Let Dr. Heath Tims reintroduce himself in his new engagement-focused role and break down the ideas behind the latest iteration of Louisiana Tech's Homecoming. He discusses the community-focused mindset behind the structure of this year's events, the details of some of the highlights of Homecoming Week, and the goal of the Alumni Association to connect with the Tech Family near and far.

LA Tech Homecoming Events: 1894.latech.edu/homecoming

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Associate Professor Joanna Ward was born into a Louisiana Tech lineage. Ruston, LA was always going to be her first and only choice to pursue her education. It's no surprise, then, that she now dedicates her time to enriching the lives of her students and pushing the health informatics and information programs at Tech further into the future. She discusses her personal journey in the healthcare sector, explains some background info on the HIIM operations at the University, and praises the partnerships that help turn the wheels of the institution she calls home.

HIIM at Louisiana Tech: ans.latech.edu/health-informatics-information-management/

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Gary Kennedy, now the dean of LA Tech's College of Applied and Natural Sciences, is a Tech alum that's been at the University for 27 years. He spends this episode talking about ANS's growth and change over the decades, the special status of programs like nursing, biology, and forestry within the college, and the upcoming Forest Products Innovation Center project that will change the landscape of South Campus forever. He even takes some time to show off his auctioneering talents, a skill he's honed over 40+ years of practice.

The College of Applied & Natural Sciences: ans.latech.edu

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Interviewed by guest host LeAnn Waldroup from the College of Business, Dean Chris Martin recounts the stops in his career that brought him to Louisiana Tech and talks about all things COB. He shares details on the College's sky-high placement rates and the sustained growth and success of their programs. He gets excited about new features and updates within the College (like a café area in the building) and beams with pride when mentioning he'll soon be a grandfather.

The College of Business: business.latech.edu

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Finishing his first full year as dean of the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech, Dr. Collin Wick has his eyes on the future. Even so, a 17+ year history at the University means he's seen and done a lot within the College's walls and beyond. He discusses the early fork in his educational road between music and science, and he recounts the career moves that led to his current role as dean. He shares his excitement about innovative partnerships and the quality of the students that earn their degrees at Tech.

The College of Engineering and Science: coes.latech.edu

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Henrietta Williams Pichon may be a new dean at Louisiana Tech University, but her Bulldog roots run deep. Joining the podcast during her second month on the job, she talks about taking the "scenic route" to explore her love for education and leadership in different parts of the state and country before coming back to Tech. She shares her excitement for the future and part of her vision for the College of Education and Human Sciences, and she hammers home the idea that "Tech is Ruston, and Ruston is Tech."

The College of Education and Human Sciences: education.latech.edu

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Over four years have passed since then-director Karl Puljak was a guest on Beyond 1894. Now, two years into his role as dean of the College of Liberal Arts, he joins the podcast again to talk about his leadership position and his reasons for taking the job. He discusses studying and traveling all over the world before ending up in Ruston and the family ties that have kept him in the city. He mentions co-owning Utility Brewing Company and even shares some insight into his favorite types of beer.

The College of Liberal Arts: liberalarts.latech.edu

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech alum and current Senior Associate AD Kyle Kavanaugh bleeds Tech blue. He's lived through a career that's led him to athletics marketing, but his background in coaching and teaching is what's laid the groundwork for his success. In this episode, he discusses lessons learned from leading and the importance of "the people" in all that he does. He talks about family and managing time, and he gives well-earned props to the team that keeps the wheels turning for LA Tech Sports.

LA Tech Sports: latechsports.com

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

For the special 100th episode of Beyond 1894, Mayor of the City of Ruston Ronny Walker sits down with Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson to discuss the strength of the unique partnership between the city and the University. The two talk about the value of Tech students within the community, the potential for hand-in-hand growth of Tech and Ruston, and why Ruston is a perfect place to pursue an education and live life.

The City of Ruston: Ruston.org

Ruston CVB: RustonLincoln.com

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]

Louisiana Tech Class of 2019 graduate Merix Gooden has more than made a name for himself in the photography and videography scene. He's made connections that have allowed him to put his camera on subjects like star NBA players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and iconic musicians Drake and Lil Wayne. His self-published content has earned him millions and millions of social media views and an ever-growing following of admiring supporters. In this episode, Gooden talks about pursuing his passions and carving his own path as he sets his sights (and his lens) on a promising future.

Merix on Instagram: instagram.com/merixalex/

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: [email protected]