar set, we are simply ecstatic.”

One notable tactic was to establish partnerships with school districts in the Lee College service area, which includes Goose Creek Consolidated, Crosby, Dayton, Liberty, Barbers Hill, Huffman, Devers, East Chambers, Hardin and Hull-Daisetta — to ensure high school seniors make a seamless transition into Lee College.

“We adjusted our enrollment practices to bring the entirety of student services to partner districts to recruit and enroll students into Lee before they receive their high school diplomas,” explained Scott Bennett, associate vice presi-

dent, Student Services. “Our team also took advantage of the First Time Free at Lee initiative approved by the Lee College Board of Regents. The program offers new students tuition, fees and e-books at no cost. The two approaches gave us the opportunity to interact with students early in the registration cycle and promote the value of coming to Lee College in the fall.”

“We know that retaining students from semester to semester can be a challenge, so we’ve implemented several initiatives to help students be successful starting before their first day of class and keep this momentum of high enrollment going,” said Dr. Douglas Walcerz, provost and vice president of academic and student affairs.

Lee College put in place several new academic measures this semester. They are:

• Redesigned New Student Orientation to include online and in-person options

• myPath, an online degree planning and auditing program to help students stay on track and graduate on time

The pandemic produced multiple stresses: emotional, physical, financial, relational, etc., so it became increasingly important to provide services that would keep students on track with their education. The result was shifting the Lee College Student Resource & Advocacy Center into high

• Enhanced course delivery options, LeeStream, MyFlex Hybrid and Face-to-Face, designed to fit a student’s schedule

• myBooks, an all-access course materials program allowing students to have their materials by the first day of class

gear — providing struggling students with personalized support and assistance with childcare, food, housing, transportation and scholarship funds through the Lee Cares program.

Other support efforts include an unprecedented $5 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to renovate the Student Center and two awards from JP MorganChase totaling $300,000 to support the Lee College Single Parent Success program. Villanueva says the work is not done, and as Lee College moves forward, the attention moves to student retention and keeping them on their educational pathways.

This semester Lee College also became the first higher education institution in the greater Houston area to launch TimelyCare, a virtual health and well-being platform offering students free, on-demand medical and mental health services 24/7.

“Our record enrollment could not happen at a better point in time as it is crucial to receiving funding from the state lawmakers for the next two years,” Villanueva added. “But records are made to be broken, and we will continue to work hard to enlarge our footprint and services to all our communities in the coming year.” ✪

“Our college’s greatest challenge has been a decline in enrollment, so to see this new bar set, we are simply ecstatic.”

CYBER SECURITY AND CLOUD COMPUTING EXPERTS

Lee College is meeting the growing demand for skilled IT (information technology) experts in cybersecurity and cloud computing with new degree and certificate programs. Students have the option to take these computer science courses in-person and online.

Cybersecurity Associate in Applied Science/Certificate

Students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree or certificate in cybersecurity will learn about networking, computer maintenance, digital forensics, information security, cyber psychology in the face of emerging technology, to name a few.

“The goal for our graduates is to have the knowledge to start on the ground floor in a security operations center and work their way up to information security analyst,” said William Walker, cybersecurity lead instructor in the Lee College Department of Computer Technology.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analyst jobs are projected to grow 31% by 2030 – much faster than the average for all occupations. In May 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the median annual wage for this position was more than $103,000 a year. Industries that employ information security analysts include finance and insurance, computer systems design as well as administrative and support services.

One of the main responsibilities of an information security analyst is to monitor networks for security breaches and to stay up to date on the latest methods attackers are using to infiltrate computer systems. That involves developing security standards and best practices that are most effective in protecting their organization in the event of a disaster.

“Hackers aren’t going to stop. They are going to continue and get even more savvy with their attacks,” Walker explained. “We want people to be aware of what’s out there and what they can be doing to protect themselves and others.”

Cloud Computing Certificate

Another area of IT that evolved quickly during COVID-19 and continues to grow – is cloud computing. Lee College is currently offering a certificate and will eventually offer an associate degree in cloud computing, which is the delivery of different services through the Internet, including data storage, servers, databases, networking software and analytics. Cloud-based storage and collection of big data makes it possible to save files to a remote database and retrieve them on demand.

Students who take this course will learn how to create a cloud system from beginning to end, which will include IP address scheming and user control systems. Once they get certified as a “Level 2 Cloud Practitioner,” students can have their pick of careers as cloud engineers, cloud architects or cloud consultants for various industries.

