Beyond 1894

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]