Lone Star College System’s longest-serving trustee reflects on nearly 30 years of supporting students

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- David Vogt has served on the Lone Star College System Board of Trustees longer than any other individual in the college system’s history.

Since he was first appointed to the board in January 1997, Vogt has witnessed four new campuses launch, six satellite centers open and eight Workforce Centers of Excellence bring high-quality training closer to home for thousands of local students.

“The college has grown tremendously, along with the whole metropolitan area,” Vogt said. “When I first started my firm in 1983, FM 1960 was a two-lane road.”

Vogt Engineering has helped bring notable Montgomery County landmarks to life, such as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Hughes Landing and Fellowship of The Woodlands, among other projects. Vogt’s professional background includes over 40 years of experience in civil engineering, site design, environmental risk assessment, water distribution and supply, stormwater drainage, floodplain determination, and coordination of utility system approvals with local and state agencies.

Vogt has been actively involved in local organizations since the 1980s, including the Rotary Club of The Woodlands, Montgomery County United Way, and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce. When his peers encouraged him to apply for a vacant LSCS board seat, he knew this would be another opportunity to serve his community.

Throughout his time on the board, Vogt has worked with his colleagues to overcome financial difficulties, ensure compliance with state and federal law, recover from natural disasters, tackle a pandemic, and make decisions in the best interest of students, faculty and staff.

“Students come to Lone Star College System for the economic benefits and the broad spectrum of programs we offer,” Vogt said. “They can get the training and teaching needed, and if they’ve got a problem, they can get help—not just with academics, but we’re also meeting financial-based needs.”

Since Vogt joined the board, LSCS has expanded its dual credit program, added bachelor’s degrees, and built out resources to assist students with food, clothing, housing, technology, transportation, mental health, employment and other practical needs to ensure their success.

Vogt’s top priorities have been supporting students and staff, responsibly allocating tax and tuition dollars, and choosing the best chancellor to lead the organization.

“We’ve managed to grow enrollment, but it’s not all about the numbers; it’s about making sure students can go where they want to go in life,” he said.

To learn more about the LSCS Board of Trustees, visit LoneStar.edu/Trustees.