The Coyote Insider
DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025
The Coyote Insider
A WINTRY WELCOME TO SPRING 2025
The Spring 2025 Semester was ushered in with a truly wintry welcome The semester began with an Inservice for employees, during which campus president, Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, took the opportunity to commend faculty and staff for their unwavering dedication to student success Despite a surprise snowstorm shortly after classes commenced, the campus community quickly adapted, and the semester is now firmly on track. As we move forward, we are poised to make this Spring a semester to remember!
Message from Dr Melissa Gonzalez
President LSC-Kingwood
Hello, Coyotes!
Welcome back! As we start this new Spring 2025 semester, we ’ re excited to bring you some new services designed with your well-being in mind.
We also have some innovative new programs that reflect our commitment to providing our students a forward-thinking education that prepares them for success in an ever-changing world
We can’t wait to see what this semester holds!
-- Go Coyotes!
FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Christine Mullins, Cosmetology Professor
Alan Wright, Kinesiology Professor
ADJUNCT FACULTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Lone Star College Honors Faculty Excellence Award: Dr. Cherith Letargo
Eddie Pompa, Inspection Technology Professor
Dr. Karensa Welch, Biology Professor
Lisa Harden, Math Professor
Juan Garza, Music Professor
STAFF EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Rebecca Bagwell, Student Services Specialist II
Alexis Thibodeaux, Staff Assistant I, Division I
Victoria Southworth, Coordinator III, Coyote Care Center
Ravae Cannady, Part-time Specialist III, Instructional Support
Clinton Martinez, Coordinator I, Enrollment Services
LSC Focus Award: Hector Tepo, Coordinator III, Mi Familia, Mi Futuro
WELCOME BACK TO THE WOODS
It’s always a great time at Welcome Back to the Woods! Student Life staff ensured Coyotes felt welcomed and excited for the new semester. New and old friends connected and enjoyed food, fun, and prizes! More pictures here.
PROUD TO BE A COYOTE!
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL AT THE CENTERS!
ATASCOCITA CENTER
What a welcome from the folks at LSC-Atascocita Center! Students were able to enjoy breakfast to fuel for the day and also scored some LSC swag!
EAST ALDINE CENTER
Students at East Aldine Center painted pots and planted succulents at their Welcome Back event. What a way to welcome in the spring semester and prepare to grow in their educational journeys More pictures here
PROCESS TECH CENTER
At the Process Technology Center, students had the chance to reconnect as they returned to campus. During the event, students were able to enjoy donuts, coffee, water, breakfast bars, and receive a notebook and pen Additionally, some students had the chance to win exciting prizes. Welcome back, Coyotes!
UNIVISION SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY
Lone Star College Foundation and Univisio the Tu Camino Essay Scholarship to LSC-Ki Nursing Student Diana Valdez The Univisi LSC "Contigo" Scholarship is designed to m adults in the Houston area to pursue higher education. On Monday, December 2nd, a was held to present the scholarship to Vald Representatives from Foundation and Univi spoke, along with LSC-Kingwood President Melissa Gonzalez. The winners from the pr year, who are also Latina, shared how the scholarship changed their lives “Seeing th other Latina women have come before me, have families and they’re pushing forward;
campus NEWS
CHANCELLOR’S DONOR APPRECIATION LUNCH
The Chancellor’s annual Donor Appreciation Lunch was held Tuesday, January 28th at LSC-System Office in the Woodlands. Two essay winners were selected from each LSC campus. Congratulations to the LSC-Kingwood winners: Angela Cabrera and Jacob Avalos. They will each have $1,000 to put toward their education. During the luncheon, Chancellor Mario Castillo shared a message of hope and encouragement. Many of the essay winners also shared their unique and inspiring stories of how Lone Star College has changed their lives. Congrats to all the winners and best of luck on your educational or workforce journeys!
CLUB RUSH
What a rush! Club Rush, that is! Representatives and leaders of campus clubs and student organizations set up in the SCC Atrium on January 29th and 30th to showcase all the options students have to get involved. With 40 clubs and student organizations to choose from, there's something for everyone whether you're looking to socialize, learn new skills, or explore educational and career-focused opportunities. You’ll find more pics from Club Rush here.
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
TRIO SIGNING DAY
Congratulations to 5 Lone Star College-Kingwood students who went through the TRIO SSS program and have now formally committed to continue their academic or career pathways at a four-year university or by joining the workforce. Their Signing Day was held December 5th. The event included a ceremonial signing, speeches from TRIO SSS staff, and recognition of students’ future goals. Find more pictures from the event here.
HONORS COLLEGE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
The Honors College hosted its Honors Undergraduate Research Day on December 6th Thirty-four students presented their work. The Honors Faculty selected five students whose work they found to be exceptional, to present their work separately in a plenary session. You can watch the plenary session here Find more pictures here
campus NEWS
DON’T CRAM - EXAM JAM!
Exam Jam at the end of the semester offered a chance for students to meet with faculty and tutors to get help ahead of finals Just another way we support our students at LSC-Kingwood You can find more pictures from the event here.
PROCESS TECH EXAM JAM
LSC-Process Technology Center also hosted an Exam Jam event to support their Process Tech and Instrumentation students. On December ninth and tenth, they were able to stop by for snacks before or after their exams. Thanks to the staff at Process Tech for providing such a welcoming and positive learning environment
CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT/CLINICAL NURSING ASSISTANT
PINNING CEREMONY
Congrats to all the graduates who completed the Clinical Medical Assistant and Clinical Nursing Assistant programs at the East Aldine Center. Pinning ceremonies were held December 9th. You can find more pictures from the event here.
LAW ENFORCEMENT ACADEMY GRADUATION
On Wednesday, December 11th, the 2024 Law Enforcement Academy class stood before their loved ones and pledged to protect and serve their communities The class of 33 graduates (21 men and 12 women) is the largest cohort since the LEA program restarted in 2022. Around 375 people attended the graduation, which took place on the LSC-Kingwood campus. These cadets faced a unique challenge - Hurricane Beryl’s destruction caused two weeks of lost class time. The cadets didn’t let that challenge stop them; they attended makeup classes on weekends for a month to catch up and ensure they could graduate on time.
A few cadets received special awards:
Top Academic Achievement: Alexander Lozano
Top Driver: Antonio Duenez
Top Gun: Joseph Espinosa
Most of the graduates have already secured employment. In fact, some of the new employers conducted the ceremonial badge pinning ceremonies for the graduates. More pictures here.
RESPIRATORY CARE PINNINGS
A Respiratory Care Pinning ceremony was held December 10th to celebrate 21 graduates of the program. Also recognized were those with outstanding academic and clinical performance, as well as recipients of the National Board of Respiratory Care scholarship, Kingwood Women’s Club, and PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) International scholarships All graduates were recipients of the Post-Graduation Fees Scholarship awarded by LSC Foundation. More pictures here.
campus NEWS
NURSING PINNINGS
The nursing program at LSC-Kingwood celebrated 60 graduates. Their pinning ceremony occurred December 12th This particular cohort had a 93 3% completion rate The national average is less than 80%, which is a testament to the incredible nursing program faculty and staff. Congratulations to the graduates and their instructors on this accomplishment!
More pictures from the pinnings here
CONTINUING EDUCATION FALL 2024 ACHIEVEMENT CEREMONY
An Achievement Ceremony was held on December 12th at the SCC to recognize Continuing Education students who successfully completed workforce certificates or earned their GEDs The event was attended by 48 students, supported by a room full of family and friends. Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, President of Lone Star College-Kingwood, offered a warm welcome to the students and their guests. Mike Sullivan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, extended his congratulations as the students received their certificates. Dean Reyna Tippetts of the East Aldine Center delivered an inspiring keynote address, sharing her personal educational success story. For additional photos from the ceremony, please click here
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & DECORATION SOCIAL
All was merry and bright at the annual Tree Lighting and Decoration Social, sponsored by the Office of College Relations The event took place in the SCC on December 4th Per tradition, Campus President Dr Melissa Gonzalez lit up the tree Students and staff enjoyed hot cocoa, coffee, and cookies They also had the chance to get creative with a variety of holiday ornaments and other crafts. More pictures here.
CAT CENTER HOLIDAY BINGO
The Student Conference Center was turned into a winter wonderland for the Career and Transfer Center Holiday Bingo Event. The CAT Center provided food, prizes for Bingo winners - and Santa even stopped by to spread some holiday cheer.
Check out more pictures from the Holiday Bingo here.
FINANCIAL AID HOLIDAY BINGO
Financial Aid facts are a lot more fun when you ’ re learning them while playing Bingo! Thanks to Mi, Familia, Mi Futuro for providing such an educational and entertaining event for students, staff, and community members. More pictures here.
KARAOKE HOLIDAY PARTY
PHI THETA KAPPA COOKIE DECORATING
On December 5th, Phi Theta Kappa hosted a cookie decorating party Faculty, staff, and students got to test out their cookie decorating skills while connecting with friends. To see more pictures from the event, click here.
The Mi Familia, Mi Futuro Karaoke holiday party hit all the right notes. Faculty, staff, and students came ready to sing loud and proud. To see more pictures, click here.
campus NEWS
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
HOLIDAY ATTIRE AROUND CAMPUS
We’re not afraid to show our holiday spirit around here! LSC-Kingwood faculty and staff showed up to show off their holiday attire around campus.
CERAMICS SALE SUPPORTS STUDENTS
The 2024 Fall Ceramics Sale was a big success! Students sold around 125 pieces for a grand total of $1,300. Even LSC-Kingwood Board of Trustees Chair Mike Sullivan stopped by to purchase some one-of-a-kind pottery! The students appreciate all the support! More pictures here
STRINGS ENSEMBLE CONCERT
A lovely performance from the LSC-Kingwood Strings Ensemble They played before a full house December 4th in the Music Hall on campus. More pictures here.
PROCESS TECH CENTER HONORS MLK JR. DAY
Students and staff came together to honor Dr Martin Luther King Jr ’ s legacy at LSC-Process Tech On January 16th, they gathered for a day of reflection, learning, and unity. Students participated in games, tested their knowledge about MLK Jr., and enjoyed complimentary snacks. Some students even won prizes such as ear buds, T-shirts, caps, and more. It was truly a remarkable opportunity to reflect on and share the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on our world.
SPOTLIGHT ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month Guest speaker Dr Nissi Hamilton visited LSC-Kingwood on January 28th to share her inspiring story as a survivor, advocate, activist and global leader The event was sponsored by the Women’s Center, The Men’s Center, and the Center for Civic Engagement. More pictures here.
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 2024 FELLOWS CEREMONY
LSC-Kingwood is committed to ensuring our faculty and staff continue to grow as leaders and that committment is evidenced with the Leadership Academy Program
The latest class of leaders graduated during a ceremony on December 6th at Lone Star College System Office. The staff members were tasked with creating projects and then presenting them during the graduation.
This year ’ s class included:
Regan Houang, Director, Campus Services
Greg Brown, User Services Manager (OTS)
Guadalupe Juarez, Advisor II, TRIO
Nicole Townsend, Nursing Professor
Christina Leone, Math Professor
Grant McFarland, Manger, Assessment Center
McFarland said his final project looked at creating a D2L training module for all scribes and notetakers across the LSC System to create a universal baseline and standard of training to better assist students in need of these accommodations.
“The program was both demanding and enriching with a strong emphasis on networking, managing professional relationships vis a vis peers, colleagues, and direct reports,” McFarland said.
Greg Brown said he developed many new skills during his time in the Academy
“The people were very positive, and I met so many great people It was always fun to visit each LSC campus and see the exciting programs LSC has to offer. The Academy provided many new ideas and concepts for me to bring to my team to help us grow ”
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
MATH AND FIRE SCIENCE JOIN FORCES TO SUPPORT STUDENT
SUCCESS
LSC-Kingwood is revamping a math course to integrate fire science, tailoring the content for emergency responders.
The MATH 1332 (Mathematics for Liberal Arts) class will incorporate specific math topics related to fire science in order to meet the unique needs of those in the fire science program.
Mathematics Professor Dr. Stephanie Andrews and Fire Science Chief David Teverbaugh worked together to create a pilot program to provide a proactive and intentional course that focuses on math first responders use in their field.
“My Dad has been a volunteer fireman for 52 years and is still active in the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, which makes it especially disheartening and personal when I have fire science students who do not pass or complete my Math 1332 classes,” Dr. Andrews shared.
In spring of 2025, the MATH 1332 course will incorporate weekly virtual meetings with the fire science students to build community, discuss course content, and work on difficult concepts. In Fall 2025, content will be built in from various fire science textbooks.
“Firefighters use math to calculate the amount of water that is required to extinguish a certain structure,” explained Chief Teverbaugh “They also need math to calculate volume, square footage, and height In addition, math is used to calculate drug dosage and drip rates in paramedicine. The key is to show the student the need for understanding mathematical principles to do their job correctly.”
Dr. Andrews’ MATH 1332 course also won the inaugural Lone Star College Poster Walk Competition, where faculty members submit their ideas to their peers and then vote on the project they feel has the biggest impact. Dr. Anthony Carreras, Ph.D., Dean of Instruction, praised Dr. Andrews for her innovation.
