Beyond 1894

This April 1, 2026 episode brings Louisiana Tech's beloved mascot, Tech XXII, to the guest table. This exclusive, in-depth interview with the loyal and friendly four-legged family member covers everything from his puppy beginnings at the University to his love for fast cars and slow days. Did we mention it's April 1st? Tech XXII on Instagram: instagram.com/techxxii Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Wes Flinn has not been a part of the Louisiana Tech faculty for a full year yet, but he's already integrated himself into the School of Music as its new director, and he knows he leads world-class instructors who shape the minds of future musicians. In this episode, he talks about growing up on a hog farm in southern Indiana and finding his love for music and teaching. He discusses his vision for the School of Music, and he emphasizes the importance of collaboration, work ethic, and the transformative power of music education. School of Music: latech.edu/liberal-arts/programs/school-of-music/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Computer Science major and LA Tech feature twirler Tess Gardner has made a college career out of keeping busy. Between her academic and extracurricular commitments, she's discovered a passion for pushing herself and maximizing her potential. In this episode, she shares stories about finding her way to Tech and carving her own path to becoming a feature twirler despite her late start. She talks about working in the University's Security Operations Center, protecting its IT infrastructure from real-time threats. And she reflects on her personal growth and future career goals as she looks to finish her junior year strong. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech 2017 graduate Kevin Richardson has made a name for himself in college athletics. From choosing his major at Tech on a whim to working hard and earning a role in the University's athletics department, Richardson charts his journey in sports and the mindset that has carried him this far. He talks about stops at Rice, Texas, and, his current home, Clemson and what he's learned along the way. He reminisces about Street Team, the student marketing team from his time at Tech, and he shares his thoughts on how work-life balance and a healthy work environment can change college athletics for the better. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

When Audrey Calhoun graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1973, she became the first Black woman in the country to earn a forestry degree. It was just the start of her one-of-a-kind career in the field. She's worked all over the country, protecting and preserving nature and the history connected to it. She's been a part of operations at the White House. She led evacuation efforts from the Pentagon daycare during the September 11 attacks. At every turn, she has been dedicated to sticking with her dreams, and she shares her full, inspiring story in this special episode. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

2025's Miss Louisiana Tech University, Hannah Brotherton, is getting ready to crown the next Miss Tech in late January, so she's got a lot to reflect on from her past year of service with the crown. She discusses her "switch flip" moment discovering a knack for coding, how her confidence has grown over her 20 years of pageant competition, and the people and causes that she holds dear in her personal life and in her time representing her university. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech's Director of Broadcasting Kyle Schassburger might be new to the Tech Family, but he's already proven his loyalty to the red and blue by lending his commentary talents to Bulldog sports and buying in to their mission of excellence. In this episode, he talks about growing up listening to some of the broadcasting greats, finding his passion for making big calls, and why Ruston and Louisiana Tech have quickly become home for him. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech's University Communications crew sits down for the annual recap episode to talk through the biggest headlines and highlights of 2025. From a revamped university website to the revival of 1894 Magazine, and from a groundbreaking partnership with Radiance Technologies to a shift to the Sun Belt Conference for LA Tech Athletics, the best stories of the year are here on Beyond 1894. More Louisiana Tech news: latech.edu/news Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Lt. Col Justin Reynold's callsign is "Ragin'." That callsign has followed him here to Louisiana Tech, his alma mater, where he now serves as the Commander of Detachment 305 and a professor of aerospace studies. In this episode, he discusses his foray into the U.S. Air Force and the journey that's taken him from station to station all over the country and beyond. He speaks on the history and prestige in Louisiana Tech's Air Force ROTC unit — Detachment 305 — and he even discusses the merits of high-octane Air Force films like Top Gun. Detachment 305: latech.edu/academics/air-force-rotc/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech's Boris Teske's reputation precedes him: "There's that librarian that's always so hype at the basketball games." Listen to Teske give his firsthand account of finding a love for college athletics and an uncanny knack for often being the loudest, proudest, and rowdiest presence at the Bulldogs' and Lady Techsters' contests year in and year out. He details moving often in his early career before settling in Ruston and discusses why he cares so much about providing academic support in his on-campus role. He shares some insight into his passion for his unofficial theme song ("Jump Around") and provides advice to the next generation so they can show up and show out as Louisiana Tech fans. Louisiana Tech Library: latech.edu/academics/library/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Deputy Athletics Director Gerald Jordan came to Louisiana Tech 11 years ago, and his career in LA Tech Sports has seen him transition from sports medicine to leadership and administration. He is committed to the University and its student-athletes, and the native Tennessean has kept his career goals focused on fostering a culture of community and caring. He discusses the growth he's seen during his time in Tech Athletics, and he talks about upcoming projects that will enhance the department. He shares stories from his early career moves as an athletic trainer, and he expresses his passion for the teamwork that makes the dream work at Louisiana Tech. LA Tech Sports: latechsports.com Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

