Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) proudly announces the addition of Marcela Pérez Barros, an accomplished five-time Emmy Award-winning bilingual journalist, to its esteemed faculty. Pérez Barros will be teaching public speaking, beginning with the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 sessions, while continuing her anchoring duties at Univision Houston, where she is the main anchor for the highly rated 5 and 10 p.m. newscasts.
"LSC-University Park is dedicated to providing its students with top-tier education and access to professionals who are leaders in their fields," said LSC-University Park Interim President, Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D. "The addition of Marcela Pérez Barros to our faculty is a testament to our ongoing efforts to enhance the educational experience and prepare our students for successful careers."
Pérez Barros brings over a decade of media experience to LSC-University Park. She has been recognized as the Best Female Anchor by the Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals and named one of The Most Influential Latinos in Houston by the WorldRemit annual list. Her career highlights include anchoring Univision’s Network Newscast during the last week of 2023, reaching a national audience, and covering pivotal events such as presidential elections, natural disasters, and community tragedies. Her role as a communication bridge for the Hispanic community, particularly through live translations during press conferences and breaking news, has solidified her position as a trusted voice in journalism.
"I am thrilled to embark on this journey and inspire the next generation of communicators,” said Pérez Barros. “Teaching at LSC-University Park allows me to give back to the community and share my passion for journalism and effective communication."
LSC-University Park Dean of Behavioral Sciences, Dave Gaer, expressed his excitement about the addition of Pérez Barros: "We are delighted to welcome Marcela to our faculty. As an industry-leading professional, her extensive experience and dedication to journalism will provide our students with invaluable insights and inspiration in our ever-changing world of communication."
Pérez Barros was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, where she earned her journalism degree from Universidad del Norte. Her multifaceted career also includes participation as a panelist in the 2023 Houston mayoral debate, further showcasing her versatility and leadership within the media landscape.
To learn more about speech classes offered at LSC-University Park, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/speech-dept-universitypark.htm
LSC-University Park offers more than 70 programs of study, including credit and non-credit courses, workforce training, and continuing education classes. Classes are available during the day, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by interim president Matthew Dempsey M.S., Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy.
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. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2023 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education 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.