°®Éñ´«Ã½

°®Éñ´«Ã½ had a strong showing at the 2025-26 recipients of the , highlighting the university’s longstanding role in preparing educators and school leaders across Southeast Texas. 

Of the 15 educators selected for this year’s honor, 12 earned degrees from °®Éñ´«Ã½. The award recognizes outstanding classroom teachers and educational leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership and impact on students.

Each recipient received a $10,000 cash prize, a portrait and a custom crystal obelisk. Honorees are celebrated annually at an awards banquet held at °®Éñ´«Ã½’s Setzer Student Center.

The °®Éñ´«Ã½ graduates recognized this year represent schools throughout Southeast Texas:

• Denise Hudson, Helena Park Elementary School, earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies in 2006.
• Brandi Clark, Bridge City Intermediate School, earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies in 1999.
• Margaret Swope, China Elementary School, earned a Master of Education in educational leadership in 2003.
• Debbie Jordan, Buna Elementary School, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in general business in 2005 and a Master of Education in administration in 2013.
• Joanna Lane, Central Middle School, earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 1998.
• Patricia Broussard, Orangefield Junior High School, earned a Bachelor of general studies in 2006.
• Kaila Foster, Kountze Middle School, earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2013.
• Patricia Hackman, Kirbyville Junior High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies in 2004.
• Chris Moore, Bridge City High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology in 2002.
• Yolanda Avery, Woodrow Wilson Early College High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in dance in 1986 and a Master of Education in counseling and development in 1991.
• Michael Majors, Vidor High School, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management in 1997.
• Stephanie Rucker, Kountze High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in communication in 2004.

The educators serve students in elementary, middle and high schools across the region, reflecting the broad reach of °®Éñ´«Ã½ graduates in Southeast Texas classrooms.

The Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award honors educators who inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities while demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence and student success. Since its creation, the program has recognized hundreds of teachers whose work has made a lasting difference in their schools and communities.

The representation of alumni among this year’s recipients underscores that °®Éñ´«Ã½ produces highly effective educators who serve schools across Southeast Texas.

To learn more about academic programs at °®Éñ´«Ã½, visit lamar.edu/academics.