It's a great time to be a Lone Star College student. When LSCS Chancellor Richard Carpenter visited our office to discuss the important issues facing the system as well as its many accomplishments, I was struck by how lucky local residents are to have such a dynamic community college system in their backyard.

As the fastest growing community college system in the country, LSCS is gaining national attention. Part of the attention is due to the fact that LSCS has doubled its grant receipts over the past three years, which Carpenter said has brought a lot of interest from other colleges in what LSCS is doing.

Carpenter also talked about how for the first time in his 31 year career as a college administrator, rather than him having to pursue partnerships with universities, universities are pursuing LSCS. Administrators have had meetings with the University of Texas, Texas A&M and a number of other private and public institutions in Texas on how they can offer programs at LSC–University Park. The University Park campus also has a charter high school, which will be doubling its space this year.

For more information on Lone Star College from Carpenter, as well as LSC-Tomball President Susan Karr, our higher education guide starts on Page 11. We also have an extended interview with Carpenter only available at impactnews.com. Be sure to check our website throughout the month for more exclusive content and breaking news. Also online, our entertainment blog On the Town provides coverage on local dining, events and live music.

Emily Roberts, Editor, [email protected]