Lone Star College System names inaugural LSC-Online president

HOUSTON, TX -- Lone Star College System has chosen Carlos R. Morales, Ph.D., as the inaugural president of LSC-Online, effective July 14. He is the current campus president of Tarrant County College TCC Connect Campus in Fort Worth.

“Dr. Morales’ passion for supporting online students is matched by his commitment to educational excellence in the online environment,” said Seelpa Keshvala, Ph.D., LSC executive vice chancellor, Academics. “I am confident that Dr. Morales will continue to build upon the good work of the Lone Star College-Online team by enhancing the quality of our online education, while upholding the rigorous academic standards our students deserve.”

Morales has 30 years of experience in higher education, with 25 years as an online faculty member and administrator at various institutions. Serving as the chief executive officer of TCC Connect Campus, he helped establish the college’s virtual campus in 2014, which received various accolades, including Best Online College in Texas, Best Online Community College in Texas and Top Online Community College.

“I was drawn to the opportunity at Lone Star College-Online because of Lone Star College System’s strong reputation for innovation, access and student success. I believe in the transformative power of digital learning to expand opportunities for students, especially those balancing work, family and other responsibilities,” said Morales. “Additionally, I wanted to be part of a team committed to redefining what flexible, high-quality education looks like—and to lead an online campus that is responsive to today’s learners and anticipates the needs of tomorrow’s workforce.”

Morales has witnessed how online learning has evolved throughout his expansive career, helping to remove traditional barriers and supporting students in achieving their goals on their terms. At LSC-Online, the new president plans to expand access through designed pathways, enhance faculty support and engagement and leverage emerging technologies to personalize and enrich the learning and teaching experience.

“The demand for and the growth of virtual learning is visible to all of us in higher education and I intend to build on Lone Star College-Online’s strong foundation to create a virtual campus that is student-centered, academically rigorous and recognized for excellence,” said Morales. “Ultimately, as I work with students, faculty and staff, I want Lone Star College-Online to become a model for what’s possible when digital education is driven by purpose, innovation and collaboration.”

Morales attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology/Microbiology and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Inter American University in Puerto Rico. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education from Capella University. Morales is a 2009 Frye Leadership Institute Fellow and a 2012 Millennium Leadership Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.