Podcasts about Louisiana Tech University

One week ago, the state of Louisiana’s Legislative Auditor’s office released its annual fiscal review of Grambling State University’s athletics program for the year ending June 30, 2025. The school was cited for a few audit irregularities and quickly announced that changes were being made.  That wasn’t the biggest news, though. Grambling’s athletics department lost $5.1 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.  Revenues were reported at $9.2 million versus annual expenses of $14.3 million. In percentage terms, Grambling’s revenue was only 64% of the amount needed to sustain the athletics programs at the current level. Grambling wasn’t the only north Louisiana public university whose athletics spending exceeded revenue last year The same Louisiana Legislative Auditor also filed reports earlier in 2026 for Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Each of these four football-playing state universities located north of Alexandria reported losses in their athletics programs for the year ending June 30, 2025.  Grambling’s massive deficit grabbed the recent news headlines, but there is a troubling commonality among Louisiana public schools not named LSU. Louisiana Tech recently cut an expensive deal (rumored to be in the vicinity of $8 million) in order to exit Conference USA and join the more geographically-suitable Sun Belt Conference. That move may turn out to be prudent for the Bulldogs over the long-term.  Louisiana Tech’s annual travel expenses as part of Conference USA totaled nearly $3.5 million.  Nearby Sun Belt rival UL-Monroe’s travel costs for the same year were $2.3 million.  Louisiana Tech is expected save $1 million or more annually on its travel expenses beginning this fall by moving to the Sun Belt Conference. Let’s look under the hood at each of these four universities’ athletics spending.  We’ll finish with a few common sense (cheap) ideas on how to achieve break-even in the future. Grambling State University – 5,200 students (2024/2025 school year) Grambling is nationally known for its athletics and its exceptional marching band.  It was bit surprising to learn that Grambling’s football program had lost $2.5 million in the most recent year.  That amounted to about 50% of the athletic department’s annual deficit of $5.1 million. The football team’s travel costs of $1.1 million last fall were higher than all three of the other north Louisiana pubic schools. The expense summary also showed nearly $160,000 was spent to cover the costs of the school’s spirit groups (for one or more road trip performances). Grambling’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each posted losses in excess of $900,000 for the most recent year. Grambling (like Northwestern State) participates NCAA’s FCS small college football division.  The G-men play in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Louisiana Tech University – 12,145 students (Fall, 2025) The Bulldogs are based in Ruston.  Louisiana Tech’s campus is less than six miles east of Grambling via Interstate 20.  The Bulldogs have been competing in Conference USA and a part of the NCAA FBS major college football division.  As mentioned earlier, Louisiana Tech moves into the Sun Belt Conference this fall. Audit results for Louisiana Tech’s athletics department last year showed a loss of $11.875 million. Football lost “only” about $1.6 million for the year.  Louisiana Tech’s men’s and women’s basketball teams each ran a deficit of about $700,000 apiece.  Other competitive sports at Louisiana Tech lost another $2.6 million.  The school’s income statement showed “non-program specific” athletic costs with a $6 million shortfall. As noted earlier in this report, Louisiana Tech’s overall travel costs playing in far-flung Conference USA were easily the highest in the group.  The Dogs’ annual total of $3.5 million for travel exceeded Grambling ($2.6 mm), UL-Monroe ($2.3 mm) and Northwestern State (less than $1 million). Northwestern State University – 8,402 students (Fall, 2025) The Demons from Natchitoches, Louisiana came the closest to break-even within its athletics programs among these four state schools.  Northwestern State participates in the NCAA’s FCS small college football division in the regionally-aligned Southland Conference. Northwestern State posted a relatively benign loss of $167,245 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.  The Demons’ men’s basketball program ran the largest deficit at more than $300,000.  The football team came up short by $280,000. Noteworthy, Northwestern State collected nearly $1.5 million in annual student fees to help support athletics.  That was about 10% of the school’s athletics spending.  It was the highest total among these four north Louisiana state schools. University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – 8,678 students (Fall, 2025) Sun Belt Conference member ULM (like Louisiana Tech) competes in the NCAA’s FBS major college football division.  ULM is expecting to benefit from Louisiana Tech’s arrival in the Sun Belt Conference this fall with increased attendance and revenues expected at home games in all major sports. The Warhawks’ athletics budget is the smallest among the NCAA’s 136 FBS major colleges.  ULM’s overall school budget has been prone to massive shortfalls in recent years, too.  That means that ULM’s $1.5 million athletics department loss in fiscal year 2025 is much harder to cover. Audit results showed the UL-Monroe football program lost a whopping $3.8 million in the most recent report.  The Warhawks’ men’s and women’s basketball teams lost a combined $2.5 million.  Ouch! The school’s institutional support has kept the ULM athletics department afloat for years.  Significantly higher fan support for the Warhawks football and basketball programs is needed immediately.  Otherwise, the school may have no other choice but to consider returning to the NCAA FCS small college athletics division. A few suggestions from SwampSwami to achieve fiscal break-even These four north Louisiana state universities are located within 100 miles of each other.  Each school is a very large and important employer in its home city. These state schools must immediately address their athletics spending and move quickly toward achieving fiscal balance.  At the same time, they must also work harder and more creatively to raise sports revenues over the long-term to grow the athletics programs. First things first – Take immediate cost cutting measures – The simplest and fairest way is to voluntarily reduce athletics spending by cutting a certain percentage across the board.  That could come in the form of job reductions or, perhaps, an across-the-board pay cut for staff making more than $30,000 per year.  For example, a 5% mandatory spending reduction in Year 1 may spur some voluntary budget trimming beyond that level.  Yes, this likely means one less assistant coach, one fewer support staffer, one less charter flight, etc.  The athletics departments must take a hard look at streamlining operations.  Learn to do more with less. Refuse to play long-distance road games unless the school earns a significant profit by participating – UL-Monroe’s football team hits the road for at least two “Clobbering Time” payday games every season. They are often paid more than $1 million to play at large universities such as LSU, Texas A&M, and Alabama with huge stadiums.  ULM receives more money from some of these massive “visitor” paychecks than playing a home game in front of a sold-out stadium.  There are also downsides from being on the receiving end of a couple of massive road losses every season, too.  The football team and local fans can become a bit demoralized about the team’s chances for the remainder of the season. Now, let’s try to grow the revenue side with a few cheap ideas Stimulate increased student, alumni, and hometown support – Student and local support for the athletics programs within each of these four communities (Grambling, Ruston, Natchitoches, and Monroe) must improve.  Local fans want to see their sports teams having a chance to win more than they lose.  Identify sports which are cost-effective and give the school the best chance to hang a new (and long overdue) championship banner. Success in any of the major sports at these four schools can go a long way in rejuvenating and expanding the school’s athletic support base. Improve local marketing and promotion – It may sound corny but handing out free tickets to youth at local elementary, junior high school and high schools gets parents and guardians to purchase tickets, too.  A positive game day experience for that youth can plant a valuable seed about attending that college some day.  Each of these four north Louisiana public universities have thousands of empty seats available at football and basketball games.  A purposeful campaign to encourage and engage more youth at nearby college sporting events will pay future dividends. Inject more game day excitement – Utilize the pregame, quarter breaks, halftime, and post-game times to get fans more engaged.  Experiment with creative new (and inexpensive) ideas to keep the game experience fresh for all ages of fans. They will be more likely to return if they are having more fun at the games. Relentlessly promote ahead – There are only a few home football games played each fall.  Make each game special with its own promotion.  There are, perhaps, twenty home basketball, baseball or softball home games, too.  Give thought as to how to make each home game unique for fans. Target every recent (last few years) ticket purchaser by sending a weekly email.  Remind them of the school’s upcoming weekly sports schedule, special promotions, and discounts.  Utilize all types of social media to reach a wider audience to spread the word about upcoming college athletic events and team opponents. Depend on your own athletics staff to get the word out – Sadly, we live in a world with fewer and fewer exceptional local newspapers.  It is incumbent on each school’s athletics department to take an aggressive role in publicizing and promoting all ticket-based sporting events.  Fans want to know about the school’s upcoming games and events, so take the initiative! The post North Louisiana’s College Sports Programs are Underwater appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