“The number of positions that need to be filled right now is astronomical and steadily increasing,” said Steven Saunders, instructor in the Lee College Department of Computer Technology. “Students should be able to get employment almost immediately with a certification.”

Some of the most recognizable companies that use and offer cloud computing services are Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft. According to experts, the cloud computing market is positioned to be worth $947 billion by 2026.

Both Saunders and Walker say the pandemic made people realize that working in a virtual system just makes more sense. They imagine some of the students who will take their courses are those who’ve worked in careers that have changed with technology.

“These are the individuals who need to get back into the workforce and earn money right away. A certificate will allow them to do that.” Saunders explained. “It’s also possible they will continue their education and go for a degree while they are in their new employment.” ✪

“Hackers aren’t going to stop. We want people to be aware of what’s out there and what they can be doing to protect themselves and others.”

A CRITICAL DECISION Lee College Overhauls Nursing Program

For 60 years, Lee College has trained students to become Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN). Today, these nursing programs are offering students a new, state-of-the-art learning experience that aligns with the demands and rigor of the most modern patient care.

“Nursing is much more complex than it was 20 years ago,” said Dr. Janena Norris, associate vice president of healthcare professions and administration. “Nurses have a lot more responsibility at the bedside. Patients are living longer and have multiple underlying conditions, which requires more critical thinking and clinical judgment.”

It’s that thought process that prompted the college to modernize the program by renovating and expanding the space inside the McNulty-Haddick Nursing Center, as well as overhauling the existing curriculum to make the course-

work more integrated. The improvements will also accommodate doubling the capacity of nursing students.

“Renewing and updating our nursing program is critical to better serving the needs of our area hospitals, their patients and our communities,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “And as a school located near the largest medical center in the world, it’s imperative we create a steady flow of well-educated, highly skilled students ready to succeed in these facilities and in their careers.”

Integrating Teaching with Technology

The enhanced space features three new skills labs with a total of 30 patient beds and a high-fidelity simulation center that houses five rooms: one pediatric room, two adult Medical-Surgical rooms, one critical care room and a maternity (Mother-Baby) suite. These spaces allow for both nursing skills practice as well as scenario-based hands-on learning.

The renovation also allowed for the creation of three larger-capacity classrooms with advanced technology and computer-based testing capability.

“It is our hope that all our spaces collectively will allow for a well-rounded educational experience so our students can master important nursing skills and concepts in order to be successful on the licensure exam and in practice,” Norris added.

Caroline Lucke, an RN student, enjoys utilizing the new spaces, running through different scenarios with her classmates and receiving guidance from her instructors.

“Being in health care, it’s about teamwork and collaborating with people to provide the best care for patients,” said Lucke, who has wanted to be a nurse since she was in kindergarten. “That’s what excites me about the nursing program and keeps me motivated every day.”

Just as the nursing practice has changed over the years, so has nursing education to ensure students are prepared for their future career. Lee College has answered that change by moving from a blocked curriculum to an integrated curriculum.

In a blocked curriculum content is divided and grouped into “learning pockets.” For example, all learning about children would take place in a separate pediatric course and other coursework split in a similar fashion. In an integrated curriculum, the content is merged and presented by concepts across the lifespan. Instructors teaching students about the respiratory system in an integrated course would discuss both adult and pediatric diseases, the pharmacology used to treat them and any other pertinent information that relates to nursing care.

“The removal of those ‘learning pockets’ in the curriculum helps to provide a constant learning continuum for our students and assists them in mastering nursing concepts,” explained Dr. Sybil Rollins, director of nursing. “The nursing faculty really took the lead on this design and embraced it. We are grateful for their forward thinking and their willingness to complete the hard work to make these changes.”

Filling a Gap for Qualified Nurses

According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for RNs will jump to 3.3 million by 2029. That’s an increase of 221,900 or 7%. The job outlook for LVNs is expected to grow 9% through 2030, which translates to an increase of just over 64,000.

Industry partner Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital is one hospital dealing with challenges in filling nursing positions, especially since the pandemic. Many nurses left to take travel nursing positions to make more money, some retired and there are those who left the profession after reassessing their lives.

“At Lee College, students will feel more prepared and know what to expect once they are working. They will have at least been exposed to different scenarios. They will be better equipped for the analytical thinking that will be required of them in practice,” said Becky Chalupa, vice president & chief nursing officer & business practices officer, Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital.

