Lone Star College alum reflects as system celebrates 50th anniversary

HOUSTON (Oct. 24, 2022) – Lone Star College is celebrating 50 years of providing quality, affordable and competitive educational opportunities to families in the greater north Houston area.

“The story of Lone Star College is one of leaders in the community who possessed extraordinary vision and dedication that live to this day,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. “Over the past 50 years, the college has witnessed remarkable growth in enrollment and student success.”

LSC’s commitment to student success are one of the many principles that inspired Aldine ISD Police Chief Paul Cordova to pursue a college education. Cordova attended LSC-North Harris and graduated in 2002 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He also earned transfer credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

“I attended Lone Star College because it was close, convenient and affordable,” said Cordova. “As a student, I found the professors knowledgeable and very supportive of students who worked full time like me. I also enjoyed interacting with other students, using available services and receiving a great education.”

Cordova continued his academic journey at Sam Houston State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a master’s degree in Leadership and Management in Criminal Justice. He is also certified as a master peace officer, master jailer, crime prevention specialist and police instructor. Cordova credits his higher education achievement to his time at LSC.

“Earning my associate degree gave me the confidence I needed to pursue a bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” said Cordova. “I encourage anyone to strongly consider attending Lone Star College because they will receive high-quality instruction, which is transferable to a four year university.”

Cordova has worked in law enforcement for 40 years. He spent 32 years with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in various roles and retired in 2014 as the senior captain assigned to the Homeland Security Bureau. Cordova also served as police captain at Rice University and police chief at Houston ISD. He is now the chief of police at Aldine ISD.

Alumni stories of receiving quality and affordable education are a driving force of the Lone Star County Foundation. Established in 1991, the Foundation encourages graduates to share their stories in hopes of inspiring the next generation.

“Alumni experiences are extremely beneficial to LSC and LSC Foundation. It not only adds support for current students from those who have been in their shoes, but it is also a vote of confidence in our work,” said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, LSC Foundation Executive Director.

LSC Foundation aims to change lives through student scholarships and quality educational programs achieved by excellence in relationship building, fundraising and investment management. Alums aid in that mission.

“Graduates like Cordova have a major impact on Lone Star College when they share their positive experiences with the community and find ways to reach out to their former campus or program to assist current students,” said Robinson Gauthier. “If alums would like to further their support, we encourage them to fund an endowed scholarship through the Foundation.”

Learn more about how you can support LSC Foundation by visiting LoneStar.edu/Giving.

During the past 50 years, Lone Star College has opened eight campuses, two university centers and 13 satellite centers that serve 11 school districts. Additionally, the college system has helped more than 2 million students earn nearly 29 million credit hours since its inception. Visit LoneStar.edu/50Years to learn more about Lone Star College’s remarkable story.

Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.