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

Show Notes Geographic information systems, remote sensing, and spatial data are becoming everyday tools for forestry and natural resource management. In this episode of Timber University, Dr. Michael Crosby from Louisiana Tech University joins us to discuss how GIS can help foresters, landowners, students, and natural resource professionals better understand forests, make maps, analyze management decisions, and connect field observations to landscape-scale patterns. Dr. Crosby is an Associate Professor in Louisiana Tech's School of Agricultural Sciences and Forestry, where his work connects forestry, spatial modeling, forest health, invasive species, weather, and climate. He has also co-authored Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers, a textbook focused on helping foresters and land managers apply GIS to real-world data and management problems. In this conversation, we discuss why GIS matters in modern forestry and how mapping tools can move beyond "pretty pictures" into practical decision support. Dr. Crosby explains how spatial data can help answer questions about forest condition, access, disturbance, risk, invasive species, and management planning. The episode also touches on how students and working professionals can build confidence with GIS, even if they are not coming from a technical background. We also discuss the growing role of remote sensing, aerial imagery, and spatial analysis in forestry education and practice. From identifying patterns on the landscape to supporting better field decisions, these tools are increasingly important for foresters, land managers, consultants, researchers, and students preparing to work in natural resources. This episode is a useful listen for forestry students, consulting foresters, land managers, extension professionals, GIS users, and anyone interested in how spatial tools are changing the way we understand and manage forests. You can contact Dr. Michael Crosby at mcrosby@LATech.edu Additional resource: Geographic Information System Skills for Foresters and Natural Resource Managers Dr. Crosby co-authored this GIS textbook for foresters and natural resource managers.

