Lone Star College has named Dr. Melissa Gonzalez LSC vice chancellor of workforce and economic development. Gonzalez will lead workforce-credit and non-credit programs, continuing education, job placement, resource development/grants, and Lone Star Corporate College.
“Workforce education plays such a vital role in what Lone Star College does and I am pleased that Dr. Gonzalez will help us continue to develop and expand these very important programs,” said Stephen Head, LSC chancellor.
LSC is a well-recognized leader in workforce education, with a focus on aligning training programs with current and future employer needs to close the skills gap in the Houston region and throughout Texas. LSC also works closely with the Greater Houston Partnership’s UpSkill Houston project, a local workforce initiative to encourage job seekers to look at well-paying, in-demand fields. These jobs require more than a high school diploma, but less than a bachelor’s degree which can help people gain financial stability.
“I am excited about this incredible opportunity and look forward to continuing the mission of student success,” said Gonzalez. “Lone Star College has a proven track record of working with students and employers to make sure the talent pipeline continues to keep our economy strong.”
To help meet this demand, LSC is looking toward the future with plans to build new Advanced Technology Centers to train tomorrow’s workers in computer information technology, industrial/commercial construction, oil & gas drilling, and transportation. Renovations to current workforce education facilities are also being planned.
Gonzalez earned her BBA in finance, MBA and a Ph.D. in international business management from the University of Texas-Pan-American and was a tenured professor of management at the University of Houston-Clear Lake. Gonzalez joined LSC as dean of instruction of the LSC-North Harris Career and Applied Technology Division in January 2012 and has also served as interim vice president of LSC-Greenspoint and Victory Centers and special assistant to the president at LSC-North Harris.
Gonzalez holds leadership positions in various academic and professional associations and has received numerous honors and awards for her continuing commitment to educating and assisting the Hispanic community. She currently serves as a board member for Planned Parenthood of Gulf Coast Region, FIRST Robotics-Houston, Texas Women in Higher Education, the Houston Hispanic Forum, Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber, the Near Northwest Management District and is a Leadership Committee Member for Neighborhood Centers.
LSC workforce programs teach students the concentrated, workforce-specific skills they need to advance their career in Texas' growing industries. Whether training people entering the workforce, or seasoned workers who want to upgrade their skills or transition skills into a new industry, LSC offers a wide variety of programs. Click here to learn more.
Dr. Melissa Gonzalez is named Lone Star College vice chancellor of workforce and economic development.
Lone Star College has been opening doors to a better community for more than 40 years. Founded in 1973, LSC remains steadfast in its commitment to student success and credential completion. Today, with almost 83,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 95,000, Lone Star College is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the nation. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball and LSC-University Park, seven centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online.