Chalupa adds the expansion of Lee’s nursing program will make it easier for Methodist to increase the number of new grads they accept into their residency program.

As for Lucke, she’s already putting what she’s learning at Lee College into practice as a part-time nursing assistant in the ICU at Houston Methodist Baytown. She’s also a certified phlebotomist.

“I already understand how a hospital system works which helps with school,” Lucke added. “It’s amazing to see everyone come together with the goal of saving someone’s life. It’s worth all the hard work.” ✪

CHAMPI NS!

The 2022-23 season for the Lee College Navigators is one for the history books.

The Navigators clinched their first conference championship in the regular season; swept the Region 14 Northern Division; won every home game and earned a stunning 17-2 record.

These are all first-time accomplishments since Lee College established the men’s basketball program in the late 1960s.

Through the slam dunks, the struggles and the fatigue, the nationally ranked No. 11 Navigators powered through a “ruthless” schedule – which included facing off against the No. 1 and No. 3 teams in the country – only to lose by just a few points but gaining the respect of their competitors.

“Our guys were put in some tough, adverse situations, and they handled it with such class and poise,” said Lee College Athletics Director and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Nicholas Wade. “They were spectacular all season, and I am so proud of each and every one of our players.”

Lee College and the greater Baytown communities shared that pride and excitement as the team dribbled and drove their way to the NJCAA regional tournament. “Navigator fever” spread fast as the fan base grew and spectators filled the red seats at the Sports Arena. The fans also traveled to other venues to represent the college and cheer on

players star players Djahi Binet, Tidjiane Dioumassi, Jorge Moreno and Nickolas Traylor.

“Our Navigators got Lee College excited. They got the city of Baytown excited,” Wade shared. “As a coach and who I am to the core, I don’t want to be a flash in the pan or just something we remembered this one time. I’m striving to make this the new norm at Lee, which is for us to be a national brand and a national name.”

Having a talented group of players who work well together is one thing, but Wade and his coaching staff of Carliss Robinson, Casey Apetrei and Russell Bundage believe that’s secondary to what they look for in a Navigator. Players must adhere to the Lee College athletics culture: an upstanding college community citizen who excels in class and gives back to the community.

As Coach Wade reflects on this season, he emphasizes that no matter how well the team did, there are “still boxes to be checked.”

“This isn’t something I am going to sit back on and think, ‘Oh, we did it one time and let’s rest on that glory.’ I am the ‘push the envelope guy.’ What is next that we can go conquer? Let’s take this thing all the way and see what happens.” ✪

“We have a great coaching staff who is always here for us. They make sure the group stays as a family.”

– TIDJIANE DIOUMASSI Navigators point guard

Recovery Mission Lee College Student, Navy Veteran Graduates with Degree in Addiction Counseling

The Gulf War Navy veteran spent four years fighting on the front lines during Operation Desert Storm, but when he returned home to the states, Brantley faced a new battle –one with substance abuse.

“I had a lot of issues that I hadn’t yet confronted, so I used alcohol and drugs to deal with them,” he shared. “I was alienated from my family. I was homeless at one point. It was a horrible, dark time in my life.”

But Brantley says he is not ashamed about his past because it made him who he is today: A 54-year-old Lee College student, who just celebrated seven years of sobriety and is graduating this month with an Associate of Applied Science in Addiction Counseling.

“Thank goodness for recovery and the 12-Step Program and strangers who helped me,” said Brantley, Class of 2022. “They saw me at my lowest point and offered me a hand up and some hope.”

Once he knew he was “free from the bondage of addiction,” Brantley realized that if he was going to dedicate his life to helping others get well, he would have to go to school. In 2019, he enrolled at Lee College. That is where he met Reanna DeGeorge, instructor in the college’s Drug and Alcohol Counseling program. DeGeorge, who is also in recovery and 16 years sober, recalled one of her first interactions with Brantley. It was at the beginning of COVID-19 and face-to-face courses had switched to online learning.

“He did not know how to turn a computer on, and I remember him calling me – saying he was going to give up. But I would talk him through it and help him navigate through the feelings of the unknown,” DeGeorge explained.

Despite those feelings, Brantley refused to give up and turned out to be one of DeGeorge’s top students.