So much for playing a (potential) 20-game football season this year for Louisiana Tech University! Bulldogs fans can breathe a rather expensive $8 million sigh of relief after the school and Conference USA have apparently come to terms on a long-awaited exit agreement. This will allow Louisiana Tech to officially begin play in the Sunbelt Conference beginning with this fall’s college football season. The national news media enjoyed a not-that-funny field day making jokes about how Louisiana Tech might play a 20-game schedule this fall.  Conference USA and the Sunbelt Conference each released their football schedules in March which featured the Bulldogs participating in games in both conferences this fall. It started when Conference USA posted a 2026 fall football schedule on March 12 which included Louisiana Tech.  The Bulldogs have been a part of Conference USA since 2013.  However, the school gave notice to C-USA last summer that the Bulldogs intended to leave and join the geographically-closer group of schools in the Sunbelt Conference. Not to be outdone, the Sunbelt Conference released its own 2026 fall football schedule – including Louisiana Tech – the following day on March 13. A quick review of those two football schedules meant that the Bulldogs might have to play a 20-game football schedule this fall! A very creative sportswriter in Shreveport recently came up with a plan where Louisiana Tech could possibly play all 20 games this fall by utilizing a split-squad on a couple of occasions.  With 20 possible football games, the Bulldogs might be able to post the school’s first 10-win season and secure a top bowl invitation! The deal is not official – yet A few news outlets reported Tuesday that Louisiana Tech will open its wallet to pay Conference USA over $8 million to exit the league in order to join the Sunbelt Conference this fall. If you would like some history as to how this began, check out my previous posts here and here.  In recent weeks, Louisiana Tech and Conference USA have been at the negotiation table trying to settle this matter via arbitration. Neither Louisiana Tech nor Conference USA have officially announced this settlement agreement or its terms.  Many negotiated settlements include certain provisions which the two parties are required to keep confidential. We may never know the actual amount or how long Louisiana Tech has to pay it. Given the size of the reported settlement, the smiles seem more likely to be coming from Conference USA and its attorneys as many expected the final amount to be in the range of $4-5 million. What is $8 million worth to Louisiana Tech?  Plenty! The Knight Foundation college athletics database showed Louisiana Tech’s total athletics spending in 2024 was $33 million.  Football amounted to $9 million or 27% of the total. By contrast, Louisiana’s football giant LSU showed athletics spending of $221 million in 2024.  Football expenditures were $60 million of the total. To my surprise, football at LSU consumed the same 27% of the total athletics budget as Louisiana Tech’s. Unlike Louisiana Tech, though, LSU’s expensive athletics program has been turning a profit for decades.  The Ruston-based Bulldogs have gone into the red in several recent years. That’s why Louisiana Tech’s willingness to pay a $8 million price tag to exit Conference USA is a bit surprising. Why did Louisiana Tech agree to pay up? The school’s national reputation was on the line if a deal wasn’t consummated this spring. Conference USA’s agreement with Louisiana Tech had specific requirements which the school had to meet in order to exit the contract before its scheduled termination.  One stipulation involved Louisiana Tech giving a minimum notice (rumored to be 14 months) prior to exiting C-USA.  Another required Louisiana Tech to forfeit two years of its share of C-USA media revenues (estimated to be at least $2 million or more per year). For its part, Louisiana Tech watched as former Conference USA members Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss locked hands and broke away together to join the Sunbelt Conference in 2022. Not only did the exiting trio appear to give less prior notice than Louisiana Tech provided, the word leaked that each party had paid Conference USA about $3 million apiece in order to walk away. It’s quite possible that the leadership at Louisiana Tech expected similar treatment. One thing which most media sources have failed to consider is Conference USA’s current television/media deal with ESPN and CBS Sports Network. The new arrangement began in 2023 – one year after Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss had already walked away. The current media contract may have included a provision to reduce the annual media revenues to C-USA should any of the league’s then-current members (such as Louisiana Tech) leave the conference prior to the end of the latest media contract. Perhaps Conference USA demanded Louisiana Tech to compensate the remaining group of primary Conference USA members for several years of lost media revenues. Even at $8 million, should this be considered a good deal for Louisiana Tech? In the short term, it appears that the proverbial cart got before the horse. The $8 million price tag was a very steep price to pay for a school leaving a declining mid-major athletics conference to join a rising mid-major conference like the Sunbelt. Anyone looking to point fingers should start with Louisiana Tech’s decision makers.  Many openly expressed their desire to join the Sunbelt Conference months ahead of the official announcement last July.  Nearly everyone wanted to see the Bulldogs renew their old rivalries, save significantly on travel expenses, and retain top athlete-students. This fall’s move to the Sunbelt Conference will be a very positive moment for Louisiana Tech athletics.  The $8 million price tag must be amortized over a period of more than just a few years in order to feel better about the short-term financial pain. I have been a long-time critic of Conference USA’s rinky-dink October mid-week college football games.  Bulldogs fans cringed as their Saturday home games were moved to Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday nights during October purely for television. This was done to quench the media’s insatiable desire to show competitive football on television (and reap the advertising benefits) seven nights per week during fall’s pre-Christmas advertising blitz. Sports fans of the ULM Warhawks and Louisiana’s Ragin’ Cajuns will be thrilled to have Louisiana Tech join their athletics conference.  Those two Sunbelt schools will see higher attendance and lower travel costs for all sporting events involving Louisiana Tech beginning this fall. The unfortunate downside of this expensive buyout is whether Louisiana Tech failed to fully understand its existing contract agreement with Conference USA. Someone at the school had to have established a value representing the worst-case scenario of the potential exit costs prior to making a deal to join the Sunbelt Conference.  A good attorney should have flagged the potential worst-case possibilities as well. It appeared that the school expected to make a reasonable exit deal ($3 million) similar to what Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss accomplished in 2022. Last July’s announcement decision by Louisiana Tech to join the Sunbelt Conference “no later than 2027” almost immediately started the clock running on legal fees. Conference USA sued Louisiana Tech in state court months later in November.  Tech countered with their own suit against C-USA in early 2026.  Recent weeks of arbitration and settlement discussions have been ringing up even more legal bills. In the end, Conference USA “won” its $8 million, but that’s about it Nothing against other long-time Conference USA members such as Western Kentucky, Florida International, and Middle Tennessee State, but Louisiana Tech carried the most recognizable national sports footprint in C-USA in recent years. Conference USA will no longer be able to claim the school whose athletics history includes Hall-of-Famers such as football’s Terry Bradshaw and Willie Roaf. The same goes for basketball Hall-of-Famers Karl Malone and women’s point guard-turned-four-time national championship coach Kim Mulkey. Conference USA’s far-flung geography was a big factor in Louisiana Tech’s decision to move to the Sunbelt.  Liberty University in Virginia and the University of Delaware are both more than 1,000 miles northeast of Ruston, Louisiana.  To the west, New Mexico State in Las Cruces is 936 miles away. By contrast, Louisiana Tech will become a member of the Sunbelt Conference Western Division. That means playing intrastate rivals UL-Monroe (35 miles east of Ruston) and UL-Lafayette (185 miles to the south).  Other Sunbelt West partners include Southern Miss in Hattiesburg (240 miles), Arkansas State in Jonesboro (300 miles), South Alabama in Mobile (340 miles) and Troy (440 miles away in southern Alabama). Louisiana Tech Bulldogs sports teams spent $5 million during 2024 on game expenses and travel as a member of Conference USA.  The school could save $1 million or more annually on reduced travel expenses as a member of the Sunbelt Conference Western Division. Louisiana Tech sports fans will now get to enjoy a Saturday, October 10 home college football visit from in-state rival UL-Lafayette. The following week will have the Bulldogs taking a short trip down I-20 to Monroe.  This much-anticipated football game against the ULM Warhawks will fill Monroe’s Malone Stadium on Saturday, October 17. Had the Bulldogs remained in Conference USA, their October football schedule would have included a Thursday night game followed by three consecutive Wednesday night contests.  The league’s annual “made-for-midweek-TV” October schedule would make any serious football program want to leave C-USA at the first opportunity. In all fairness, the move to the Sunbelt wasn’t likely worth $8 million, either. At least this year’s new Sunbelt football schedule (especially during the month of October) will be a nice down payment to build years of renewed fan interest in Louisiana Tech athletics. Go, Dogs, Go! The post Go, Dogs, Go! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Featuring: Sade Frazier, NextGen Committee Member and Attorney at Cahill Gordon & ReindelHost: Landis Barber, Safran Law OfficesIn this episode of Highlight Reel Headlines, host Landis Barber is joined by Sade Frazier of Cahill Gordon & Reindel to break down the sports law headlines from early March. The two begin with the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement, examining the evolution of revenue sharing and player compensation. They then turn to college athletics, where 18 Nebraska football players are challenging the College Sports Commission's rejection of NIL deals. In addition, the episode explores ongoing conference realignment disputes involving Utah Valley University and Louisiana Tech University. From there, Landis and Sade discuss Wisconsin's proposed NIL legislation. Finally, the episode closes with a look at a copyright infringement lawsuit involving an iconic photograph of Pelé, unpacking the potential liability under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Join us as we roll through the headlines!