From Louisiana Tech's Union Board, students Riley Jones (2025 UB President) and Landyn Jones (2025 UB Vice President) join the podcast to share their journeys. Destined to join Union Board from the start, the two of them discuss their passions for planning, creating, and executing events for their fellow Bulldogs. They talk about their philosophies as leaders for the 2025-26 school year, and they give insight into what makes their student organization so special. LA Tech Union Board: theunionboard.com Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

This episode features Dr. Heidi Adams and Dr. Nan Nan from Louisiana Tech University's School of Ag Sciences and Forestry. Dr. Adams discusses the Forestry program's accreditation, its concentrations, and its nearly 100% job placement rate. Dr. Nan highlights her role in teaching wood science and forest products, emphasizing sustainable management and innovative uses for wood waste. They also discuss the Forest Products Innovation Center, which will use mass timber and feature workshops, chemistry labs, and classrooms. Additionally, they mention the upcoming Forest Products Week at Louisiana Tech and the Women in the Woods initiative that encourages female participation in forestry. Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech Project-Based Learning Specialist Ashley Osborne may have roots in the study of film, but she now serves students and faculty in the College of Engineering and Science. She speaks on her love for movies and shares her four favorite films, and she discusses the academic and career choices that led her back to a role at Tech. She gives insight into the formation of the new Staff Senate and her leadership role within, and she shares her joy of lifelong learning. Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Philip Michael Leblanc, an instructor in communication and media studies at Louisiana Tech University, discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching visual communication, including photography, videography, and graphic design. He emphasizes the importance of balancing family, relaxation, and preparation during the school year. Leblanc shares his background in graphic design and his approach to teaching, which involves simplifying concepts for students with varying levels of experience, and he also addresses the impact of AI on creativity, advocating for maintaining a unique design voice. Leblanc highlights the value of travel and real-world experiences in fostering creativity and staying inspired. Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Quebedeaux Pike might be in her first month on the job as the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association's coordinator of marketing and membership, but her journey as a Tech student-athlete is still very fresh in her mind. She spends this episode talking about her decision to attend Tech to run track and field and cross country and how the task of balancing athletics and academics shaped her growth. She discusses finding her interests pursuing marketing, and she shares some insight into her millions of impressions on her personal social media accounts. Louisiana Tech Alumni Association: latechalumni.org Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Leslie Lofton, associate registrar at Louisiana Tech University, discusses her role and the office's busy summer activities, including orientation, transcript processing, and system implementation. She details her journey from Staten Island, NY, to Tech, highlighting her educational progress and career roles, and she talks about the supportive environment at Tech, both in the registrar's office and her close-knit gym group. Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech Orientation Student Leaders Maygen Jackson and Walker Morrow have spent most of the summer getting Tech's latest freshman class acquainted with life on campus. It's a responsibility that is equal parts challenging and fun for the dedicated OSLs. They take some time in this episode to discuss the ins and outs of a week of Orientation, their reasons for pursuing roles as leaders on campus, and how welcoming LA Tech Bulldogs to Ruston has helped them grow. Louisiana Tech First Year Experience on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latechfye/ Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Ryan Ivey, Vice President and Director of Athletics at Louisiana Tech University, discusses the institution's recent acceptance into the Sun Belt Conference, highlighting the benefits of renewed rivalries, geographic proximity, and reduced travel costs. Ivey reflects on his career journey, stressing the importance of leadership, fan engagement, and community connection, and he also outlines ongoing improvement projects and expresses optimism for the upcoming year in LA Tech Sports. Louisiana Tech Athletics: latechsports.com Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond Email: [email protected]

Broadcasters and writers Teddy Allen and Malcolm Butler and historian Chris Kennedy gather together on this episode to discuss the life of Hall of Famer and 50-year Voice of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Dave Nitz, who passed away in June of 2025. The trio talk about the career of "Freeway" Dave, share stories and memories from the broadcaster's legendary run in the booth, and pay a fun and heartfelt tribute to a man whose voice carried into so many hearts of the Bulldog faithful since 1974. Read more: latechsports.com Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond Email: [email protected]

