According to Founding President Shah Ardalan, LSC-UP began as a university center following the approval of a Lone Star College System bond by voters in 2008. The campus' buildings—which formerly housed Compaq—were purchased in 2009 from Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Following a lengthy accreditation process, LSC-UP was later approved as a comprehensive college within the LSCS in 2012. In celebration, the college was dedicated back to the community in a ceremony on Dec. 6, 2012.
"The biggest pride we have is how connected we are with our community. If the community is successful, we're successful. If the community is suffering, we suffer," Ardalan said.
Over the past decade, LSC-UP has expanded from offering 30 degrees and certificates to 57 as well as a variety of continuing education programs. Ardalan noted the campus primarily partners with Klein ISD and offers robust dual credit programs as well as GED courses.
In 2014, LSC-UP opened its Energy & Manufacturing Institute followed by its Center for Science & Innovation in 2018. The campus is also home to a Digital Resource Center, an iSchool High campus and a Children's Academy, which offers day care for the children of LSC-UP students, faculty and staff through a partnership with Noble Energy and the YMCA of Greater Houston.
Beginning in spring 2024, Ardalan said students will be able to take classes at LSC-UP's new Visual & Performing Arts Center, which is under construction and on track for completion by December 2023.
According to Ardalan, the 10-year anniversary celebration Dec. 6 will include a birthday party for the college's mascot "Leo," musical performances by students and a new mural unveiling.
281-290-2600. www.lonestar.edu/universitypark