The traditional March 1 release of the Sunbelt Conference fall football schedule has been delayed. According to one source, the league is waiting for incoming new member Louisiana Tech University to resolve its legal issues with its current affiliate, Conference USA. The Sunbelt Conference lost Texas State University to the Mountain West Conference beginning this fall.  That leaves a vacancy in the Sunbelt’s Western Division. That’s where Louisiana Tech was expected to step-in this fall. Except… The Bulldogs from Ruston, Louisiana remain in a legal “dog house” with their long-time partner, Conference USA. Until that issue is solved in the courthouse or out in the hallways with a big sack of cash, Louisiana Tech’s predicament has other members of the Sunbelt Conference twiddling their thumbs waiting for a final resolution. The Sunbelt Conference currently has 14 members.  Seven schools are in the Eastern Conference and seven are currently in the West.  However, Texas State is bolting for the Mountain West after baseball season ends. That leaves just six teams in the West if Louisiana Tech is unable to work out a suitable exit deal with Conference USA soon. The Sunbelt Conference wants to avoid having an “unbalanced” schedule in 2026 with seven East teams and only six in the West if Louisiana Tech doesn’t come aboard this fall. What a mess!  How did we get here? On July 15, 2025, a big celebration in Ruston was held announcing that Louisiana Tech was moving from Conference USA to the Sunbelt Conference no later than the fall of 2027.  The expectation was (and still is) that a deal could be reached with Conference USA which would allow Louisiana Tech to begin Sunbelt play this fall in 2026. As of today, neither Conference USA nor the Sunbelt Conference have released their 2026 football schedules.  That’s because no one knows where Louisiana Tech will be playing football and other sports beginning this fall. The Bulldogs joined Conference USA in 2013.  This rather far-flung conference was considered (at the time) to be a good fit. Prominent C-USA members in 2013 included UAB, Florida Atlantic, Marshall University, UNC-Charlotte, North Texas, Rice University, Old Dominion, Southern Miss, and UT-San Antonio. Every one of those nine schools has vacated C-USA in the past four years to join either the American Athletic Conference or the Sunbelt Conference. The University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP) will become yet another major defection from C-USA beginning this fall.  The Miners (members of Conference USA since 2005) are joining the Mountain West Conference (like Texas State of the Sunbelt Conference). Why did all of those teams leave C-USA? The television and media revenue offered by other conferences was substantially more than Conference USA’s most recent media contract to pay to its member schools. A majority of Louisiana Tech’s athletic supporters are ready to skedaddle from Conference USA’s geographically expansive league as quickly as possible. C-USA has added schools in recent years such as Liberty University (Lynchburg, Virginia – 1,000 miles from Ruston, LA) and the University of Delaware (1,321 miles each way from Ruston). Joining the Sunbelt Conference will allow Louisiana Tech to renew regional rivalries with UL-Monroe (35 miles via I-20), UL-Lafayette (185 miles south of Ruston), and even Southern Miss (240 miles to the southeast in Hattiesburg).  The travel savings for Louisiana Tech (along with the other Sunbelt schools) will be substantial across all sports. But… Athletic conferences and member schools sign long-term affiliation contracts which require a minimum notice period along with a hefty exit fee to allow the school to leave before the primary term ends. A payment of several million dollars for early termination is likely required for Louisiana Tech to leave Conference USA. With so many other universities bolting from Conference USA in recent years, the conference has pocketed millions in early exit fees.  They should be able to afford the finest attorneys to protect their best interests in court, if necessary. The other teams’ departures have left Louisiana Tech as one of C-USA’s top remaining draws. Conference USA appears to have no financial incentive to budge when it comes to allowing Louisiana Tech out of its contract. The Bulldogs’ departure could significantly diminish the current media value of Conference USA’s contract with its TV partners. C-USA signed a five-year media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN beginning in the fall of 2023.  That new media deal was signed around the same time that three former C-USA members (Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss) negotiated their own early exit deal to join the Sunbelt Conference in 2023. What if Conference USA’s current media deal calls for a payment reduction if one of its primary institutions (such as Louisiana Tech) left during the term of that contract? Keep that in mind as this game plays out. Then there is the issue of prior notice required to leave Conference USA According to previous reports, Conference USA’s agreement with Louisiana Tech required 14 months prior written notice.  Since Tech gave C-USA notice on or about July 15, 2025, that 14 month period will not be satisfied until September 15, 2026 (a few weeks into the 2026 football season). Most major college football conferences allow their teams to open with a series of non-conference opponents. Last fall, both the Sunbelt Conference and Conference USA member schools did not play their first conference game until Week #4 (Saturday, September 20, 2025). Based on this year’s calendar, Louisiana Tech could, conceivably, begin as a Sunbelt member in time for Week #4 on Saturday, September 26, 2026. But then… Conference USA surprised Louisiana Tech by filing a lawsuit in the state of Louisiana in November, 2025. The lawsuit asserted that Louisiana Tech misled Conference USA by intentionally delaying its exit announcement (mid-July, 2025) until after the school had already cashed its annual media revenue check from C-USA paid in late June. In addition to providing 14 months prior notice to leave, Louisiana Tech’s contract with Conference USA apparently called for the school to forfeit its share of media revenue (estimated at $3 to $4 million annually) for two years. Conference USA claims that Louisiana Tech (theoretically knowing that it was planning to leave C-USA) erred by accepting and cashing the late June media check. Are you confused enough yet? There has been very little news since Conference USA filed that lawsuit in November, 2025.  One local news outlet reported in mid-January that “conversations remain ongoing between C-USA and Louisiana Tech on a negotiated exit fee settlement”. That sounds nice, but we’re now into the month of March. The Sunbelt Conference football schedule remains on hold.  Conference USA’s football schedule has not been published yet, either.  However, Louisiana Tech’s logo remains firmly atop the C-USA athletics page banner even today. Conference USA is in no hurry to resolve this issue.  The conference “wins” if Louisiana Tech is forced to remain a part of the league (and part of its media agreement) through the 2026-2027 athletics year. Some good news and bad news Conference USA allowed the trio of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss to exit prior to the start of the 2023 football season after they provided less than 12 months’ prior notice.  The three schools were able to negotiate a financial settlement with C-USA and left for greener pastures. That would seem encouraging to supporters of Louisiana Tech’s exit – even at this late hour. However, the departure of Marshall, Old Dominion, and Southern Miss came around the same time that C-USA’s was signing its new media deal with CBS Sports Network and ESPN. Louisiana Tech has been playing football in the major college division since 1987. It is now a nationally known sports brand. Conference USA likely touted Louisiana Tech as one of its (pardon my pun again) “big dogs” in the league’s new media package starting in 2023. There is a chance that implications with C-USA’s media contract may (or may not) become another snag in the negotiations between the conference and Louisiana Tech. Conference USA can afford to wait this game out.  They have no reason to budge anytime soon. Louisiana Tech has a tough and expensive business decision to make It can opt to pony-up and pay a ransom to exit Conference USA to join the Sunbelt this fall. This might involve the school’s major athletics donors, bankers, and (perhaps) even a Sunbelt Conference “angel” to help finance a loan to be paid-back through future Sunbelt media revenues. Or Louisiana Tech can say that the early exit price being asked by C-USA was simply too high.  Fans and alumni (like me) would be disappointed in having to wait until 2027 to begin Sunbelt Conference play in football.  Future Sunbelt intrastate foes like UL-Monroe and UL-Lafayette will also lose by such a delay. It’s time to make a deal – or not – quickly. We can handle the truth! The post Louisiana Tech – Who’ll Let the Dogs Out? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

