HOUSTON (Nov. 11, 2025) - Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) celebrated the official ribbon cutting of its on-campus courtroom on Nov. 6, marking a major milestone for the college’s paralegal studies and criminal justice programs.

Hosted by the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences, the ceremony brought together college leadership, faculty, staff, community partners and guests from across the Lone Star College System. The event featured remarks from Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce President Bobby Lieb; Lone Star College-University Park President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D.; Paralegal Studies Program Director Samantha Ward from LSC-North Harris; Paralegal Studies Professor Chris Schaefer; Criminal Justice Faculty Jermaine Johnson; Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs and General Counsel Nancy Molina; and Dean of Behavioral and Social Sciences David Gaer.

Special guests included Lone Star College Chancellor Mario K. Castillo, J.D.; Executive Vice Chancellor of Academics Seelpa Keshvala, Ph.D.; Lone Star College Board of Trustees members Mike Sullivan and Jim Cain; and Judge Lincoln Goodwin, Harris County Precinct 4, Place 1 justice of the peace. Members of the president’s cabinet, division deans and staff, as well as representatives from LSC Foundation and the University of Houston-Downtown also attended.

Following remarks, Lieb officiated the ribbon cutting ceremony, and Dr. Dempsey officially cut the ribbon to open the courtroom. Guests then enjoyed refreshments, photos and networking in the Energy & Manufacturing Institute lobby.

“This new courtroom is more than a facility, it’s a hands-on learning environment that prepares students to step confidently into professional legal settings,” said Dr. Dempsey. “We’re proud to provide a space where our students can practice the skills they’ll need to thrive in the legal and justice fields.”

The courtroom provides immersive, real-world experiences for students enrolled in paralegal studies and criminal justice programs. Designed to mirror a professional courtroom, the space supports mock trials, litigation coursework and experiential training, strengthening students’ courtroom communication, document preparation and case management skills.

Adding to its authenticity, the courtroom’s custom furniture was crafted by skilled inmates with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The ribbon cutting follows the launch of the paralegal studies program in spring 2025, making LSC-University Park the second campus in the Lone Star College System to offer the American Bar Association-approved paralegal studies degree and certificate programs. The addition of the courtroom reinforces the college’s dedication to workforce preparation through applied learning.

“The courtroom represents an incredible collaboration between our academic programs, community partners and the Lone Star College System,” Gaer said. “It ensures students are not only learning theory but living it.”

To learn more about paralegal studies or criminal justice programs at LSC-University Park, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/UP-Division4.htm. For more information about LSC-University Park classes or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/upstudentsupport, call 281-290-2600, or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.

Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Matthew Dempsey, Ed.D., is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.

Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, and iSchool.

Lone Star College System (LSCS) enrolls over 90,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSCS is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSCS, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education. LSCS consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.