LSC-University Park History
Opened in January 2010, Lone Star College-University Park is the sixth campus of the Lone Star College System (LSCS). LSC-University Park houses academic classrooms, science labs and offices, full-service conference facilities, and first-class commercial leasing opportunities. Located on 71 beautiful acres complete with sky bridges to connect buildings, this campus is truly the college of the 21st century. Its unique design inspires students daily by providing unlimited opportunities for new and innovative programs.
The vision of what would become LSC-University Park began April 30, 2009, when LSCS purchased five major office buildings and support facilities on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard’s world headquarters. The acquisition would provide the surrounding area with a much-needed affordable college facility and allow LSCS to establish a new university center. According to a May 20, 2009, Wall Street Journal article, “The deal was the second-largest U.S. office transaction so far this year, based on square footage, after Boston’s 1.8 million square-foot John Hancock tower…”
LSC University Park was renovated from a corporate to a college facility and opened its doors to students for its first semester in January 2010. Today, LSC-University Park enrolls close to 13,000 students, employs more than 100 full-time faculty members and over 400 adjunct professors, and is home to one of two University Centers in LSCS – all in one convenient location. Along with its partner universities, the college offers more than 60 career programs in a variety of subject areas. Programs include education, corrosion technology, computer information technology, geology, journalism, law enforcement, nursing, philosophy, physics, music, teacher certification, and much more. LSC-University Park provides numerous opportunities for students to earn college credits through traditional and alternate scheduling. Mini-mesters permit students to take a typical 16-week course in just three or four weeks. The weekend college allows students to earn credits and degrees, including an A.A. in Business or Teaching by taking weekend courses online, face-to-face or hybrid.
LSC-University Center at University Park also offers junior, senior and graduate-level classes through its university partnership with University of Houston-Downtown Northwest. Students can enroll with partner university on site, and are able to complete a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or teaching certificate) without traveling to the university campuses. The Lone Star College-University Center model provides LSC-University Park students with a seamless transition process from the two-year college to a four-year university. Joint admission programs, such as the 2+2 program, allow students to take their first two years of classes at Lone Star College-University Park and then the second two years of upper-level courses at one of the four partner universities, without having to reapply.
This learning space of the future includes partnerships unique to LSC-University Park. iSchoolHigh, a public, early college, charter high school adheres to the college’s mantra of providing diverse opportunities and challenges. At iSchool High, students can earn their high school diploma and up to two years of college credit. Lone Star Corporate College and Lone Star Conference Center are on site as well. The Corporate College partners with Houston-based, global corporations to identify and meet their workforce training needs. The Lone Star Conference Center boasts 19 meeting rooms, exhibition space and state-of-the-art technical support.
LSC-University Park’s first chief executive officer, Penny Westerfeld, was appointed in December 2009 by Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter. Westerfeld brought with her 30 years of administrative experience within the college system making her an asset for the startup of the new campus. In September 2012, Westerfeld passed the torch to Shah S. Ardalan, who was named the first president of LSC-University Park. Ardalan’s experience in educational and executive roles and proven academic track-record made him a perfect candidate to lead LSC-University Park into the 21st century.
Since its opening, LSC-University Park has received national recognition for its innovative programs while attracting, retaining and inspiring students from all over the world. LSC-University Park has kept its promise to the community to become a leading model of the “innovative college” for the 21st century by redefining complete and affordable access to quality education through partnerships, entrepreneurship and community enrichment.