Welcome

A Message from the President

Thank you for choosing Lamar Community College to pursue your post-secondary education. We are pleased to welcome you to Lamar Community College, home of the Running Lopes!

Lamar Community College has a rich history of fostering academic success and enriching students’ lives since its original foundation as Junior College of Southeast Colorado in 1937, becoming Lamar Community College (LCC) in 1965. We embrace the privilege and responsibility to serve you as you strive to reach your personal and professional goals.

Our dedicated staff and faculty are committed to providing you with an outstanding education. Many of our faculty members are practitioners and experts in their academic fields who have created a supportive and nurturing environment that sets LCC apart. Our faculty delivers a rigorous and engaging curriculum that will challenge and prepare you for the next chapter of your academic pursuit or professional career. LCC Student Services staff will guide you through the enrollment process until you cross our graduation stage, ensuring you have the academic, social, and financial support to reach your goals. If you need help, please let us know. Our goal is to help you stay in school, do well academically, graduate, and pursue your dreams.

We offer over 55 applied and transfer associate degree and certificate programs in health care, education, business, agriculture, cosmetology, equine science, construction trades, and many others. Classes are taught in-person, online, or hybrid (a mix of in-person and online). In this catalog, you will find an introduction to the College’s program offerings and support services. Please also refer to our website, lamarcc.edu, for additional information and updates.

Once again, welcome! You are on your way to achieving your personal and professional goals. 

I wish you a successful and rewarding Academic Year,

Dr. Rosana Reyes

College President

The LCC Mission & Vision

Lamar Community College is located on the golden plains of southeastern Colorado and is well known for its moderate weather and days of sunshine. The College has developed a special concern for the educational needs of Prowers, Baca, Kiowa, and Cheyenne Counties but includes within its vision and “community” the state of Colorado, the nation, and through its unique programs, dedicated staff, and picturesque setting-the world.

The College counts among its alumni successful businesspersons, ranchers and farmers, educators, professionals, entrepreneurs, and others who continue to expand their human potential. LCC’s graduates are scattered throughout the world, and increasingly, its students add to the cultural diversity of the institution as they gather from the four corners of the globe.

Lamar Community College embraces the philosophy of a comprehensive community college as it serves the educational needs of its students. LCC is dedicated to providing all students with quality educational opportunities and services that assist learners to maximize development and operate successfully in our ever-changing world.

The College is an “open-door” institution, and it enrolls all students 16 years of age or older, regardless of previous academic experience, who can profit from the College’s instructional efforts. The College offers complete academic transfer programs through its Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees. The College also offers occupational instruction, which leads to a variety of degrees and certificates. At Lamar Community College, “we enrich lives through learning.”

The college’s vision is: “At Lamar Community College, we are committed to providing the highest quality education in an environment of service excellence and service excellence in an environment of care, support, mutual respect and integrity.”

Lamar Community College’s Core Values are:

• Respect - We relate to colleagues, students, external stakeholders, and community members with consideration and thoughtfulness.
• Integrity - We steadfastly adhere to high moral principles, honesty, and professional standards; we nurture and expect the same values in our students.
• Open Communication - We operate through communication processes that guide our college in making decisions and seeking future opportunities; we communicate those decisions and actions to our internal and external stakeholders.
• Valuing People - We promote the development and intellectual growth of faculty, staff, administrators, and students. We recognize internal and external stakeholders’ contributions to the college. We foster integrity, excellence, passion, and the fulfillment of students’ and employees’ academic and professional goals.

Role and Purpose

Founded in 1937, Lamar Community College is a learner-centered, open enrollment, two-year post-secondary institution. As part of the Colorado Community College System, LCC is committed to providing its more than 1,000 students with:

• Academic programs that qualify students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities;
• Educational offerings that meet students’ occupational needs in career and technical fields;
• Instructional and support strategies that enable students to begin classes at any stage of academic preparation;
• Opportunities for perpetual learning and lifelong development;
• Comprehensive assessment of student learning outcomes to continually improve our students’ experiences and success; and
• An environment that supports learners and opens minds to innovation, creativity, and possibilities.

A Brief History of LCC

Established in 1937, Lamar Community College began its service to its communities as the Junior College of Southeastern Colorado. It was originally established to give the impoverished residents of the western edge of the “Dust Bowl” new hope in the midst of the Great Depression. The College is a testimony to the perseverance of the organizations and individuals that founded it. Supported by tuition, fees, and donations from merchants and civic organizations, the College was essentially a private institution. Its first campus was a structure originally built by the Works Public Administration (WPA) as a hospital for tuberculosis patients. The original building still stands at Eighth Street and Walnut.

In 1946, voters formed a local district, supported by tax dollars, and guaranteeing open enrollment. At this time, the name was changed to Lamar Junior College. As enrollment and program offerings steadily increased after World War II; the campus expanded to nearby buildings and houses.