“Dr Andrews’ dedication to aligning math instruction with real-world needs is a testament to her commitment to student success. Her innovative approach to tailoring MATH 1332 for emergency responders ensures that students not only understand the math they need but also see its direct relevance to their careers. ” You can read the full story here.
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
PSSA CAMPING WORKSHOP
Survival skills and camping were the themes of a Professional Staff Support Association workshop on December 5th. Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Outdoor Family organization partnered with the PSSA for a unique presentation on topics such as how to cook outside, how to build a campfire, and how to set up a tent. We appreciate the PSSA always providing such amazing learning opportunities for our staff. You can find more pictures here.
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: INTERSECTION OF AI AND INCLUSIVITY
Educator and speaker Dr. Tyler Tarver led a lecture on “The Intersection of AI and Inclusivity” on January 6th. He gave pointers on AI and how to utitlize it in the classroom in a positive way and offered solutions to challenges presented by AI and today’s technology. What an informative and engaging professional development event! You can see more pictures here
FACULTY ESCAPE ROOM
On January 9th, the Professional Development Team at LSC-Kingwood provided a unique teambuilding experience for Faculty: An Instructional Escape Room Experience This Mission featured Disruptors who attempted to prevent the semester from getting started They planted disruptions throughout the campus and fellow faculty had to solve the Mission to ensure a successful semester for everyone. Thanks for kicking off the semester with such a positive and interactive event! More pictures can be found here
STAFF & fACULTY NEWS
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
PROFESSOR DANIEL COLEMAN TRIBUTE
On January 7th, a remembrance ceremony was held on the LSC-Kingwood campus to honor former Lone Star College-Kingwood Professor Daniel Coleman. Coleman was a Professor of Philosophy and Religion at LSC-Kingwood for 30 years. He passed away on July 3rd, 2024
Professor Coleman was known for his gentle demeanor and his creativity in the classroom.
Faculty and staff came together to pay tribute to his lasting legacy at the college, and to share memories with his wife, Mitzi.
Professor Coleman will be fondly remembered and forever missed.
community & culture
WORKFORCE FORUM
LSC-Kingwood Workforce Success Director Pat Chandler had an opportunity to attend a workforce forum at Insperity on January 13th. Representatives from eleven other non-profit organizations attended including Career Spring, Career Gear, Inspire ND, Dress for Success, Star of Hope, Covenant House, Family Promise, Work Faith, Genesys Works, Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and Oaks of Righteousness.
Pictured: Pat Chandler, Director of Workforce Success and Corinn Price, Executive Director, Corporate Citizenship at Insperity.
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS: BUILDING COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Representatives from Workforce Solutions stopped by the LSC-Kingwood campus January 24th. They met with campus leaders to discuss ways to support students on campus. We are always looking for new and innovative ways to ensure student success.
Pictured: Joel Jackson, Dr. Sherry Wells, Nicole Barriga, Unique Loftis, Gerardo Villalobos, Dr Melissa Gonzalez, and Kimberly Sweppenhiser.
ATASCOCITA
We want to thank all the New Caney ISD counselors for stopping by the Atascocita Center and East Aldine Center. We were excited to showcaase the wonderful programs both centers offer.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
ESOL GRADUATION
A graduation ceremony was held for students who completed the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program at LSC-Kingwood on December 12th Seven students received certificates and several students also received special awards. There were also musical performances by Kingwood music students and a student speaker. You can see more pictures from the graduation here.
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
LONESTAR EDU/KINGWOOD | @LSC KINGWOOD | 281-312-1600
ALL OPEN HOUSE
It was another packed open house to showcase the Academy for Life Long Learning (ALL) program. Community members were able to learn first hand about all of the amazing opportunities the ALL program offers for adults 55 and older Around one hundred people attended the open house For more pictures, click here
COMMUNITY & CULTURE
TOYS FOR TOTS DONATIONS
The Toys for Tots Toy Drive was a huge succes! Student Life sponsored the drive More than 300 toys were donated The toys were dropped off with The Salvation Army. Thanks to all who made this toy drive a success!
ATASCOCITA CENTER CANNED FOOD
DRIVE
LSC-Atascocita Center and iSchool Atascocita representatives recently visited a local HAAM pantry to donate 800 canned goods they collected from the campus canned food drive. Thank you to all who donated!
CAT CENTER SHOE TREE DRIVE
LSC-Kingwood Coyotes sure have big hearts. More than 20 pairs of shoes were donated to help those in need Thanks to the CAT Center for sponsoring this shoe drive