“Charles is a prime example of someone who has been through the trenches in terms of addiction and has come

out on the other side,” DeGeorge said. “He’s also giving back to the community with those experiences.”

Others are taking notice of Brantley’s hard work as well.

He was recently awarded the John Peña Memorial Scholarship. Created in 2005 by the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP), the scholarship honors John Peña, the son of former Texas State Representative Aaron Peña, who died at the age of 16 after he was given tainted drugs at a party. Aaron Peña is a champion of military veterans and an advocate for addiction treatment and prevention. Each year the TAAP gives out scholarships to students like Brantley who are pursuing a career in counseling. Lee College also recognized Brantley this year with a Service-Learning Award for his community service work helping individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions.

For the past six years, Brantley has been working in the addiction counseling field. These days, he serves as a strategic relations manager and veteran liaison at Discovery Behavioral Health. He is a licensed chemical dependency counselor intern, and after graduation, Brantley plans to use his Peña Memorial Scholarship funds to pay for the state licensure preparatory courses and exam.

“When other students are struggling, Charles is always willing to share his experience, his strength and hopes with them,” DeGeorge added. “He is incredibly supportive of his fellow students. It is part of his nature, and he will be a great counselor.”

In addition to DeGeorge, Brantley says other individuals instrumental in his success include Howard Bushart, division chair, Allied Health and licensed chemical dependency counselor; Rosemary Coffman, associate dean, Testing and Student Life and licensed chemical dependency counselor; and Toni Bates-Somerset, program director, Into Action Recovery Center. ✪

Charles Brantley can tell you firsthand what it is like to hit rock bottom and how it feels to rise to the top.

HONOR ROLE MODEL

Dr. Georgeann Ward Shares Her Passion

for Teaching

Dr. Georgeann Ward recalls the moment she realized she wanted to be a college instructor. As an undergrad at the University of Houston, she started as an accounting major, but her true passion, English, prevailed. That’s when the stars aligned, and she met the professor who “changed her life.”

“Dr. Charlotte Berkowitz, who taught Women in Literature, was my first awesome role model as a female college teacher, and that is what I wanted to be to my students.”

And after a decade of working her “dream job” – as Lee College Honors Program coordinator and instructor of the

Human Condition, Ward has solidified her legacy at the institution as a role model to current and former students.

“I found my career goal purpose and am working towards becoming a community college teacher because of the incredible work Dr. Ward does,” said former student Hunter Smith, division secretary, English & Humanities at Lee College and master’s candidate at University of Houston-Downtown. “She inspired me to follow in her footsteps with my career.”

“Dr. Ward’s feedback and supportive nature inspired me to do better academically,” said former student Brandon

Cooper, a computer science teacher at Clear Creek Independent School District. “Her encouragement, kind words and consistency pushed me a lot further in school than I ever thought I would go.”

Polaris Magazine wanted to know what motivates Ward to want to push her students to greatness – day in and day out.

Where are you from, and how did you get to Lee College?

I am originally from Baytown and a 1995 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School. My high school experience was great. I had wonderful friends, was an honors student and was leader of the Lee Brigadiers, which was one of the only all-female drum and bugle corps in the state of Texas at that time. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of Houston, I started teaching English at Ross S. Sterling High School. I then went on to earn my master’s degree at University of Houston-Clear Lake and started as a full-time instructor at Lee College. Eventually, I was promoted to my current role as Honors Program coordinator. While at Lee, I returned to UH to pursue my Ph.D. and graduated in 2018.

You have been leading the nationally recognized Honors Program for a decade. What was it like when you first started and how has it evolved?

When I started that first year, the Honors Program founder, John Britt, was still teaching part time. It was a transitional period, and I felt a lot of pressure to live up to Mr. Britt’s profound legacy. I was always impressed by his genuine love for people. Through the years, as I’ve worked closely with students to fulfill their goals, I’ve gotten to enjoy having a positive impact on students’ lives too. I love being part of the honors community and part of deep conversations that help us know ourselves and our world better.

What does the Honors Program do for students beyond the classroom?

We provide them with opportunities in four key areas: service, leadership, academics and cultural enrichment. With service, we participate in the food drives on campus and help with the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Gala. In terms of leadership, I am the advisor for the Student Honors Council, which is the student-led branch of the honors program. I attend their meetings, help them plan ice breakers, recruiting activities and coordinate enrichment events. For the academic part, my students attend conferences

across the United States to present their work which gives them the skills and confidence to speak before large audiences. With the culture aspect, every semester, we go to museums and plays at the Alley Theater, and when students have other great ideas for enrichment, we run with it. We plan fun, curiosity-driven activities.

