Beyond 1894
Louisiana Tech University
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Beyond 1894 features Louisiana Tech University faculty, staff, students, and alumni discussing their personal stories, areas of expertise, and the unique impact they are making in the world around them. It is produced by the Office of University Communications at Louisiana Tech University. The podcast is hosted by Amy Bell and Teddy Allen. Listen and meet the amazing people that make up our Tech Family!
Available episodes
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May 31, 2023
72. Connor Smith and Walker Pearson: The Next Level
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/site/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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May 17, 2023
71. Monty Montgomery: The Sky’s the Limit
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 Professional Aviation: https://liberalarts.latech.edu/professional-aviation/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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May 3, 2023
70. Jane Jacob: It Just Clicked
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 of Education and discusses the programs and practices that make the College of Education at Louisiana Tech special.
Louisiana Tech College of Education: https://education.latech.edu/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Apr 19, 2023
69. Pasquale DePaola: Getting Crafty and Creative
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 his architectural influences and passion for teaching.
School of Design: http://design.latech.edu/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Apr 5, 2023
68. Ashley Owen: Counseling Services
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 barriers to our students' experience at the University.
Counseling Services: https://www.latech.edu/counseling-services/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Mar 22, 2023
67. Donna Thomas: Just Keep Going
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 Athletics Representative for Louisiana Tech, and she gives some information on the new Tech Online offerings.
Tech Online: https://www.latech.edu/online-programs/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Mar 8, 2023
66. Terry McConathy: Students Are the Spark
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 interdisciplinary collaboration. She also speaks about the importance of language and how universities view education in other countries, and she even lists her favorite vacation spots (she's been all over the world, after all).
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Feb 22, 2023
65. Jalia Payne: From Movement to Musical
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 the Civil— as well as the importance of her musical premiering during Black History Month. She talks about her experience "accidentally" becoming an Orientation Student Leader and the changes she's witnessed on campus when it comes to representation and diversity.
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Feb 8, 2023
64. Taj Azarian: Don’t Be the Rock, Be the Water
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 the spread of COVID-19. He talks about his path, from discovering his calling to the stepping stones that shaped his career. And he tells us why it's important to be open to opportunities and why hobbies (such as one of his favorite, Brazilian jiu-jitsu) will help anyone clear their head.
Dr. Taj Azarian (UCF Faculty Directory): https://med.ucf.edu/biomed/person/dr-taj-azarian/
New Frontiers with Dr. Azarian: https://community.latech.edu/new-frontiers/meaningful-use-of-pathogen-genomic-data-tracking-bacterial-mobile-elements-using-published-sequences/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jan 25, 2023
63. Tim Brandon: Designing Dreams
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 have played such a large role in bringing several Louisiana Tech facilities to life. He even takes some time to give an inside scoop on their next big project (hint: our student-athletes are about to get an upgrade).
TBA Studio: https://tbastudio.com/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jan 11, 2023
62. Jordan Smith: A Royal Farewell
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. Jordan's mom was Miss Louisiana Tech in 1988; sometimes, being royal is just in your blood.
Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan_s14/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Dec 28, 2022
61. The Best of 2022: Year in Review
2022 has been a big year for Louisiana Tech. The University has enjoyed plenty of noteworthy happenings in the areas of collaboration, giving, research, winning, and beyond. Listen to some of the University Communications crew recap just a few of the greatest stories of 2022 as the Tech Family looks ahead to an eventful new year.
Read the Year in Review Story: https://www.latech.edu/2022/12/21/the-year-in-review-2022-at-louisiana-tech/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Dec 14, 2022
60. Jordan Richardson: Creating School Spirit
Jordan Richardson recently joined the Tech Family as the Orientation Coordinator, and he spends this episode talking about why Louisiana Tech Orientation is special and how he envisions further incorporating the Tenets of Tech and a sense of community into future sessions. He discusses the things he's learned in his other higher education roles around the country, and he speaks to the importance of generating school spirit within incoming Bulldogs to make their Tech experience the best it can be. He's also got helpful information for both future students and parents regarding orientation season.
Orientation Links: https://www.latech.edu/admitted-students/orientation/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Nov 30, 2022
59. Stacy Gilbert: Building the Student Experience
Louisiana Tech's Dean of Student Services and Academic Support Stacy Gilbert sits down to talk about her ties to Tech and how important it is for our University to help first-year students find the tools and resources for success. She shares advice for parents and acknowledges how hard it is to parent a college student. Lastly, she mentions the story of a special Tech tradition and reveals her favorite spot on campus.
First Year Experience on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latechfye/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Nov 16, 2022
58. Teddy Allen: Team Player
Everybody knows and loves Teddy Allen. The writer/broadcaster/emcee/podcaster/etc. isn't used to being in the guest's seat on Beyond 1894, but he's taken the time to share his journey in this episode. From his small-town beginnings to his first experiences at Louisiana Tech, from the jobs and people that shaped his career to his special 2022 Hall of Fame induction, T.A. has a lot of good things to say and a lot of praise to humbly heap upon everyone but himself. Everybody knows and loves Teddy Allen.
