Gator Bites

Halloween fun, creative costumes and a whole lot of Gator spirit! 🎃 In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Staff Senate members Crystal Compton, Cindy Wyles, and Jessica Jaeger to talk all things Octoberfest. From favorite costume contest memories to the event’s growth over the past 21 years, they share what makes this community tradition so special. Hear how Lamar State C...

After 23 years at LSCO, Suzanne Baker is stepping into a new role and a new chapter in her career. In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Suzanne to talk about her journey from nursing student and practicing nurse to faculty member, simulation instructor and now LSCO’s new Registered Nursing Program Director. Suzanne reflects on how LSCO and the nursing program have changed...

What happens when you stop being just a student and start becoming part of the campus community? In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester talks with Chloe Abshire, LSCO’s Student Government Association president and a current student ambassador. Chloe shares her unique journey from being homeschooled and starting at LSCO as a 16-year-old dual credit student to becoming an involved student l...

What does it take to help a student find their place at LSCO? In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Bayleigh Smith, LSCO’s new Director of Admissions and Recruiting, to get to know the person behind the role. Bayleigh shares her journey through higher education, what brought her to LSCO, and why creating a welcoming and supportive experience for students is so important to...

What’s it really like to be the person behind Tilly the Gator? In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with LSCO student Isaiah Dumas to talk about how he found his place on campus, got involved with Student Government Association, and eventually stepped into the Tilly costume. Isaiah shares what brought him to LSCO, how getting involved helped him find a community, his experienc...

What if the support you need to keep moving forward is already on campus? In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Erin Tarver to talk about LSCO’s Gator Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. From food assistance and professional clothing to work boots and interview-ready outfits, these resources are here to help students meet everyday needs and take their next step toward their g...

In this special graduation edition of Gator Bites, LSCO graduates Zoey Royer, HeavenLeigh Hughes, Lucia Liu, and Reid Burman reflect on the experiences that shaped their college journey and prepared them for what comes next. From balancing jobs, leadership roles and demanding coursework to finding friendship, confidence and community, these students share honest conversations about growth, perseve...

In this episode of Gator Bites, we’re diving into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students, and a powerful force for student success at Lamar State College Orange. Host Daniel McLemore sits down with PTK faculty advisors Jessica Williams and Byron Lumpkin to explore how the Alpha Nu Gamma chapter is helping students grow beyond the classroom. From leadership d...

In this episode of Gator Bites, we’re spotlighting the FAME internship program and how it’s redefining what it means to be career-ready. Recorded during National Apprenticeship Week, this conversation explores how students can earn a degree while gaining real-world experience through direct partnerships with industry. Host Daniel McLemore is joined by Sean McFarland, Dereck Cloeren, and FAME stude...

In this episode of Gator Bites , we celebrate ahead of National Apprenticeship Week with a deep dive into the Dow Apprenticeship Program and its impact on students and the Southeast Texas workforce. Host Daniel McLemore is joined by Dow representatives Larry Spears and Milton Briggs, along with LSCO student Gabriel Torres, to discuss how apprenticeships allow students to earn while they learn, gai...

In this special episode of Gator Bites , hosts Zoey Royer and Reid Burman take the podcast on the move at Gatorama, one of Lamar State College Orange’s most exciting campus events. From student organizations and ambassadors to community partners like DuGood Credit Union, this episode captures real conversations happening across campus. Hear firsthand what students love about being a Gator, why get...

In this episode of Gator Bites , we explore the Operator Academy at Lamar State College Orange, a fast-paced, hands-on training program designed to prepare students for careers in the petrochemical and industrial workforce. Host Daniel McLemore sits down with instructor Tony Bramlett and recent graduate Caeden Arceneaux to discuss how the 16-week academy works, the importance of safety and technic...

In this episode of Gator Bites , Daniel McLemore sits down with Martha Morian, Crystal Meyers, and Ava Rambo to explore the world of real estate from three unique perspectives: education, industry, and a brand-new professional entering the field. Together, they discuss LSCO’s Real Estate program, what it takes to earn a license, the discipline and business skills needed to succeed, and why real es...

In this episode of Gator Bites , we take a closer look at the Criminal Justice program at Lamar State College Orange. Host Daniel McLemore sits down with Program Director Hallie Gates, law enforcement officer and faculty member Antonio Mitchell, and President Emeritus Dr. Tom Johnson to discuss the many career paths within criminal justice. From forensic science and law enforcement to courtroom pr...

In this special episode of Gator Bites , we take the podcast on the road to the LSCO Career Expo inside the Shahan Events Center. Host Daniel McLemore walks the expo floor and speaks directly with employers from across Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana to learn about career opportunities, workforce needs, and the qualities companies look for when hiring graduates. From healthcare and emergen...

In this inspiring episode of Gator Bites , we spotlight LSCO’s Education program and the Teachers of Tomorrow student organization. Host Daniel McLemore sits down with education majors Carolina Dela Cruz and Olivia Hudnall, along with Program Director Dr. Skyler Slaughter Murphy, to explore what it truly means to pursue a calling to teach. From field experiences in local classrooms to service proj...

What happens after LSCO? In this episode of Gator Bites , Daniel McLemore sits down with Kendra De La Fuente and Karina Salgado Estrada to talk about LSCO’s upcoming Transfer Fair - an event designed to connect students directly with four-year universities ready to welcome Gators into bachelor’s programs. From understanding core completion and seamless transfer agreements to exploring scholarships...

Looking for a fast, hands-on pathway into healthcare? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore talks with Program Director Stacy DeMontmollin and instructor Amber Cormier about LSCO’s Dental Assisting program. From real-world clinical rotations and modern dental technology to high-demand career opportunities, this program prepares students to enter the workforce in just 10 months. Fea...

Court reporting is more than what you see in movies; it’s a high-skill, high-demand career with flexibility, strong earning potential, and real impact. In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore talks with Christy Smith, Program Director of Court Reporting at Lamar State College Orange, along with instructor Baylee Richards and student Shelby Sweeney. Recorded during National Court Repo...

What if education worked around your life and not the other way around? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore sits down with LSCO’s Workforce and Continuing Education team, Kristin Walker, Michelle Hammerly, and D’Wayne Shaw, to unpack how workforce programs create fast, flexible pathways into new careers. From short-term credentials and employer partnerships to upskilling, reskill...

What happens when industry demand meets hands-on education? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore sits down with Sean McFarland, Howard Bailey, and Alex Spell to explore LSCO’s new Machine Shop program launching this spring. From the nationwide shortage of skilled machinists to six-figure career pathways and stackable credentials, this conversation dives into why manual machining i...

How can education strengthen public service? In this special episode of Gator Bites , President Wendy Elmore sits down with Chris Ellison, Director of Program Development and Training for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, to discuss an innovative partnership transforming the TJJD workforce. Together, they explore how LSCO is helping new hires and long-time employees earn college credit, pursu...

How do you balance classes, parenting, and everything in between? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore talks with Jessica Moore, LSCO’s Student Government Association Vice President and founder of a potential new student parent organization. Jessica shares her story of perseverance, community, and the challenges of raising a child while pursuing her degree — and how she’s helping...

What happens when education meets community? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore sits down with Polk County Center instructors Heidi Kelly, Vic Wheeler, and Jessica Fant to discuss the impact of bringing higher education closer to home. From nursing and history to business and Spanish, these passionate educators share how access, community, and opportunity are shaping the lives o...

What does it mean to find your voice in college? In this episode of Gator Bites , host Daniel McLemore sits down with SGA President Joshua Taylor and senators Reid Burman and HeavenLeigh Hughes to talk about leadership, campus involvement, and community at LSCO. From funny behind-the-scenes stories to real lessons on confidence and connection, this episode dives into how student leaders are shapin...