Caring, empowering, hardworking and humble are just some of the words students use to describe you. Give us one word you think best describes yourself.

Facilitator. I want to create experiences, and I want to help guide people through those experiences and make sure they are safe and productive for everyone involved. But ultimately, the value of the experience comes down to the person who is in it. To me, a facilitator is there to push you along, give you the tools you need and the support and encouragement you need, block out things that are disrupting the health of the experience and help you to have the best experience you can.

What do you want the most for your students?

My goal for students is for them to experience the most freedom they can find in their lives. I believe education opens doors for people and gives people more options and so I am always hoping for them to achieve the freedom they want.

What/who inspires you to be an educational leader and mentor?

My role as a mother of two young men drives everything I do. I had my first teaching epiphany when I was teaching high school. I was eight months pregnant with my first son. It was a challenging sophomore class that was a little bit wild. One day they were taking a quiz, silently writing, and I was just standing there holding my belly and it dawned on me there was someone at home who loved every single one of those kids as much as I already loved my unborn son. It reminded me that in everything I do I want to treat students the way I would want my sons to be treated. I want to give them the respect and fairness and kindness that I would want for my kids.

Do you have a life mantra?

Yes, and it’s posted outside my office: “Do the best you can in the time you have, with the resources you have, and then give yourself some grace.” ✪

Get to Know Baytown Mayor

Brandon Capetillo (’92)

There’s something you may be surprised to learn about Baytown Mayor Brandon Capetillo: He’s “kind of shy.”

“People don’t know that. I love developing relationships with community members, so I must work past my shyness because public speaking is part of my job as mayor,” he admitted. “I try to do it as best as I can, as often as I can, and I think the public deserves to see and hear from their mayor.”

Another fun fact about the man currently serving his

second term as the city’s top leader: He’s an alumnus of Lee College who earned his drafting certificate in 1992.

A third generation Baytonian, Capetillo (pronounced ca-peh-TEE-yo), is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, and he has known since he was a sixth grader that he was destined to hold a public office someday.

As you can imagine, Capetillo is a very busy man. He actually prefers it that way. So, it was an honor to sit down with Baytown’s mayor and get to know him a little better.

Why did you choose to attend Lee College?

I think I could have gone off to other schools, but for the most part, it was the best choice for me because of the accessibility. My very first course at Lee College was Government during my junior year of high school, but I returned to Lee College for a certification in AutoCAD, which is a drafting software application that was becoming popular at the time.

What did you do after graduating from Lee College?

I joined the United States Air Force. During my four years in the military, I received an associate degree in electronics systems technology at the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and served during Operation Desert Storm. As a Senior Airman, I calibrated instrumentation and devices for aircraft and aerospace related operations. Once I returned home to Baytown, I attended the University of Houston-Clear Lake where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Government and History.

Do you feel like your education at Lee College helped you get where you are today?

Absolutely. We are fortunate to have Lee College in Baytown. It was a great launch pad to other opportunities for me. The AutoCAD program helped me become more knowledgeable in engineering concepts. Most of the jobs I’ve had throughout my career were based on engineering type environments. In addition to being the mayor, I am a corporate quality control manager at Airgas, where I’ve been since 2015.

How do you see the college today versus when you attended?

Lee College was great in the 90s, but comparing the college from then to now, it’s way more advantageous for students in the sense that Lee College provides them with endless opportunities and training. I don’t see how someone can go into the workforce without having some level of higher education or workforce development. The need is there, and Lee College has always met that need at every level. Lee College is also a valuable community partner, and we are very fortunate for that. It’s a good opportunity for local students to seek higher education that is affordable and gain a very good skillset for a very good paying job.

You mentioned that you knew you wanted to hold a public office when you were in Junior High. Can you elaborate on that?

I’ve always been interested in how we, as a free society, can select and elect an individual to represent many people. As a junior high school student, I would have these insights of public office and it would always stay with me. I was our classroom representative on student council. Then I became treasurer of student council and president of student council. As a sixth grader representing a classroom, I ran into some challenges and took the role very seriously. That, in some ways, prepared me for my current role as mayor representing a population of nearly 90,000 constituents.

What or who inspired you to pursue politics?

