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LUMBERTON — Lamar State College Orange unveiled its first satellite location in Lumberton with a Wednesday grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The newly renovated, 3,000 square feet site is located at 344 S. Main St. and houses two multi-purpose classrooms, a reception area, a conference area and office space for support staff.

LSCO has seen record growth with an impressive 11.73% enrollment increase from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022, making the college the second fastest growing institution out of the 53 two-year colleges in Texas.

Currently, LSCO is home to more than 550 students from Hardin County, accounting for nearly 20 percent of total enrollment.

“Lumberton and Hardin County have seen some incredible expansion over the past decade,” said Dr. Tom Johnson, President of Lamar State College Orange. “We believe that this building represents just the beginning of a growing relationship between LSCO and the Lumberton and Hardin County communities.”

LSCO’s dual credit partnership with Lumberton ISD is vibrant and expanding with more than 450 students enrolled in dual credit courses.

Students have the opportunity as early as their 10th grade year to earn college credit in programs like nursing, criminal justice, welding, business and more.

“Our dual credit partnership with Lumberton ISD gives students an amazing opportunity to earn college credit while still in high school in high-demand programs that are critical to the continued growth of Lumberton and Hardin County,” said Dr. Wendy Elmore, Provost and Executive Vice President of LSCO.

The building previously served as a medical clinic for Lumberton residents before it was purchased by LSCO in 2022.

Renovations began in January, and classes are slated to begin in Spring 2024.

“Our mission at LSCO is simply transforming lives and communities. This new facility is in the right place at the right time for students and the Lumberton community,” Johnson said.

For information on how to become a student at LSCO’s Lumberton site, visit lumberton.lsco.edu or contact lumberton@lsco.edu.