In this week's episode of the Xtalks Life Science Podcast, host Ayesha Rashid, Senior Life Science Journalist at Xtalks, spoke with Andrea Wilkinson, Global Head of Patient Engagement & Advocacy, Epilepsy & Neuromuscular at UCB, a company dedicated to developing solutions for autoimmune and neurological conditions, including epilepsy. The company has a growing commitment to addressing unmet needs in rare neurological diseases and underserved patient populations. With fewer than 5% of clinical trials including pregnant women, major knowledge gaps persist, particularly for women with epilepsy. In this episode, we look at new research that used social media listening across several countries to uncover treatment fears, uncertainty and barriers women face during pregnancy and motherhood, and what must change to better support informed decision-making. While epilepsy is not considered a rare disease, epilepsy in pregnancy represents a small, clinically complex population that faces unique risks and persistent care gaps. Andrea is a biotech and health tech executive who has led strategic product launches for over 30 breakthrough biopharmaceutical therapies. Focused on improving outcomes for patients, particularly in rare diseases, she has worked with early- to late-stage launch teams at AstraZeneca/MedImmune, Takeda and Sanofi Pasteur. She develops platform tools, stakeholder roadmaps and patient-centered advocacy campaigns to support first-in-class medicines and address access, reimbursement, regulatory and commercial barriers. Andrea is also an angel investor with Pipeline Angels and serves on the boards of Project Open Hand and the HBA Pacific Region. She holds a BA from Louisiana Tech University. Tune in to learn more about the unmet needs, challenges and advancements in the rare disease and epilepsy spaces. For more life science and medical device content, visit the Xtalks Vitals homepage. https://xtalks.com/vitals/ Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: https://twitter.com/Xtalks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xtalks/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xtalks.Webinars/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtalks-webconferences YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/XtalksWebinars/featured

Alexa Garcia, the Lead Florida Complex Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Houston Astros. Now entering her fifth season in professional baseball, Alexa has specialized in elite athlete development, a touch of rehabilitation, and long-term performance optimization. Prior to her current role, she served two seasons as the Rehabilitation Strength & Conditioning Coordinator with the Astros, was the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Barry University, where she helped lead multiple programs to NCAA national championships, and also spent time as a strength coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization.Alexa holds a Master's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Performance from Louisiana Tech University, is a CSCS with RSCC distinction, and is a Colombian native, which allows her to bridge the communication gap with Spanish-speaking athletes.Recognized as the 2021 MiLB Strength Coach of the Year, and most recently named the Strength Coach for Team Colombia for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Alexa is known for blending high-level strength & conditioning principles with traditional baseball “feel,” and for her passion in mentoring the next generation of coaches.Topics covered in this episode:-Collaboration and autonomy in programming-Working in rehab and her new role-Advice for others on how to find success-Continuing education resourcesQuotes:-"Rehab taught me a lot of patience" (7:12)-"I genuinely feel like you'll always love this job if you love the game of baseball" (15:48)-"I think in this profession network, network, network is number one" (17:24)If you would like to learn more from Alexa, you can connect with her on social media:Instagram:@alexaa_garciaa

On today's episode of the Illumination by Modern Campus podcast, podcast host Shauna Cox was joined by Joshua Chovanec to discuss how the long-standing perception of higher education as slow-moving masks the real drivers of change, and how intentional accountability turns complexity into momentum.

