Gator Bites

12:29

S2: E3 | More Than Admissions: Meet Bayleigh Smith

Gator Bites ·

2026/10/07

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 her. She also talks about her work with Student Government Association, upcoming campus events, ...

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9:58

S2: E2 | From Student to Tilly: Isaiah’s Gator Story

Gator Bites ·

2026/09/30

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 experience advocating for fellow students through SGA, and what it’s like connecting with the community as...

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10:53

S2: E1 | Here to Help: Inside LSCO’s Gator Food...

Gator Bites ·

2026/09/23

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 goals. Erin also shares how students and community members can volunteer, donate and access these ...

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21:48

S1: E29 | More Than a Degree: The LSCO Graduate...

Gator Bites ·

2026/05/11

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, perseverance and discovering new passions along the way. They discuss how LSCO helped them develop profe...

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16:52

S1: E28 | Beyond the Books: How PTK Builds Leaders

Gator Bites ·

2026/05/04

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 development and community service to scholarships and national recognition, PTK offers opportuniti...

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23:04

S1: E27 | Why FAME Works: Education, Experience, and...

Gator Bites ·

2026/04/27

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 student Mason Pruett to break down how the program works and why it’s becoming a game-changer for work...

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25:03

S1: E26 | Earn While You Learn: Inside the Dow...

Gator Bites ·

2026/04/20

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, gain real-world experience, and build lasting careers. From classroom concepts to hands-on applicatio...

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8:34

S1: E25 | Inside Gatorama: LSCO’s Biggest Campus Event

Gator Bites ·

2026/04/15

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 getting involved matters, and how events like Gatorama bring the LSCO community together. About Lamar...

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26:36

S1: E24 | 16 Weeks to a Career: Inside LSCO's...

Gator Bites ·

2026/03/31

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 technical training, and the role industry partnerships play in shaping workforce programs. From lab simul...

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39:49

S1: E24 | Real Estate, Real Skills, Real Opportunity

Gator Bites ·

2026/03/23

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 estate is about much more than just selling houses. From ethics and contracts to mentorship and mark...

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22:15

S1: E22 | Serve and Protect: Careers in Criminal Justice

Gator Bites ·

2026/03/16

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 procedures and investigative work, the conversation explores how LSCO is preparing students for care...

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20:58

S1: E21 | Inside an LSCO Career Expo

Gator Bites ·

2026/03/12

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 emergency services to banking, public health, and community organizations, this episode highlights the ma...

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18:19

S1: E20 | Called to the Classroom: Inside Teachers of...

Gator Bites ·

2026/03/02

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 projects like Special Olympics and Sabine Place, this conversation highlights the heart, resilience, a...

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14:24

S1: E19 | Your Next Step Starts Here: Transfer...

Gator Bites ·

2026/02/23

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 and reducing credit loss, this conversation breaks down how students can confidently take their n...

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13:59

S1: E18 | Ten Months to a New Career: Dental...

Gator Bites ·

2026/02/16

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. Featuring special guest Mayor Larry Spears Jr., the episode also highlights how programs like this ar...

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26:28

S1: E17 | Every Word Matters: Inside LSCO’s Court...

Gator Bites ·

2026/02/09

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 Reporting and Captioning Week, this conversation explores what court reporters really do, why there’s ...

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25:56

S1: E:16 | Meeting You Where You Are: Workforce...

Gator Bites ·

2026/02/02

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, reskilling, and lifelong learning, this conversation explores how LSCO is meeting students exactly where ...

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35:00

S1: E15 | Built to Last: Inside LSCO’s New Machine...

Gator Bites ·

2026/01/12

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 is making a comeback and how students can turn precision skills into lifelong careers right here in...

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8:59

Credit for Service: Empowering Texas’ Juvenile...

Gator Bites ·

2025/11/24

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, pursue certificates and associate degrees, and even move toward bachelor’s pathways all through trainin...

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14:27

S1: E13 | Balancing Books and Bedtime: The Journey of...

Gator Bites ·

2025/11/11

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 other parents find strength, support, and success along the way. About Lamar State College Orange:...

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