La Louisiane

In her first episode as host of the La Louisiane Podcast, Marcelle Fontenot sits down with Dr. Andy Benoit, vice president for student success at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, to discuss student experience. From recruitment to graduation and beyond, Benoit shares how the University is working to improve their academic journey through Vision 2035, an initiative focused on increasing retention and graduation rates, expanding career readiness and strengthening UL Lafayette’s standing as an R1 research institution. Drawing on his own experience as a first-generation college student, Benoit also reflects on the importance of mentorship, the people who helped shape his journey and his commitment to providing those same opportunities for future Ragin’ Cajuns.

UL Lafayette professor Shelley Ingram explores what Southern gas station food reveals about culture, memory and the everyday places that shape life across the South.

What began as a study of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's iconic live oak trees led to an unexpected scientific discovery. In this episode of La Louisiane, Dr. Brian Schubert and recent chemistry graduate Izzy Lara discuss how undergraduate research, stable carbon isotope analysis and a little scientific curiosity are helping researchers better understand Earth's changing atmosphere.

Jonathan Shirley, programs and operations director at Louisiana Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (LEED) Center, joins La Louisiane to discuss their new space: the REDII Works FabLab.

Chief communications officer Marcelle Fontenot joined La Louisiane for her first interview since making the move from the news anchor desk to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Jake Delhomme, record-setting quarterback and Ragin' Cajuns legend, joins the La Louisiane Podcast to reflect on 30 years since UL Lafayette's iconic win over Texas A&M, his journey from USL to the NFL, and his role as the 2026 Spring Gala honoree.Read a transcript of the conversation. Visit alumni.louisiana.edu for more information about Spring Gala.

The crawfish industry annually contributes more than $300 million to Louisiana’s economy. A research study at UL Lafayette is proving it could also help control invasive carp in Louisiana rivers.

Megan Constantin,KRVS assistant general manager and host of Encore, joined La Louisiane podcast for a conversation about the country Mardi Gras traditions of South Louisiana.

Photographer Philip Gould discusses "Louisiana from the Sky," his latest book capturing aerial perspectives of Louisiana’s landscapes, culture and communities, with La Louisiane magazine.

Both Dr. Michael Martin, Professor of History and Department Head of History, Geography and Philosophy, & Dr. Zachary Stein, Assistant Dean of Technical Services at Edith Garland Dupre Library, are celebrating their publishing of their book on the University's 125th Anniversary.Listen in to hear how this project came about!