Interim President Dr. John C. Hayek, Ph.D., has been appointed as the next president of Lamar State College Port Arthur, pending approval by the Texas State University System Board of Regents at its May meeting. In an April 30 press release, Hayek said he was “deeply honored” to be recommended to serve as president.
“Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of getting to know this college and the welcoming Southeast Texas community,” he said. “What stands out most is the dedication of our faculty and staff, the ambition of our students, and the warmth and resilience of the community, along with the strength of our partnerships with business and industry. I have also been struck by the passion for this college, the quality of its facilities and programs, and the tremendous opportunity ahead.”
Hayek said Lamar State College Port Arthur plays a vital role in expanding access and opportunity through its academic and technical programs, workforce training, and pathways that lead directly to meaningful careers.
“That mission is more important than ever, and I am excited to continue building on the college’s strong foundation,” he said.
In the months ahead, Hayek said he looks forward to working alongside staff to strengthen student success, grow workforce-aligned programs and deepen the school’s impact across the region.
November 2025, Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall appointed Hayek as interim president of Lamar State College Port Arthur, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Hayek, who served as vice chancellor for Academic and Health Affairs at the system, succeeded Dr. Betty Reynard, who announced her retirement.
September 2025, Hayek was one of four finalists for president of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.
Hayek has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both the private and public sectors. He has served at the university, state and system levels in academic and health affairs, student engagement, finance, data analytics and strategic planning. Before joining the Texas State University System in 2015, he was associate vice chancellor and chief of staff for academic affairs at the University of Texas System.
Hayek earned a doctorate in higher education from Indiana University Bloomington, a master’s degree in sports administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago.