Beyond 1894

As Miss Louisiana Tech 2023 Chanley Patterson approaches the final weeks of her time representing her institution, she discusses the responsibilities that come with the Loyal Blue crown and being a face of the University. She talks about growing up as a "pageant girl," competing for the Tech title after a year off from competition, and her advice for the next lady in the lineage. Website:  ht...

Dr. Les Guice has dedicated over 50 years of his life to Louisiana Tech University. He's spent the last ten years and then some as the University's president, and, just weeks before his retirement at the end of 2023, he's got a lot to reflect on. Join the 14th president of Louisiana Tech as he looks back on his legacy and lengthy career, discussing his Bastrop beginnings, his family, and his insti...

Tech Online has officially launched, serving distance learners and graduate professionals and allowing them to experience the same programs at the same quality offered on-campus. Jerona Washington, Director of Online Learning Initiatives and the Academic Success Center (ASC), speaks on the importance of Tech Online, the functions of the ASC and Tech in the Shreveport-Bossier area, and the transfor...

November 11 marks Louisiana Tech’s 2023 Homecoming game, but, as always, Homecoming week is packed with events for current students and alumni of all graduation years. Madison Kaufman, Director of Alumni Engagement, has the details on the busy Homecoming schedule. From pep rallies and parades to social gatherings and special recognitions, there’s something for everyone and plenty of reasons to Lov...

Dr. Don Schillinger, current Interim Chair of the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership, did not always plan to be a teacher. He did not always plan to be at Louisiana Tech. But "everything happens for a reason," and he explains why in this episode. Don recounts his days learning and growing and discovering his passion for teaching. He talks about buying in to leadership roles in L...

This episode features Louisiana Tech's Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Keri King. She spends the episode discussing her days as a student at Tech, her initial journey as a professional aviation major, her transition to joining the staff at the University, and the duties and goals of her role, including the ongoing refinement of the Quality Enhancement Plan. About the QEP: https://qep.late...

There are roughly a couple hundred student organizations on Louisiana Tech's campus. Wes Cavin, Director of Student Activities, has a hand in all of them. Wes joins this episode to discuss the nature of student life at the University, finding his calling at the place he calls home, and the satisfaction of being of service to the students who are looking to lead. Louisiana Tech Student Orgs: https:...

Dr. Chris Heidenreich came to Louisiana Tech University as the Director of Bands in 2021, and his road to leading the Band of Pride began with a love for the trumpet as a fourth grader in Ohio. Listen to "Dr. H" talk about his passion for conducting and making music, his stops along the way to becoming director at Tech, the action-packed schedule for the BoP's 2023-24 season, and why the intersect...

Dr. Eric Wood has entered his third year as Vice President and Director of Athletics at Louisiana Tech. The LA Tech Sports leader spends this episode reflecting on his journey from GA to AD, talking about the principles that guide him in his career, and discussing building up the culture at Tech and the reasons he's looking forward to the future as the fall sports kick off a new athletic year for...

This episode features Elton Taylor (Director of First-Year Programs), Hailee Rivers (2023 Orientation Student Leader), and Jacob Thomas (2023 OSL Exec) as they discuss the paths that led them to be involved in the first-year experience at Louisiana Tech. They talk about what got them involved in Orientation, the special bonds that are created in their cohort and with the freshmen they serve, and w...

The Division of Nursing at Louisiana Tech is a special program. Dr. Donna Hood, Associate Dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences and Professor of Nursing, knows why it's important that each nursing graduate at Tech is equipped with skill, knowledge, and passion. She talks about her own experiences as a nurse and how she learned to translate those experiences to teaching others. She di...

If someone is considering Louisiana Tech University, chances are they've met Emily Poole Cash (aka "Poole") during their campus visit. She's the Campus Experience Coordinator in the Office of Admissions, and she's got a lot of loyalty for the University. Poole discusses the importance of making visits the best they can be for prospective students, the joys of working at the University she loves, a...

