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]