Alexa Garcia, the Lead Florida Complex Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Houston Astros. Now entering her fifth season in professional baseball, Alexa has specialized in elite athlete development, a touch of rehabilitation, and long-term performance optimization. Prior to her current role, she served two seasons as the Rehabilitation Strength & Conditioning Coordinator with the Astros, was the Director of Strength & Conditioning at Barry University, where she helped lead multiple programs to NCAA national championships, and also spent time as a strength coach in the Baltimore Orioles organization.Alexa holds a Master's degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sports Performance from Louisiana Tech University, is a CSCS with RSCC distinction, and is a Colombian native, which allows her to bridge the communication gap with Spanish-speaking athletes.Recognized as the 2021 MiLB Strength Coach of the Year, and most recently named the Strength Coach for Team Colombia for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Alexa is known for blending high-level strength & conditioning principles with traditional baseball “feel,” and for her passion in mentoring the next generation of coaches.Topics covered in this episode:-Her journey to her current role-Valuable lessons in leadership-Her best baseball storyQuotes:-"I love strength and conditioning. I love baseball. But I also love leadership and helping develop the people around me" (6:36)-"One thing that I will always keep neat and clean is my LinkedIn" (17:59)-"I really pride myself when it comes to leadership on preparing those underneath or learning from me" (20:05)If you would like to learn more from Alexa, you can connect with her on social media:Instagram:@alexaa_garciaa

Send Bidemi a Text Message!In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde spoke with Bruce Johnson of TekStream Solutions to unpack how the Whole of State initiative—with the Louisiana State University, Splunk, and Amazon Web Services—is turning classrooms into 24/7, student-powered SOCs that launch graduates into mid-level roles. With nearly four decades in IT security, Bruce shares how opening the door to any discipline builds stronger teams and real-world readiness. How do these student SOCs keep organizations safe while students learn? What does a typical shift and escalation look like? Can a philosophy or nursing major really become an analyst? How is success measured—placements, detection speed, or something else? Where does AI help without replacing humans? And what changed as the model expanded to New Jersey Institute of Technology and Louisiana Tech University?Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from Black Rifle Coffee Company, a veteran-founded coffee brand roasting premium beans for people who love a strong start to the day. From bold blends to convenient ready-to-drink cans, Black Rifle Coffee keeps you fueled for whatever's ahead. Check them out at blackriflecoffee.com.Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from GymShark, performance apparel designed for people who take their training seriously. With gym-ready fits that move with you, GymShark helps you stay focused from warm-up to cooldown. Explore their latest drops at gymshark.com.Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from Uncommon Goods, an online marketplace filled with unique, independently made gifts. From clever gadgets to handcrafted home goods, Uncommon Goods helps you find something thoughtful for everyone on your list. Learn more at uncommongoods.com.Support the show

Maria Winn-Ratliff, The Leadership Playbook's 2023-2024 Coach of the Year and head softball coach at Trinity Valley CC, appeared on the "Coachable Coach" series of the SUCCESS IS A CHOICE PODCAST NETWORK and talked with host Jamy Bechler Time Stamps 1:16 - Definition of Success 2:18 - Grown as a coach 3:20 - Connecting with "kids these days" 5:24 - Trusting the Process 8:43 - Challenges overcome or mistakes made throughout career 18:59 - Bouncing back from adversity 24:11 - Recommended books Coach Winn has won 850+ games in her career at Trinity Valley CC, Tyler Junior College, Western Nebraska CC, Galveston College, and Louisiana Tech University. She has earned conference coach of the year honors 10 different times.  Her 2025 Trinity Valley team set a school record with a 50-14 record.   BIO: https://www.tvccsports.com/sports/sball/coaches/Maria_Winn-Ratliff?view=bio  TWITTER: @CoachMariaWinn  - - - - "The Coachable Coach" series on the Success is a Choice Podcast Network goes beyond the X's and O's as Jamy Bechler talks with some of the best sports coaches. Jamy talks with coaches who value growth, improvement, and leadership – not just with their athletes but for themselves, as well. They believe that a strong culture doesn't just happen by accident. Good coaches may know the X's and O's, the tactics, and strategies that should lead to winning BUT great coaches know their athletes. Great coaches go beyond the X's and O's. Great coaches know how to inspire their athletes to do their best and maximize their chances for success. – – – – Jamy Bechler is the author of nine books including The Captain and The Bus Trip, host of the Success is a Choice Podcast, professional speaker, and trains organizations on creating championship cultures. He previously spent 20 years as a college basketball coach and administrator. The Leadership Playbook is Bechler's online program that helps athletes become better teammates and more positive leaders while strengthening a team's culture. As a certified John Maxwell leadership coach, Bechler has worked with businesses and teams, including the NBA. Follow him on Twitter at @CoachBechler. To connect with him via email or find out about his services, please contact speaking@CoachBechler.com