Christiann Bayne, Director of Career Services at Louisiana Tech University, shares her journey from Baton Rouge to Ruston, influenced by her family's background in ministry and journalism. She emphasizes the importance of career services on campus and details the Career Center's resources, including career assessments, resume writing, and the Career Closet, which provides free professional attire. And she focuses on the center's role in building competencies and fostering relationships with alumni and academic partners to enhance Louisiana Tech students' career development. LA Tech Career Center: latech.edu/career-center Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Casey Ingram, director of residential life at Louisiana Tech University, discusses her 20-year involvement with the University. She highlights the importance of housing freshmen on campus, which currently accommodates 75% of the student population. She talks about the housing challenges in the COVID-19 era and the significance of maintaining a personal connection with students and parents, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment at Louisiana Tech. Louisiana Tech Residential Life: latech.edu/life-on-campus/residential-life/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Ben Bergholtz, assistant professor of English at Louisiana Tech University, discusses his journey into academia, his teaching philosophy, and his book "Swallowing a World: Globalization and the Maximalist Novel." He emphasizes the importance of engaging students through high-energy, reflective classes and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Bergholtz highlights the evolution of the English curriculum to include diverse literature and digital humanities, and he also addresses some of the challenges of AI in education. College of Liberal Arts: liberalarts.latech.edu Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Chris Dicus, Louisiana Tech alum and a professor of Wildland Fire and Fuels Management at Cal Poly, talks about his early interest in wildlife and his decision to study at Tech. Dicus shares his career path, including his work on the Black Saturday fires in Australia and the multiple wildfire outbreaks in California. He emphasizes the importance of holistic fire management, involving various disciplines, and the need for resilient community design. He also shares his thoughts on the future of fire science and reasons to be optimistic about a changing world. Forest and Fire Sciences at Cal Poly Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Malcolm Butler, the voice of Louisiana Tech, shares his deep-rooted connection with the University, starting from his childhood memories of the campus. He recounts his journey from a student worker to jobs in sports information, highlighting significant moments like beating Alabama in 1999 and the 2019 softball team's resilience post-tornado. Butler discusses his transition from radio to ESPN+ broadcasting, emphasizing the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, and he reflects on personal and professional challenges, the importance of community, and his enduring passion for Louisiana Tech. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Amy Vessel, director of the Clinical Residency and Recruitment Center at Louisiana Tech, shares her journey from a four-generation education family to her current role. She highlights the TEAM model, which includes mentor teachers and faculty evaluators, and the success of graduates in securing jobs. Vessel emphasizes the importance of finding joy in teaching and the program's goal of producing the state's best teachers. LA Tech CRRC: latechcrrc.org Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Guest host LeAnn Waldroup interviews Dr. Selwyn Ellis, a long-tenured professor and department head at Louisiana Tech University, about his journey and contributions to the institution. He discusses his transition from Mississippi to Louisiana Tech for his doctorate, his role in the Center for Information Assurance, and the evolution of Tech's computer information systems degree. He highlights the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the growing demand for AI and prompt engineers, and Louisiana Tech's rare and hard-earned NSA designation. CIS at Louisiana Tech: business.latech.edu Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Sarah McVay, a leader in Louisiana Tech's Division of Nursing, cares about her work, her patients, and her students with equal fervor. So much so that the Heroes with Heart retreat at MedCamps was born out of a desire to help her future nursing graduates contribute to the community and develop as caregivers. In this episode, she discusses the importance and impact of the Heroes with Heart retreat and shares some insight into Tech's thriving nursing program and the qualified students that come from it. LA Tech Nursing: ans.latech.edu/nursing MedCamps Heroes with Heart: medcamps.org/event/heroes-with-heart Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Calling Jesse Webb a student is true but an understatement. The double-major, double-minor junior has made a habit out of learning, researching, and maximizing his potential. With passions in both physics and music, Webb has zeroed in on his goals in both areas and enjoyed a full plate during his time at Louisiana Tech. In this episode — part of a sequence of episodes that tie into feature stories if the Winter 2025 1894 Magazine — Webb shares his story and gives insight into the mindset that has produced one of Tech's most driven and hardworking students. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Currently the manager of the ExxonMobil refinery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tech alumna Regina Davis has built her career — her whole life, even — on firsts. Most recently, she became the first Black woman to lead the BR refinery, and she spends some time this episode reflecting on the importance and meaning of that role and its personal impact during Black History Month. She discusses finding her interests for engineering early on and the challenges and triumphs of her career. She mentions some Tech faculty that helped her during her journey and spreads some life and career advice throughout her stories. Louisiana Tech College of Engineering & Science: coes.latech.edu Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]