Inside TXST

TXST, Lamar State College Orange launch innovative Gateway admission program

a group of people at a signing ceremony
Leadership from TSUS, TXST, and Lamar State College Orange.

The Gateway Program is a one-year opportunity designed to help students build a strong foundation for success at TXST. 

August 11, 2025
Jayme Blaschke

Texas State University and Lamar State College Orange have announced Gateway, a co-enrollment partnership that allows participating students to simultaneously enroll in classes at TXST and LSCO. 

A unique feature of Gateway is that all classes from both institutions will be taught on the TXST San Marcos Campus starting fall 2025.

The Gateway Program is a one-year opportunity designed to help students build a strong foundation for success at TXST. It’s ideal for students who are academically qualified but may benefit from additional support as they transition into college life. These students will benefit from the university experience of attending class at TXST—including support services and sports events—while enjoying the smaller classroom environments and lower cost of LSCO. 

“As a first-generation college student who began my post-secondary journey at a community college, I understand the life-changing impact of opportunities like this,” said TXST President Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D. 

"For those who dream of earning a four-year degree but feel that goal may be out of their reach, this partnership opens the door. The Gateway Program offers a bridge that combines affordability, personalized support and the full TXST experience. I’m proud to partner with Lamar State College Orange—our sister TSUS institution—to empower more students to succeed and take that critical first step toward a bachelor’s degree.”

Kelly Damphousse, Ph.D.
President, Texas State University

Gateway students must remain enrolled at both institutions during each semester to remain eligible for the program. Participants must complete at least 28 credit hours (a minimum of 4-5 hours with TXST and typically 24 transferable hours with LSCO) during the program. During the fall semester, Gateway students will complete the University Seminar course with TXST and 12 transferable credits with LSCO. In the spring term, students will complete 3-4 hours with TXST and 12 transferable credits with LSC-Orange. 

“At Lamar State College Orange, we believe that higher education should be both accessible and transformative,” said Wendy Elmore, Ed.D., president of Lamar State College Orange. 

"The Gateway partnership with Texas State University reflects our shared commitment to opening doors for students, especially for those who may have thought a four-year degree was out of reach. This program offers a powerful blend of opportunity, support and academic excellence, and we are honored to help students begin their academic journey."

Wendy Elmore, Ed.D
President, Lamar State College Orange

Gateway students will live off campus. In their second year, students can take all their courses from TXST if they meet the program’s requirements. 

This partnership between Texas State University System (TSUS) members is designed to provide more students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degrees by combining the support from LSCO and TXST to enhance student success. TSUS is the only university system in Texas that includes university and community college institutions. This innovative partnership between LSCO and TXST supports student success and sets the stage for future collaborations that can broaden other pathways to a university degree.

For more information, visit the TXST and Lamar State College Orange Gateway Program website. 

For more information, contact:

TXST Office of Media Relations, 512-245-2180