Staff
Dr. Betty Reynard
A lifelong educator, Dr. Betty Reynard joined Lamar State College-Port Arthur as President on September 1, 2014. Dr. Reynard earned an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene, a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. She earned her doctorate in higher education administration from the
University of Houston.
Dr. Reynard began her career in 1979 as a faculty member at Lamar Institute of Technology and eventually worked he way to Vice President for Academic Affairs at that institution. Throughout her career she has served as a volunteer in a number of professional, community, and educational organizations.
Dr. Mark Porterie
Dr. Porterie is an experienced educator with over 26 years of success in promoting student achievement through identifying, analyzing and implementing programs/procedures. Since being named superintendent, he has overseen the passage of a $195 million bond which resulted in the building of several new schools and the renovation of other campuses, as well as the
passage of a tax ratification election. He oversaw the realignment of Booker T. Washington Elementary School into a K-2nd grade campus and DeQueen Elementary School into a 3rd – 5th grade campus with the designed purpose of improving the reading skills of PAISD students.
Under his leadership all schools in PAISD met standard in the 2016-2017 school year. During the 2017-2018 school year he have worked with students, parents, and community leaders to create a five-year plan for the district. A notable honor is being selected as 2018 Region 5 Superintendent of the Year and one of five finalists for Superintendent of the Year for the state of Texas.
Dr. Melvin Getwood
Dr. Melvin Getwood is a native of Port Arthur, Texas and a graduate of the now defunct Port Arthur Abraham Lincoln High School. Dr. Getwood earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and History from the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas State University) in Denton, Texas. He earned the Master of Education in Administration from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. Dr. Getwood earned the Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. Dr. Getwood is certified as a teacher, principal, and as a superintendent.
Miss LaSonya Baptiste
Miss LaSonya Baptiste is a transformational leader who believes in cultivating and promoting a culture and climate of high expectations, academic excellence and student support.
She has served as an elementary and secondary instructor, counselor, and assistant principal and TEA recognized principal during her tenure. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Therapy and two Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership and Counseling.
Mrs. Hilda Billups – Director of Dual Credit Programs
Hilda M. Billups is passionate about dual credit opportunities for students. Since 2012, she has worked with dual credit student as an instructor, career coach, career coach coordinator, and director. Prior to moving to Texas, she served as the Director of Recruitment and K-12 Coaching at Reynolds Community College in Virginia. Under her leadership, eight career coaches served over 600 dual credit students annually.
Billups earned both of her undergraduate degrees (Psychology and Religion) from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. She earned a Master of Science in Higher Education from Purdue University Global.
Billups has been an active member of the National Alliance for Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). She regularly presents at the annual national conference. In 2015, she was awarded a research grant from NACEP to investigate how dual credit students transfer the credits earned.
#WECHS Winning Excellence, Creating Higher Standards