Dance On this weeks episode of the Coach Me Up podcast hosts Jimmy Dykes and Chris Burke are joined by Debbie Williamson, former 2 sport athlete at Louisiana Tech University, college basketball, softball and volleyball coach, and current supervisor of officials for women's basketball in the ACC. Debbie tells a powerful testimony about Gods faithfulness when we are faithful in the small things, choosing selfless peace over her own life dreams, and what God says about work and how we are to go about it as a follower of Jesus. Get coached up by a great leader of people and a story about grit, integrity, and a heart that has seen Gods faithfulness in her life. Debbie Williamson joins us for a great conversation.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••As always we thank our title sponsor OneCountry.com for making this podcast possible, and to Konexial.com for their continued support of our podcast.COACH ME UP TEAM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OneCountry.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Konexial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Twitter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@CoachJimmyDykes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ChrisBurke02⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Hosted by Jimmy Dykes and Chris BurkeProduced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jared Mark Fincher⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All audio is subject to copyright 2025 Jimmy Dykes Inc.Contact us at coachmeuppodcast@gmail.com

This week Clint talks to Kayla Kinnebrew.  Kayla is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a strong foundation in nursing and over a decade of clinical experience. She earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana Tech University and later completed my Master of Science in Nursing at Northwestern State University, specializing as a PMHNP.   Before entering advanced practice, Kayla spent 11 years as a registered nurse, with most of her career in the fast-paced environment of the emergency department. This experience gave her the opportunity to care for individuals from all walks of life, deepening her understanding of the diverse needs and challenges people face when it comes to mental health.   Kayla provides compassionate and comprehensive psychiatric services to adults, including assessment, diagnosis, and medication management for a variety of mental health conditions. She believes in a collaborative approach to care—partnering with each client to create individualized treatment plans that incorporate both medication and supportive counseling. Kayla's passion lies in helping clients find balance and renewed hope through integrated, person-centered mental health care.    

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: 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. Leblanc highlights the value of travel and real-world experiences in fostering creativity and staying inspired. Website: https://1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

What does it really mean for a church to be “healthy”? In this episode, Loren sits down with Chad Brooks—United Methodist congregational vitality strategist and author of Is My Church Healthy? Drawing on his years of experience as a church planter, pastor, and denominational leader, Brooks challenges common assumptions about growth and health. He unpacks why stability must come before vitality, how to measure what truly matters, and why small congregations often carry unique strengths that larger ones overlook. With both encouragement and practical tools, Brooks equips pastors, leaders, and laypeople to discern their next faithful step. Whether you lead a large church or a normal-sized one, this conversation will help you reimagine what vitality looks like in today's context. Key Points: Why size doesn't determine health—and how small churches can thrive The four stages of congregational life: unstable, stable, vital, and sustainable How to right-size ministries instead of copying “the big church down the street” Why tracking data isn't impersonal but essential to caring for people The difference between mercy, justice, mission, and evangelism—and why churches must reclaim their distinct call How COVID acted as a “reset button” for many congregations Chad Brooks is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and currently serves on the staff of The Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church as the Congregational Vitality Strategist. He lives in central Louisiana with his wife of 20 years Meredith. Chad is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and Asbury Theological Seminary. Chad grew up in the church as the son of an SBC Pastor and has spent his career working in all aspects of church, from Technical Production Director of churches and a major Seminary, to a pastor of established churches and church plants. He has stewarded the Productive Pastor Community for 20 years and it equally passionate about seeing revival as he is about resourcing Pastors in all aspects of healthy ministry. When not reading and thinking about the Church, he enjoys practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and being in the outdoors at his hunting camp.   Mentioned Resources:

Trevor Fortier brings strong credentials and incredible ambition to an instrumental role on the campus of Louisiana Tech University. He is the President of the Student Government Association. The Mandeville native outlines his intentions for this 2025-26 academic & athletic year in helping to further strengthen the collaborative efforts on campus between the general student population & student-athletes at Tech. Fortier reveals specific details while also future endeavors that intend to build upon an already growing collaborative effort between both parties. He's an also a man of impeccable style, further illustrated by an immaculate mustache that rivals that of the podcast's host.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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: 1894@latech.edu

Lisa (Elizabeth) Joyce Freeman serves as a Senior Advisor in the School of Medicine at Stanford University. She administratively supports the Stanford Medicine Center for Improvement. The goal of the Stanford Medicine Center for Improvement is to become the best at getting better Inspiring and accelerating the delivery of consistent, excellent care across Stanford Medicine measured by performance improvement in Safety, Quality, Patient Experience, and Cost Reduction (Collectively=Value) from today's baseline and ultimately developing a reputation as a national leader, to which others look for inspiration and as an educational resource. From 2001 through 2016, she was the Chief Executive Officer of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). VAPAHCS is a $900M, 800 - bed federal health care system with three inpatient divisions and seven outpatient clinics serving 90,000 Veterans in 10 counties in Northern California. It is affiliated with Stanford University School of Medicine, has the second-largest research enterprise in VA ($58M), trains 1500 residents, internsand students yearly and is home to every specialized Veteran treatment modality offered in the VA system. She was responsible for all administrative and clinical aspects of VA Palo Alto, including strategy and master planning for facilities. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration degree from Louisiana Tech University. She is a licensed professional engineer and a Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives. She is the recipient of two Presidential Rank Awards, one at the meritorious level and the second at the distinguished level.Link to claim CME credit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3DXCFW3CME credit is available for up to 3 years after the stated release dateContact CEOD@bmhcc.org if you have any questions about claiming credit.