Changing with the Times

The 1960s ushered in a decade of change as the College relocated to its present location, changed its name to Lamar Community College, and joined the Colorado Community College System. Todd-Burch Residence Hall and the Bowman, Trustees, and Betz Buildings were all built in the period between 1966 and 1971. Lamar Community College entered another period of construction in 1999, with the renovation and renaming of the Betz Building to the Betz Technology Center. In this same time period, LCC built its state-of-the-art Wellness Center. LCC’s original indoor horse arena was constructed in 1975; a major expansion and renovation was completed in the fall of 2009 to create LCC’s Equine Complex. With increased additions to the college’s athletic and educational programs, LCC expanded once again in 2022 by purchasing and renovating a hotel in the community and turned it into the Main Street Student Housing.

Expanded Educational Offerings

Through its rich history, Lamar Community College has continued to provide a unique educational experience to students. The small, friendly campus atmosphere helps students feel welcome and valued. Many area students who seek skills and knowledge to enter the workforce or to transfer to universities find LCC their best option for higher education. LCC also attracts students from outside the service area who appreciate smaller classes and the personalized attention they receive from staff and faculty. Many come to study in one of the signature programs or to continue their athletic careers. Through partnerships with other colleges and universities, LCC has expanded its services to students to include dual application and on-campus baccalaureate options.

Lamar Community College celebrated its 80th year of serving our students and communities in 2017-2018 and will celebrate its 83rd commencement in the spring of 2022. 

Born from the tenacious spirit of pioneer founders and empowered by the alliance with the Colorado Community College System, Lamar Community College stands ready to serve its students into the 21st century and beyond.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity among students, faculty, administration, and staff in a welcoming and inclusive environment is an important measure of quality within academic institutions. Lamar Community College is focused on achieving greater diversity, reflecting the variety of its communities and the world, and offering equitable opportunities for all in a college community that values individuals. LCC is also committed to developing and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in all college activities, especially student recruitment and support, employee recruitment and development, instructional and co-curricular activities, and institutional practices and community engagement. The following actions demonstrate and ensure LCC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion:

• Lamar Community College supports and encourages equitable educational and employment opportunities for all.
• LCC recognizes the need to provide equitable and inclusive retention support services for all students and employees, including those from diverse backgrounds, and implements plans and processes to achieve this goal.
• Lamar Community College is known for educational quality and high graduation and transfer rates. LCC maintains educational excellence while increasing these rates for all students, including those from diverse backgrounds, through the development of specific educational achievement plans, which emphasize personal commitment to, inclusion of, and care for the individual student.
• LCC, in cooperation with community leaders of its service area, develops and maintains a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally sensitive climate both on and off campus to foster community networks that support all populations, especially those who may feel marginalized.

Academic Calendar

Dates subject to change without notice. 

Campus Hours

(Fall and Spring semester hours subject to change and may vary seasonally and with holidays.  Extended hours may be available during peak usage periods.)

Locator Map

Click here  to view map.

Campus Overview

Lamar Community College is located on the southern edge of the City of Lamar on Highway 287. Its facilities are maintained on a spacious 115-acre campus bounded on the east by lush Willow Creek, a wooded area that is home to deer and a large variety of birds and other wildlife. In 2000, the campus completed an $11-million renovation that included a new gymnasium and wellness complex located next to the residence halls. A renovation and expansion of LCC’s equine facility was completed in the fall of 2008. With increased additions to the college’s athletic and educational programs, LCC expanded once again in 2022 by purchasing and renovating a hotel in the community and turned it into the Main Street Student Housing.

Exceptional Facilities

On the northern edge of the campus stands the Betz Technology Center. It is the home of many occupational programs including nursing, art, business, agriculture, computer, and integrated technology courses. Additionally, it houses the Student Services Center (Registrar, Admissions, Financial Aid, Recruiter, and Cashier) as well as the MAP to Success Center, the Student Union, and the Innovate & Make Space.

The Todd-Burch Residence Hall and Kelley Union Cafeteria are in the middle of the campus. Housing 190 students, the facility also includes a weight room, computer lab, and lobby with recreational equipment.

The Prowers House is located to the North of the Todd-Burch Residence Hall and houses 31 students. 

The Main Street Housing is located at 1210 Main Street in downtown Lamar.  Opening in the Fall of 2022, Main Street Student Housing will house a maximum capacity of 80 students.

The Wellness Center provides a state-of-the-art fitness center, indoor walking track, gymnasium, and athletic office complex and the Campus Health Center for students and staff.

Located just to the south of the Bowman Building Complex, the brand new, state-of-the-art CTE Building is home our Precision Agriculture, Construction Trades, and Renewable Energy programs.  This area includes 1 classroom, 1 conference room, and 3 large lab spaces with garage door access.  

On the southern end of the LCC campus is the Equine Complex. This area includes classrooms, demonstration lab, faculty offices and both indoor and outdoor arenas for practice and competition.

Across the street from the campus are the baseball and softball fields.
 

Important Campus Resources

Student Resources at a Glance

Academic Advising

Assigns an academic advisor to certificate and degree-seeking students and by request to non-degree seekers.

Campus Health Center

Provides medical & dental services.

Fitness Center

Offers complete training/workout programs.