Government and history have always been a part of me. Even when I went off to the Air Force, I just knew once I got out, I would get involved in local campaigns. When the opportunity presented itself, I ran for city council and served four consecutive terms before I ran for mayor. There are very few Latino-elected officials at all levels of government. People like Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio, inspired the idea of public office when I was young and that it is possible for an individual of Non-Anglo descent to pursue public office and be successful.

You certainly have your roots in Baytown, but do you have political aspirations beyond being mayor of your city?

There are some exciting things I’d like to see through as mayor, and Baytown is on the edge of some really important projects that I would like to see to fruition. I am willing to serve as a public servant in any capacity for Baytown, for whatever level of government that may be. I truly love my hometown.

What is one thing that has pleasantly surprised you as mayor?

I am surprised at how many young adults know who I am and how in tune they are with what’s happening with their local government. That brings me great satisfaction to know that young adults, our next generation of leaders, are aware of what’s happening at the city level. ✪

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER: A SEASON OF NEW BEGINNINGS

The mission of the Lee College Performing Arts Center (PAC) is connecting the Baytown community to the world through collaboration, education, social engagement, and the transformative power of live performing arts.

“It’s about creating a space where people can be authentic; where diversity, equity and inclusion are embraced and encouraged,” explained Noah Dobbs, PAC director. “Not only do we want performers and patrons to feel like the PAC is their home away from home, but we also want to establish the Center as an arts and culture leader in Baytown and our surrounding communities.”

Dobbs says audiences will never pay more than $25 for a ticket to any of the shows. Guests will also be asked to provide feedback of what they saw and give input on what types of performances/shows they would like to see in the future. ✪

Clue: The Musical

Tara Conley: I Think I’m Here

UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE PAC

March 1-April 14

Sharon Kyle art exhibit PAC Art Gallery

Thursday, April 20

Student Art Show Reception: Lee College

Art Department PAC Art Gallery

Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Spring Sing: Lee College Music Department PAC Black Box

Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.

Jazz @ Lee College: Spring Concert PAC Main Hall

Saturday, April 29, 7:30 p.m.

Baytown Symphony Orchestra Concert PAC Main Hall

Friday, May 5

Saturday, May 6

Musical Review: Lee College Theatre Department PAC Black Box

Saturday, May 27

Three Redneck Tenors: Touring Production PAC Main Hall

Mamma Mia!

The Pillowman

Lee College Foundation

Gala Returns, Raises Nearly $143,000 for Student Support

Jason Richie grew up in a family that didn’t value education as a priority. However, when Richie learned he was about to become a father, his attitude quickly changed. He left his past behind and enrolled at Lee College.

“I took an internal assessment of my life and the world around me and realized the key to achieving my goals was to get an education,” Richie told a crowd of more than 250 guests at the 35th annual Lee College Foundation Gala.

Richie was the keynote speaker at the event, which raised $142,860 through sponsorships, ticket sales, outside donations, as well as the silent and live auctions of the evening. The $22,460 raised from both auctions will be directed toward the Student Resource and Advocacy Center (SRAC), which provides support for unmet basic needs to students, such as textbook assistance, food, emer-

gency aid, and childcare ser vices.

Richie, a single father to a three-year-old daughter, is a direct beneficiary of the SRAC.

“We were able to provide Jason childcare assistance and a single-parent scholarship so he could fully focus on his studies,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva,

Lee College president. “Helping Lee College students like Jason stay on track to graduation and achieve their greatest potential is what events like the Foundation gala are about for me.”

“Helping Lee College students like Jason stay on track to graduation and achieve their greatest potential is what events like the Foundation gala are about for me.”

The 35th Annual

Lee CoLLege Foundation

Bill Davidson, Dr. Lynda Villanueva and Jason Richie

“Helping Lee College students like Jason stay on track to graduation and achieve their greatest potential is what events like the Foundation gala are about for me.”

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the gala returned to Sylvan Beach Pavilion in LaPorte. Generations of donors and new donors were in attendance, and many said it felt like a homecoming.

“Everyone was thrilled to be there and just grateful to come together under one roof on behalf of the students,” said Patti Ranzini, vice president of college advancement and executive director of the Lee College Foundation. “This gala is a time to recognize the legacy of support from our donors and honor their generous contributions and passion for education.”

Richie, who himself went from being passive to passionate about education, graduated from Lee in December, 2022 with his third associate degree in analytical instrumentation and a 3.9 GPA. His two other degrees from the college are in electrical technology and instrumentation technology. He hopes to be in a position in the future where he can pay it forward and help a Lee College student like himself achieve the same success.

“Being a single father and finishing college is no easy task, but the support system and generous donors allowed me to accomplish my goals that in the past would have been deemed simply impossible,” he shared. “Lee College helped me find solutions not excuses and these hard lessons learned through diligent study, hard work and dedication have already improved my life immensely.” ✪

Jason Richie shares his success story before guests at the 35th annual Lee College Foundation Gala.

Nancy Hanson and daughter Brenda Fess visit the silent auction table.

66%

Supporting students in challenging times

The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated basic needs challenges for college students locally and nationwide; however, we recognize that the need for fundamental human supports of our students will continue far beyond the pandemic.

Lee College will continue to meet the needs of our students through the SRAC, which will serve as a central hub for students seeking basic needs supports and community referrals.

The SRAC will be co-located with the Learning Hub and First-Year Experience to reduce the stigma of using such services and increase utilization by placing valuable student services together. The SRAC will provide the following direct services:

• Food Market: Through our partnership with the Houston Food Bank, Lee College students will receive up to 60 pounds of groceries every two weeks, to include meat, dairy, fresh produce, and non-perishable items. Hygiene and baby supplies will also be available.

• Emergency Aid: Emergency Aid funding will be provided to students facing an unexpected financial challenge that may hinder their ability to be a

successful student. Examples of emergency aid expenses include electricity, water, phone, rent, vehicle repair and insurance.

• Childcare Assistance: Childcare assistance consists of weekly payments of up to $100 per student for childcare expenses. Childcare assistance can be used to pay for one-time registration fees, after school care, or summer childcare when funds are available.

• Transportation Assistance: Transportation assistance will be available to students through gas gift cards and Harris County Transit bus passes.

• Single Parent Success Program: The Single Parent Success Program consists of regular meetings with a case manager, meeting with an academic advisor, completion of a financial aid application, and participation in educational workshops and events designed for student parents. Upon completion of these requirements, students will receive a scholarship.

• Career Closet: Business casual and professional attire will be provided to students for use in job interviews, jobs, or other professional functions.

nearly 20% of Lee College students have cut the size of a meal or eaten less because they had no money for food.

of Lee College students said they would struggle to get $500 in the event of an emergency.

“I believe Lee College students benefit from the Student Resource & Advocacy Center. I am grateful for the opportunity and couldn’t have accomplished my goals and stayed motivated throughout my semesters without their help.”

– Priscilla Guzman

Lee, Barbers Hill ISD plan exciting future for students

Leaders of Barbers Hill ISD and Lee College are taking steps that could lead to the creation of a college campus in the Mont Belvieu community.

“We are thrilled to be working with Barbers Hill Superintendent Dr. Greg Poole, a tremendous visionary leader, who has brought exemplary programs to his district,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. “We look forward to advancing the tradition of excellence at Barbers Hill ISD.”

The dialogue started in 2015 with the district’s desired outcome being a campus with course offerings specific to the needs of Barbers Hill students and the community with significantly lower tuition costs and at little cost to taxpayers.

“This process has certainly been a bumpy road with what appeared to be dead ends at times. Yet our stated goal remained the same: a higher education presence in the community with course offerings specific to our needs at minimal cost to our taxpayers,” said Dr. Poole. “It is evident after many conversations with Dr. Villanueva that she values and shares our vision. She truly gets the big picture and the powerful potential that such a partnership could create.”

State law allows for the formation of a branch campus in which the tax moneys raised can only be utilized within the jurisdiction of the Barbers Hill district. There are a number of formal steps that must be taken — starting with the creation of a steering committee and culminating with a vote by Barbers Hill ISD taxpayers.

Barbers Hill’s remarkable tax base can support a premier college setting with unique class offerings for local students and community members to receive certifications and/or degrees currently not offered in the area. The new campus would provide a complete array of student services to ensure the Barbers Hill community receives the same level of amenities found at the main Lee College campus in Baytown.

The tax associated with a Barbers Hill college cannot by law exceed 5 cents per $100 valuation. The tax would be assessed by Lee College and collected by the school district, with the branch campus receiving 100 percent of the tax revenue. ✪

A quiet moment outside historic Rundell Hall after a Houston rain shower gives time to reflect on the beauty of the campus.