Thanks to Jessica George, the students who come through Louisiana Tech's College of Business have a reliable guide to help them discover and act on their passions, motives, and career goals. In this episode, Jessica discusses the fulfillment she finds in her role and how it's helped to build relationships between employers and Louisiana Tech graduates. She talks about the highs and lows of student...

Shyandrea Glass goes by "Shy," and she's anything but. The Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Success Services is a leader to the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters as they pursue their education while balancing their commitment to their sports. She explains her "why," and she talks about the importance of supporting student-athletes and providing resources to ensure their success. She also...

Fresh off of Spring 2023 Student Government Association election season, new SGA President Connor Smith and Vice President Walker Pearson spend this episode talking about their involvement on campus, their roles in SGA, their passion for Louisiana Tech University, and what they hope to accomplish in their time serving the student body as leaders. Louisiana Tech SGA: https://orgs.latech.edu/sga/sit...

Matthew "Monty" Montgomery claims he "almost jokingly" ended up as the Department Chair for Louisiana Tech's Department of Professional Aviation. In this episode, he tells that story, talks about what makes the aviation program special, and discusses the partnerships with airlines like United and Southwest that will ensure successful careers for aviation students. Louisiana Tech's Department of Pr...

It was almost accidental that Dr. Jane Jacob found her calling in the field of psychology. In this episode, she recounts her days growing up in India and the Middle East before a move to the U.S. and talks about the educational path that led her to a doctorate degree and a role as a professor here at Tech. She touches on her recent transition to Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College o...

Dr. Pasquale DePaola is currently the Director of Louisiana Tech's School of Design, but the Italian expat has a rich history, including extended time as a professional basketball scout in his home country and beyond. In this episode, DePaola talks about growing up in Italy and his jump to the U.S., the parallels between finding design faculty and scouting the best team players in basketball, and...

Dr. Ashley Owen, Louisiana Tech's Director of Counseling Services, prioritizes students in all that she does. In this episode, she talks about her pursuit of the education that would result in her career in counseling, as well as the mission of Tech's Counseling Services and what they provide for our students. She also hammers home the importance of preventing mental health challenges from being b...

Dr. Donna Thomas started college late, after already starting a family, and she never looked back. In this episode, she recounts her days pursuing her degrees while trying to find her way and prepare for the next steps. She talks about her past and present roles and how her previous position differs from her current administrative duties. Dr. Thomas speaks about her functions as NCAA Faculty Athle...

Dr. Terry McConathy is the Louisiana Tech University Provost and the VP of Academic Affairs. But she wasn't always destined to be a part of the Tech Family. In this episode, she discusses growing up in Canada before the twisting and turning career path that "accidentally" led her to Tech. She talks about breaking down silos in higher education and why students are the driver behind interdisciplina...

Senior Music Industry Studies major Jalia Payne recently completed her capstone project: a one-of-a-kind musical written for the stage and based on both prominent and lesser-known moments and perspectives from the civil rights movement. Jalia discusses the significance and process of creating this production— a collaboration between the Louisiana Tech Music and Theatre departments titled Rights of...

While visiting Louisiana Tech for the New Frontiers seminar series, Dr. Taj Azarian, Assistant Professor in in the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, sat down on Beyond 1894 with guest host Dr. Jamie Newman (Louisiana Tech School of Biological Sciences). He discusses his collaborative work with Louisiana Tech on a project that engaged communities in understanding and preventing t...

Tim Brandon, the 2022 Louisiana Tech Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, has a lot of praise to give to the University that taught him countless career and life lessons. He recounts his days growing up in West Monroe and powering through the architecture program at Louisiana Tech. He discusses the reasons why 18 of his 22 studio employees are Tech graduates. And he talks about how thankful he is to...

Miss Louisiana Tech 2022 sits down during the final days of her reign to discuss her time representing the University and what it's meant to her. Hear from Jordan Smith as she details her love for Louisiana Tech, her difficult but rewarding decision to switch majors, life during a typical day of pageant competition, and her advice for the next newly-crowned young woman in this Loyal Blue lineage....