Lone Star College-University Park was one of only 26 companies citywide and the only institution of higher education to be honored by the Houston Business Journal (HBJ) during its Fast 100 and Innovation Awards Luncheon at the Marriott Marquis Houston Thursday, Sept. 26.  

Dr. Shah Ardalan, current and founding president of LSC-University Park, accepted the “Innovation Award” for the college’s pioneering spirit in higher education. This is the first year HBJ has included Innovation Awards in their annual program that has historically celebrated Houston’s fastest-growing companies. HBJ noted LSC-University Park's invitation-to-innovate? (i2i) process in bestowing the award. 

"LSC-University Park is a college built on a vision rather than a place. The idea - i2i - is an open source innovation process in which education, industry and community converge,” Dr. Ardalan said. “i2i empowers students, employees and the community at large to address challenges with innovative approaches and solutions?. We are grateful that HBJ has recognized us alongside local businesses and organizations. We also want to congratulate our valued partner in education, Klein Independent School District, a recipient of this year’s award. Together, we make a positive impact on the prosperity and growth of our community."

To be considered for an “Innovation Award,” Houston-area companies must have been in business for a minimum of two years — as of the close of its most recent completed fiscal year — and could not be a franchise. Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations were considered, showcasing innovation across all facets of business.

In addition to this local accolade, LSC-University Park has been recognized at national and international levels. This summer, the college was honored by the International Centre for Innovation in Education (ICIE) and the League for Innovation in the Community College. ICIE lauded the college for its dedication, commitment, leadership, and outstanding contributions with its “2019 Award for Innovation in Higher Education.” The League presented LSC-University Park with the “Innovation of the Year Award” for the college’s GradUP initiative focused on student success.

Launched in 2018, GradUP is an impactful initiative that aims to increase the three-year student graduation rate by 300 percent in three years. Moving the needle on student success to this degree has never been openly attempted by any community college or university in the country before. The message to students is simple, but powerful: You commit. We commit. You graduate.

LSC-University Park will continue to demonstrate its leadership in innovation and value by providing and promoting a teaching and learning environment where ideas are nurtured, and forward thinking is elevated. Students can choose from over 70 programs leading to industry certifications, associate degrees and seamless transfer to universities. The college prides itself on being one location with many opportunities, including on-site partnerships with the YMCA Children's Academy, iSchool High and the University of Houston-Downtown.

For more information about classes and offerings at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/UP. To learn more about the college’s recent awards, visit LoneStar.edu/News/33337.