Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) student Madison Kellis is no stranger to hard work, persistence and dedication. The 19-year-old is a Team USA roller figure skater and will compete in the Artistic Roller Skate World Championships (ASWC) beginning Oct. 24.
Kellis’ family moved from Louisiana to Spring after Hurricane Katrina. She has been lacing up her skates and competing in the roller rink since she was nine.
"I spend about five hours a day or about 30 hours a week practicing at Champion Roller World," said Kellis. "Besides studies, it doesn't leave time for much else."
When not competing in the rink, Kellis applies the same commitment and mindset to her classes at LSC-University Park. Kellis is taking honors courses and pursuing an Associate of Science. In September, she was one of just 200 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society members nationwide named a 2022 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise scholarship recipient. Kellis is thankful for the scholarship and feels LSC-University Park is an excellent fit for her.
"Taking classes at the Lone Star University Park campus has allowed me to stay close to home while continuing to pursue both my academic goals and my passion for skating," said Kellis.
LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan believes in the future of all students and supports each student’s unique path to academic success.
"Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to our student's success inside and outside the classroom," said Dr. Ardalan. "Whether a student's passion is in sports, science, or the arts, we know the programs offered and the educational background they get at LSC-University Park will prepare them for the future."
Kellis and her partner, Raphael Amador, won bronze at the ASWC in Paraguay last year. The pair competes in the 2022 ASWC in Argentina, Oct. 24 – Nov. 1.
PTK is a premier honor society recognizing student academic achievement at associate degree-granting colleges. LSC-University Park's PTK chapter, Beta Upsilon Nu, is a multi-year recipient of the distinguished Five Star Chapter Award and the Texas Top Chapter Award and assists students with the scholarship application process.
To register for fall 8-week, winter mini-mester, or Spring 2023 classes at LSC-University Park, visit LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu. For details on LSC-University Park's PTK chapter, visit LoneStar.edu/UP-PTK.
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. Under its founding president, Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. The college's competent 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. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list 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.