LCC Foundation

This nonprofit organization provides scholarships to students of all ages, interests, and places of residency.

Learning Resource Center/Library

Provides books, periodicals, wireless Internet access and computers, inter-library loan materials, and comfortable study areas.

Learning Support Services

LCC’s Student Support Services program provides services to students in the following areas:

• Assessment
• Academic & transfer counseling
• Tutoring
• Career Planning

Student Services Center

A one-stop shop for admission, registration, payment, financial aid, transfer, and transcript requests.

Helpful Community Contacts

Answers to Your Questions

Bulletin Boards

Students and community members may post materials on community bulletin boards throughout campus using posted guidelines. Departmental and Campus Life boards are reserved for college use only.

Campus Closures

For the most current information regarding Lamar Community College closures, please monitor the LCC social media outlets or call the Campus Closure Line at 719.336.1515 or check the LCC Website. In cases of inclement weather, Lamar Community College follows the Campus Closure Process. College facilities and safety personnel will monitor weather, road conditions, and parking access in order to provide status updates.

Emergency Preparedness

LCC is committed to providing a safe learning environment for students and staff. Occasionally, emergencies may arise that necessitate a move to a safer location in a campus building or building evacuation. LCC expects everyone to follow these guidelines. More information is posted on campus bulletin boards, campus emergency packets in every classroom/office, or if you have questions, you may contact campus security directly.

The College recommends that students keep their emergency contact information up to date through their Lope Access portal accounts.  This will allow LCC to contact students quickly in the event of a campus or weather emergency.

If it is necessary for a campus building (or buildings) to be evacuated due to emergency, students and staff must use the nearest safe exit and meet at the following designated points.

• Bowman, Trustees, Betz - “Quad” grass area between these buildings
• CTE Building - Grass area west of building
• Residence Hall - Northwest of the residence hall
• Welding Shop - Tennis/Basketball court
• Wellness Center - South parking lot
• Equine Complex - South parking lot

In case of emergency sirens, all staff and students should quickly and carefully collect at the following locations for a head count and wait until an all-clear signal is given.

• Bowman East - Large Lecture Hall (BW 139)
• Bowman West (Admin) - Lower Level
• Trustees Building - Trustees Basement (Below Business Office)
• Residence Hall - Basement/Weight Room
• Betz Technology Center - Lower/East Wing (Not in Atrium)
• Wellness Center - Lower-Level Restrooms, Concession Area, Boiler Room, and Coaches’ Locker Rooms
• Equine Complex - Bathrooms, Demonstration Area, and Offices
• Welding Shop - Classroom and Bathrooms
• CTE Building - Bathrooms, Construction Trades Tool Room, and Renewable Energy Lab
• Main Street Student Housing - Bathrooms

After the all-clear signal is heard, students and staff may return to classes and offices.

Fire Alarms

While in campus buildings, students should be aware of where the closest and alternate exits are located. When a fire alarm sounds, all LCC students, staff, and faculty must vacate the affected building immediately. If the alarm is proven to be false, an LCC official notifies everyone when it is safe to return to the building.

Parking Regulations

All vehicles must be registered with Student Services. Parking permits may be obtained from the Cashier’s Office in the Student Services Center. Students and employees may park in any campus parking lot and do not have special parking privileges.

Student Records

LCC acts in full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). (See Getting Started  -Student Records and Consumer Information Disclosure Requirements  sections for more information regarding FERPA and definitions of common terms.)

Tobacco Use

On November 2, 2018, the Governor of Colorado enacted an Executive Order making all State owned or leased buildings and grounds 100% tobacco free. The campuses of the Colorado Community College System are covered by this order.

Starting January 1, 2020, smoking, and vaping in any form (cigarettes, pipes, water pipes/hookah, electronic smoking devices, etc.) and all other forms of tobacco use (use of chew, snuff, snus, dip, etc.) is prohibited on all properties of LCC, including buildings, parking lots, and recreational areas. This includes the rodeo grounds, Merchants Park, and Citizens Field. Students, guests, and employees may smoke in the privacy of their vehicles as long as they do so with all windows and doors closed.

Southeast Colorado & the City of Lamar

With a population of approximately 22,000 within a four-county region, Lamar functions as a hub for the region which borders Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. The area is rich with modern farming, ranching, and manufacturing industries and is located in the Lower Arkansas River Valley. Lamar is located at the intersection of three national highways and served by a major bus line and AMTRAK.

The region hosts an abundance of clubs, organizations, events, and activities. A community of artists, who create in a variety of media, has developed in the area, and several of the artists have attained national prominence. Nearby, John Martin Reservoir and Queens Lake offer water sports, hiking, fishing, and outing opportunities. A number of natural and man-made attractions, including petroglyphs, dinosaur tracks, caves, canyons, and heritage tourism destinations, offer explorers opportunities to discover Southeast Colorado’s beauty.  City parks, picnic, swimming, and tennis facilities are also available. The beautiful Rocky Mountains are a three to four-hour drive away, and students and visitors frequently take weekend trips by car to Colorado Springs and Denver. 

Click here  to view map.