LSCPA team honored for creative approach to student career pathways
September 19, 2025
Sha Nelle Lawson-Reed, Assistant Dean of Educational Programs, left, and Dr. Pamela Millsap, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Lamar State College Port Arthur, right, join a shark mascot during the Texas State University System academy’s “Shark Tank”-style competition, where LSCPA was honored for the Most Creative Use of Labor Market Information.
Lamar State College Port Arthur earned the “Most Creative Use of Labor Market Information” award during a recent academy hosted by the Texas State University System in partnership with WestEd’s Center for Economic Mobility and the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH).
Dr. Pamela Millsap, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Sha Nelle Lawson-Reed, Assistant Dean of Educational Programs, represented LSCPA at the event. The Texas State University System brought in WestEd to provide specialized training designed to help colleges align their academic offerings with workforce demands and strengthen students’ economic mobility.
The LSCPA team distinguished itself during the academy’s Shark Tank-style presentations by presenting strategies to help students select the right major the first time, reducing time and cost while maximizing long-term career opportunities. Their innovative approach drew recognition from peers across the system.
“We want students to understand not just their first job after graduation, but also the kinds of opportunities they can pursue five or even ten years down the road,” Dr. Millsap said. “This initiative allows us to provide that clarity and to continually ensure our programs are responsive to workforce needs.”
The sessions brought together representatives from both two-year and four-year institutions within TSUS. Participants examined labor market data, identified untapped student markets, and explored strategies for integrating workforce information into program design.
“This recognition underscores LSCPA’s focus on student success and workforce readiness,” Lawson-Reed said. “By using labor market data more effectively, we can ensure that every program leads to meaningful opportunities for our students and our community.”
The TSUS-led initiative is part of a multi-state effort by WestEd and NASH to provide professional development and one-on-one coaching to higher education systems across the country. Texas is among six states currently participating in the project.