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DATE: February 18,
2013
TO: Planning Commission and City Council
FROM: Stephen C. Richardson, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Consider a request for renaming that portion of University
Drive, between E. Cardinal Drive and Lavaca Street, to Jimmy
Simmons Boulevard
FILE: 829-OB
STAFF REPORT
The Planning Manager recommends approval.
The City of Beaumont has made a request to rename that portion of
University Drive, between E. Cardinal Drive and Lavaca Street, to
Jimmy Simmons Boulevard. The purpose of this renaming is to
honor the accomplishments of Dr. Simmons during his tenure as
president of Lamar University. Dr. Jimmy Simmons, after serving
over thirteen years as Lamar University president, will resign his
position.
During Dr. Simmons presidency, Lamar has seen tremendous growth.
From the 1999 spring semester when he was first selected as
president to the fall semester of 2012, the school has seen an increase
in student enrollment from 7,810 to 14,675.
During his tenure as president, Simmons implemented a master plan
to enhance the campus through landscaping and buildings, most
notably the five Cardinal Village residence halls, the new dining hall
and the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center. Renovations
and expansions of several major academic buildings have been
completed, are under way or are in planning. Lamar has also
enhanced its athletic facilities with shining examples being the Provost
Umphrey Stadium and the Dauphin Athletic Complex. Vincent-Beck
Stadium and McDonald Gym have also seen major upgrades and the
LU Soccer Complex opened in 2009.
Under Simmons, Lamar University began the public phase of its first
comprehensive campaign to raise money for endowments for four
named academic departments, gifts to support revival of the
Cardinal=s football tradition, establishment of a major student
fellowship program and scholarship and faculty enhancement funds.
While Simmons has been president, Lamar has made significant strides
in academics, with the addition of new master=s and doctoral
programs.
Recognizing that online programs are vital to the university=s future,
Simmons has continually sought growth in that area. Today, more
than thirty percent of Lamar=s credit hours are generated through
online courses. The school is the first in Texas to have an entirely
online doctoral program.
By working closely with area chambers of commerce, local government
and business and industry leaders, Simmons helped make Lamar a
much stronger catalyst for economic growth in the region. Simmons
is also a leader in community service, having garnered dozens of
awards and accolades.
Dr. Simmons is known as an administrator with a strong sense of
direction and a keen ability to attract and cultivate talented faculty.
His innovative approaches to the pursuit of academic excellence and his
winning rapport with students, faculty, staff and the community are
defining qualities.
After spending some time with family, Simmons plans to return to
the faculty of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION
Notices mailed to property owners 53 .
Responses in Favor . Responses in Opposition
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LEGAL DESCRIPTION FOR ORDINANCE PURPOSES
Being that portion of University Drive, beginning at the south
right-of-way line of E. Lavaca Street and running in a southerly
direction for a distance of approximately 5,243 linear feet to the
north right-of-way line of E. Cardinal Drive, being 10.83 acres, more
or less.
PROPERTY OWNERS
BEAUREGARD GROUP II LTD MOTIEE EBRAHIM
BORDEMAN CHARLOTTE ANN ROEDAHL NAI
CHURCH OF JESUS #517-1245 VICKERS MARY
HELEN
CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST WIGGINS CAROLYN VAN
CLIFTON CHARLES M SR EST
ENTERGY TEXAS INC
GIBBS CHARLES E
KIMBERLAIN RALPH & SHARON
LAMAR UNIVERSITY