Teddy's HoF Induction Story: https://www.latech.edu/2022/04/08/louisiana-techs-teddy-allen-to-be-inducted-into-Louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Nov 2, 2022
57. Joe Koskie and Joel Stake: The Honors Program
The Honors Program at Louisiana Tech is a transformative experience for many of our students. Dr. Joe Koskie and Dr. Joel Stake are the newest leaders of the program, and they've got a vision for its growth and development. They discuss how they came into their roles, what the challenges are for the program, and their vision for the improvements to the Honors curriculum moving forward. They talk about the interdisciplinary nature of their work, and they emphasize the importance of the driven and hardworking students that are bringing the Honors program into the future.
Louisiana Tech Honors: https://www.latech.edu/honors/
Give to the Honors Program: Click Here
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Oct 19, 2022
56. Penny Humphries and Dex Moody: Fashion is Change
Part design. Part business. The Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies (FMRS) program at Louisiana Tech is a unique curriculum of blended elements that make for a one-of-a-kind student experience. Penny Humphries, Director of Development for the College of Applied and Natural Sciences and an Instructor in Fashion Merchandising, and Dex Moody, a dedicated student in the program, discuss what makes the degree— and the fashion industry as a whole— so different from the rest. They talk about how their paths have led them to this field, and they also touch on the special events that make up the driving force behind the FMRS experience.
Fashion Merchandising and Retail Studies: https://ans.latech.edu/human-ecology/fashion-merchandising-and-retail-studies/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Oct 5, 2022
55. Homecoming 2022: Get Ready
October 22 will be the day of Louisiana Tech's Homecoming game, but, as always, Homecoming weekend is packed with events for alumni of all graduation years. Madison Kaufman, Director of Alumni Engagement, has the scoop 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 come home to Ruston.
Homecoming Events Calendar and Registration: https://events.latech.edu/#!view/day/categories/Homecoming
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Sep 21, 2022
54. Women in STEM: Defying Barricades
In educational programs and professional careers focused in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), men dominate the field, but women in STEM are claiming a seat at the table. This episode, Dr. Allie DeLeo-Allen, Dr. Krystal Cruse, and Lauren Paul from the College of Engineering and Science discuss the importance of the recruitment and retention of women in STEM on college campuses and in the professional world, bringing new perspectives to STEM-focused areas.
Women in STEM Student Organization: https://www.latech.edu/student-organizations/women-in-stem/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Sep 7, 2022
53. Paul Jackson and Kelsey Shoemaker: The Sonderegger Pine
Have you ever seen a Sonderegger pine? If you visit a southern seedling nursery, you may find them in an unexpected spot… the trash. Dr. Paul Jackson and Kelsey Shoemaker from Louisiana Tech’s South Campus sit down to share their current research aspirations for this unique and often-ostracized hybrid tree. With little to no literature references and a group of baby Sonderegger pines, this team is working towards providing a new perspective on this “ugly duckling” tree and the possibilities it may have for the lumber industry.
School of Agricultural Sciences & Forestry: https://ans.latech.edu/agricultural-sciences-forestry/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Aug 24, 2022
52. Lagniappe Ladies: Giving Something Extra
Now in their 13th year, the philanthropy of the Lagniappe Ladies organization has touched all areas of campus. The definition of "Ever Loyal," this all-woman society has awarded grants to countless projects by way of dollars raised by their commitment and generosity. In this episode, Lagniappe Ladies members Tonya Oaks Smith, Lindsey Murry, and JoAnn Allen sit down to discuss their reasons for joining, the projects that they've loved approving, and why women giving to the University is special.
Join Lagniappe Ladies: https://www.latechalumni.org/s/810/rd/foundation-interior.aspx?sid=810&gid=1&pgid=2486
Lagniappe Ladies award 21 grants for upcoming year: https://www.latech.edu/lagniappe-ladies-award-21-grants-for-upcoming-year/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Aug 10, 2022
51. Talvin Hester: The Guys to Root For
Talvin Hester may be new to his role as Head Coach of the Louisiana Tech Dunkin' Dogs, but he's called Ruston home before and is proud to call it home again. In this episode, he talks about the highs and lows of his coaching journey, the strengths of his team in preparation for the upcoming season, and why cheering on a player far beyond their days under his tutelage might be the most rewarding part of his job. He mentions his support system— the Hester family— and explains why he's been to a certain Arlington, TX, amusement park over 5,000 times. "Six Flags Over Ruston" doesn't sound like such a bad idea...
Louisiana Tech Men's Basketball: https://latechsports.com/sports/mens-basketball
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jul 27, 2022
50. Sam Wallace and Dickie Crawford: The Master Plan
This episode is all about the future of our campus. Sam Wallace (Associate VP for Administration and Facilities) and Dr. Dickie Crawford (VP for Student Advancement) sit down to talk about the current and upcoming construction projects that will shape Louisiana Tech for decades to come. Discussing housing improvements, food service upgrades, road and sidewalk enhancements, a shuttle service, and even changes to keystone areas of campus like Centennial Plaza, these two share elements of the Louisiana Tech Master Plan that is rooted in University history and has driven decision-making about our direction moving forward. Get a glimpse into a bigger and better campus that will be here sooner rather than later.
