From newspaper clippings to digital media: Lowery brings new life to San Jacinto Times 

When San Jacinto College communication professor Dr. LaKeysha Lowery first fell in love with journalism in seventh grade, she was cutting and pasting newspaper layouts by hand in her English class.   

Now, as faculty advisor for the San Jacinto Times, she's helping students navigate the digital landscape of modern journalism while maintaining the timeless principles of good reporting.  

"This is my dream job," Lowery said. "I love working with the newspaper and exposing students to the opportunities that come through interviewing, meeting new people, and getting out of their bubble."  

After graduating from Sam Houston State University with dual degrees in English and journalism and later earning a master’s in mass communication from Norfolk State University, Lowery entered a job market where traditional newspapers were shutting down operations. She pivoted to public relations and then worked for a small Houston-based publication but ultimately found a calling in education.   

Her teaching career began as an adjunct instructor at Lone Star College. She then spent nearly 10 years at Lamar University, where she served as faculty advisor for the radio and television programs.  

The San Jac job opportunity represented a homecoming and a professional milestone. A self-described city girl with family ties to Houston, Lowery applied to the College three times before landing her current position.  

"When I saw the job posting, I didn't think I was going to get it,” she said. “During the first interview, they mentioned I could also run the newspaper, and I just fell in love.”  

Since taking the helm of the San Jacinto Times in 2023, Lowery has revitalized its appearance and content. She spent her first year mastering operating the publication's website and rebranding its visual identity before shifting attention to the editorial content.  

She connected her media writing class directly to the Times, creating real-world experiences for students.  

"They learn how to write for various media, not just newspaper, but also TV, radio, public relations, and even film writing," Lowery said. "This gives students the opportunity to create a professional portfolio and build a network by meeting campus administrators and local community leaders."  

She lets her students decide what they write about, working to connect them with story opportunities that align with their passions.  

"The San Jac Times is very student-inspired," she said. "If students are interested in something, they're going to want to get the story. They build relationships and find their niche."  

Lowery notes that many of the publication's most popular stories originated from student ideas. One example involved an interview with Anthony Banda, a World Series champion and San Jac alum, which came from a lead provided by a former student.  

Lowery has ambitious plans for expanding the Times' digital footprint. The publication has established a presence on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, and its readership is growing. She has also seen an increase in advertising inquiries this semester, showing broader community engagement.  

Her next major initiative involves developing a student-led podcast, potentially the College's first new media platform since 1990.  

"I want the podcast to include students from all campuses and all majors, not just mass communication students or those at Central Campus," Lowery said. "I want it to unite students."   

For Lowery, who recently completed her Doctor of Education in online learning and educational leadership at Trident University, these initiatives represent the connection between traditional journalistic values with evolving media formats.  

Through these efforts, Lowery ensures San Jac students receive practical experience in an ever-changing media landscape while preserving the fundamentals that first captivated her as a student with scissors and paste.  

Learn more about the San Jac communications program

 To keep up with the San Jacinto Times, visit sanjactimes.com. 

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About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, evolving industries, maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has served the people of East Harris County, Texas, since 1961. The College is ranked second in the nation among more than 1,100 community colleges, as designated by the Aspen Institute and was named an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction in 2020. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution that spans five campuses, plus an online college, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually. It offers more than 200 degrees and certificates across eight major areas of study that put students on a path to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce. The College is fiscally sound, holding bond ratings of AA+ by Standard & Poor’s and Aa2 by Moody’s.