Beyond 1894 features Louisiana Tech University faculty, staff, students, and alumni sharing their personal stories, areas of expertise, and the unique impact they are making in the world around them. Listen and meet the amazing people of our Tech Family.
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Dr. Matthew Thornton, director of the School of Human Ecology and interim department head of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech, discusses his new role and the school's unique programs in human development and family science and fashion merchandising and retail studies. He highlights the new applied behavioral analysis undergraduate certificate, designed to address the growing need for ABA professionals. And he shares his journey from a student at Louisiana Tech to a seasoned mental health professional, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and servant leaders
Fresh off a full summer serving as Orientation Student Leaders, Louisiana Tech juniors Sarah Freeman and Tason Lawrence love the University more than ever. They share their reasons for choosing Tech for college, their reasons for signing up for the tall task of being OSLs, and their reasons for feeling like the campus community is a perfect place to call home. LA Tech FYE on Instagram: instagram.com/latechfye Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu
Justin Kavalir is Louisiana Tech University's associate VP and general counsel, a guiding and protective hand when it comes to institutional litigation. In this episode, he discusses his beginnings in the realm of accounting before deciding to take on law school, his easy choice to make a professional return to Tech, and the complex nature of his day-to-day. He highlights some of the standout cases he's seen in his role and stresses the importance of balancing First Amendment rights with campus safety. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu
Dr. David Szymanski, department chair and professor of Kinesiology at Louisiana Tech, charts the path that began in Chicago as a fine arts major, pivoted, and then took him through the ranks of collegiate baseball coaching. He highlights his transition from a professional baseball hopeful to a "professional professor," his pioneering research in baseball sport performance, and his role in expanding the University's kinesiology programs. He shares his passion for helping students figure out what they want to be when they grow up and gives the reasons why he considers kinesiology a versatile "re
Dr. Leland Weiss, the new-ish dean of the Graduate School and longtime Louisiana Tech engineering professor, discusses his journey that began in Canada, carried him all over the U.S., and eventually landed him at Tech. He highlights his transition from industry to academia, his research focus on waste heat recovery, and his role in supporting graduate programs across the University. He shares his vision for the Graduate School and gives the reasons why he thinks Tech's graduate programs can stack up against any others in the country. Louisiana Tech Graduate School: latech.edu/academics/graduat
Director of Alumni Engagement Leslie Brister Carpenter is proud to have a Louisiana Tech heart. Born and raised in Ruston, she's made a career out of serving the campus and the community and letting her love for the University radiate through all she does. From her time as a student recruiter in college to jobs working with admissions and LA Tech Football, she's worked hard to personify the phrase "Ever Loyal Be" and spends this episode explaining why. Your Tech, Your Town 2026: latechalumni.org Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu
Jamar Anderson, assistant director of internal affairs in Louisiana Tech's Bulldog Success Center, has made a home for himself at the University. From his time as a student taking on leadership positions and finding early work on campus in the office that would later give him a full time job, he's put Tech students first. He talks about his time at Tech and highlights the effectiveness of the Bulldog Success Center in this episode, and he even takes some time to break down his thoughts on the 2026 NBA Finals. Bulldog Success Center on Instagram: instagram.com/latech_bsc Website: 1894.latech.ed
Dr. Mortissa Harvey, director of Title IX compliance at Louisiana Tech University, discusses her role in ensuring the institution adheres to Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and relationships to make the Title IX office a resource rather than a punitive body. She shares her background, including her education at Spelman College and Louisiana Tech, and she reflects on the growth of the Title IX office's visibility and impact over her five years at the University. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu
Sometimes, two Louisiana Tech stories intertwine. Dr. Wyatt Olson and Madison Kaufman have come from very different hometowns and have had very different journeys that have led them to the University, but the crossing of their paths was fate. As the two of them eye their fast-approaching wedding date, they take time to reflect on their careers, their affinity for Louisiana Tech, and the many things they love about each other. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu
Caroline Milford splits her time at Louisiana Tech between the Lambright Sports & Wellness Center and the university's Regal Blues Dance Team. She knows firsthand what it takes to create a good team culture, and she dives in to the essence of that culture as she charts her journey from a Regal Blues dancer at Tech to head coach of the squad. She talks about being drawn to Louisiana Tech and why, even after changing majors and universities, she found her way back to the place she calls home. Regal Blues on Instagram: instagram.com/latech_regalblues Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@l
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: 1894@latech.edu
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-mus
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 fini
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 athletic
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/beyon
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: 1894@latech.edu
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: 1894@latech.edu
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: 1894@latech.edu
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
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 A
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
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: 1894@latech.edu
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 T
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: 1894@latech.edu
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. Le