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jul 13, 2022
49. Elizabeth McKinney and Gabe Freeman: Leading the Way
Elected by their peers in the recent University ballot, new Student Government Association (SGA) leaders Elizabeth McKinney (President) and Gabe Freeman (Vice President) have plans for their administration to build on the successes of those prior while championing the voices of the student body. They discuss their roles in SGA and why they chose to take on their current leadership positions, as well as their hopes and goals for the upcoming year. But first, they have to finish helping new Bulldogs become acclimated to their new home during Summer Orientation. These two Orientation Student Leaders (OSLs) also talk about how important it is to each of them that they play a part in making Louisiana Tech feel as much like family for others as it does for them.
Louisiana Tech SGA: https://orgs.latech.edu/sga/site/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jun 29, 2022
48. Sonny Cumbie: Touchdowns and Tenets
Louisiana Tech's new head football coach, Sonny Cumbie, sits down to talk about the season ahead as the Bulldogs ramp up summer practice. He reminisces about growing up in Snyder, Texas, and playing quarterback at Texas Tech. He talks about his penchant for coaching and the lessons instilled in him over the years. He mentions how he's taken the Tenets of Tech to heart and uses them to help build his new team's identity. The coach discusses family, togetherness, and how well Ruston has treated him since his arrival. He even dishes his thoughts on what makes a perfect Frito pie. It's time to get excited about the 2022-23 season.
Bulldog Football Tickets: https://latechsports.com/tickets
@LATechFB on Twitter: https://twiter.com/LATechFB
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jun 15, 2022
47. Mary Caldorera-Moore: Like a Gummy Bear
In this episode, Dr. Mary Caldorera-Moore from the College of Engineering and Science talks about the history of the Biomedical Engineering program at Louisiana Tech, her "typical" route to becoming a member of the Tech Family, and the focuses of her work and what it could mean for the future of the field. She discusses her love for hydrogels and their practical applications in her work, and she helps us connect the dots by drawing comparisons to a certain classic candy snack.
Biomedical Engineering: https://coes.latech.edu/undergraduate-programs/biomedical-engineering/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Jun 1, 2022
46. Elizabeth Matthews and Katya Opel: The Concrete Canoe Competition
In a matter of days, hundreds of students from around the world will descend on Ruston to put their civil engineering skills to the test in the ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition. Dr. Elizabeth Matthews and graduate student Katya Opel have played big roles in bringing this epic contest to our city. In this episode, they discuss the magnitude of the event, the science behind crafting a canoe made of concrete, and their personal and professional ties to the group of engineering students that will put their best paddle forward on June 3-5.
ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition: https://www.asce.org/communities/student-members/conferences/asce-concrete-canoe-competition
College of Engineering and Science: https://coes.latech.edu/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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May 18, 2022
45. Amber Burdge: The Student Side of Student-Athletes
Dr. Amber Burdge wears many hats. Her primary role as Associate Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Success Services is to foster the classroom achievements of the never-ending flow of Bulldogs and Lady Techsters that call our campus home. She also teaches these same students and more, working as an adjunct professor on top of these other duties. Recently voted "Office Parent" by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she's a constant champion of the idea that competing in the classroom is just as important as competing on the field, and the recent accolades from the LA Tech Sports family proves it. In this episode, she talks about her journey to her doctoral degree, the challenges of her and her team's work in the Athletics Department, and the upcoming Student-Athlete Success Center that will break ground sooner rather than later.
LA Tech Sports: https://latechsports.com/
Student-Athlete Academic Success: https://latechsports.com/sports/2018/7/20/academics-academic-center-…
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May 4, 2022
44. Cathi Cox-Boniol: The E in STEM Stands for Elvis
Cathi Cox-Boniol is a Louisiana Tech legacy who pours her heart and soul into the University. She's the Director of the Region 8 LaSTEM Center, part of a group of partners across north Louisiana focused on meeting the critical need for science, technology, engineering, and math learning and job skills in our region. She talks about the way LaSTEM is transforming the future of the industry, how the STEM way of thinking can influence everyday lives, and even why her love for Elvis has affected her teaching style.
Region 8 LaSTEM: https://community.latech.edu/scils-region-8-lastem-center/
College of Education: https://education.latech.edu/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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Apr 20, 2022
43. Kirk St.Amant: Helping Users Understand
Dr. Kirk St.Amant from the School of Language and Literature specializes in Technical Communications, and that encompasses so much more than it may seem. His expertise is in the areas of health and medical communication and usability and design, and he studies the communication of complex topics and how effectively technologies can be used by their intended audiences. In this episode, he breaks down how all disciplines at Louisiana Tech contribute to this field, he explains the impact of the local Center for Health and Medical Communication (of which he's the Director), and he talks about why usability is foundational to teach in ways that create a greater understanding between a thing and the person using it. It's all about the end user.
College of Liberal Arts: https://liberalarts.latech.edu/
Usability and Design Symposium: https://usability-conference.weebly.com/
Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/
Email: 1894@latech.edu
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