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: 1894@latech.edu

The field for New Orleans' fall elections is now set, and there were a few last-minute surprises before the candidate filing deadline. The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist Stephanie Grace joins us to break down the crowded field of candidates. Last week, the National Federation of the Blind National Convention came to New Orleans. The convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world, and it offers  training, support, networking and more to people from all over the country who are blind.Edward Bell was one of the guests that many were excited to meet. Bell is the director of Professional Development and Research at the Institute on Blindness at Louisiana Tech University. He joins us to talk about  his life and his mission to create more employment opportunities for the blind.According to the National Registry of Exonerations, more than 80 people in Louisiana have been exonerated after being wrongfully convicted.  Calvin Duncan is among them. While he faced his trial, and as he spent 28 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, Duncan started to learn everything he could about the law to fight for his freedom and the freedom of fellow inmates.Duncan and co-author Sophie Cull tell his story in the new book, "The Jailhouse Lawyer." The Gulf States Newsroom's Kat Stromquist spoke to them about the memoir. ___Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!  Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

It finally happened this week. Louisiana Tech University held a news conference at 3PM this afternoon to officially accept an… The post A Sunbelt Reunion for Louisiana Tech, ULM, and the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Dr. Selwyn Ellis, the Bosley Whitmore Endowed Professor and head of the Department of Computer Information Systems at Louisiana Tech University, engages in a profound conversation with hosts Craig Van Slyke and Thomas Stafford regarding the establishment and maintenance of cybersecurity research and education programs that adhere to national standards. The dialogue reveals the multifaceted nature of achieving designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, thus highlighting the rigorous accreditation processes that validate the quality of education delivered. Dr. Ellis elaborates on the collaborative efforts required across various departments within the university, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to cybersecurity education that encompasses not only technical skills but also behavioral aspects essential for understanding the human factors influencing security practices. The discussion further explores the curriculum offered by the Louisiana Tech Center for Information Assurance, which includes essential courses such as disaster recovery, risk analysis, and principles of information assurance. These programs are designed to prepare students comprehensively for careers in cybersecurity, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the growing complexities of the cyber threat landscape. Dr. Ellis notes that graduates from these programs are well-positioned for employment across diverse sectors, underscoring the value of a rigorous academic foundation in enhancing their career prospects. The episode also touches upon the significance of research in cybersecurity, as Dr. Ellis and the hosts discuss the role of faculty in guiding students toward impactful research endeavors that contribute to the field's advancement. As the conversation progresses, the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) on cybersecurity education come to the forefront. Dr. Ellis articulates the need for educational institutions to adapt their curricula to incorporate AI-driven methodologies, preparing students to navigate both the opportunities and challenges presented by these advancements. The dialogue culminates in a call to action for industry partners to engage with educational institutions, fostering collaboration that enriches the learning experience and ensures a robust pipeline of skilled cybersecurity professionals ready to meet the demands of an evolving landscape. This episode encapsulates the essence of proactive engagement between academia and industry, reinforcing the critical role that well-structured educational programs play in shaping the future of cybersecurity.Takeaways: The Cyberways podcast aims to translate academic knowledge into practical applications for security professionals, addressing the crucial need for accessible cybersecurity education. Dr. Selwyn Ellis, our esteemed guest, has extensive experience in establishing cybersecurity research centers certified by the US Government, showcasing his expertise in this critical field. Louisiana Tech University uniquely holds dual certifications as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and Research, reflecting the institution's commitment to rigorous cybersecurity education and research. The importance of continuous certification and rigorous program reviews every five years ensures that our cybersecurity curriculum meets national standards set by the NSA and Homeland Security. Our graduates possess a competitive advantage in the job market due to their comprehensive training and knowledge in cybersecurity, making them attractive to employers in various industries. The evolving landscape of cybersecurity education is increasingly influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence, which presents both challenges and...

Louisiana Tech University's invitation to join the Sunbelt Conference did not appear a week ago as many interested parties had… The post Welcome to the Sunbelt Conference Beauty Pageant! appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

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: 1894@latech.edu

Full disclosure – Ol' SwampSwami earned an M.B.A. from Louisiana Tech University in 1981. This is not the first time… The post Will Louisiana Tech (Re)join the Sunbelt Conference? appeared first on SwampSwamiSports.com.

Our health and the health of our soil are deeply intertwined. Modern agriculture has become heavily dependent on synthetic inputs and industrial practices that strip the land of vitality, and the farmers of agency. Many farmers no longer eat what they grow, suffer from poor health, and experience alarming rates of depression and suicide. But there's a path forward: regenerative farming not only restores soil health and increases nutrient density in food, it also revitalizes rural communities and offers economic resilience. By reconnecting with natural systems and rebuilding diversity in our soil, food, and microbiomes, we reclaim both ecological balance and human well-being. In this episode, I discuss, along with Allen Williams, Dr. Daphne Miller, and Ian Somerhalder the many facets of modern-day farming, including what we need to pay attention to and why we need to reclaim our soil. Allen Williams is a founding partner of Understanding Ag, LLC and the Soil Health Academy, and is a partner in Joyce Farms, Inc. He has consulted with more than 4,000 farmers and ranchers in the US and other countries, on operations ranging from a few acres to over 1 million acres. Allen and his partners pioneered many of the early regenerative agriculture principles and practices and now teach those to farmers globally. He is a “recovering academic,” having served 15 years on the faculty at Louisiana Tech University and Mississippi State University teaching genetics and physiology. Allen has been featured in the Carbon Nation film series, Soil Carbon Cowboys, on the Dr. Oz show, ABC Food Forecast News, and in Kiss The Ground, A Regenerative Secret, The Farmer's Footprint film series, and the Sacred Cow film series.  Dr. Daphne Miller is a practicing family physician, Clinical Professor at the University of California San Francisco, and Founder of the Health from the Soil Up Initiative. She is the author of two books: The Jungle Effect: Healthiest Diets from Around the World and Farmacology: Total Health from the Soil Up. A pioneer in the “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” initiative, Miller helped build linkages between our medical system and our park system and writes her patients “park prescriptions” to get outdoors. She also developed a soil learning lab for health professionals at Paicines Ranch in Hollister California. Ian Somerhalder is an American actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Best known for his iconic roles on "Lost" and "The Vampire Diaries," he is co-founder of The Absorption Company (a revolutionary supplement company formulated for increased absorption) and co-owner of Brother's Bond Bourbon. His recent work includes executive producing the documentary "Common Ground" (2023), which highlights regenerative agriculture's innovative solutions to combat climate change. This episode is brought to you by BIOptimizers. Head to bioptimizers.com/hyman and use code HYMAN10 to save 10%. Full-length episodes can be found here: Can Regenerative Agriculture Reverse Climate Change And Chronic Disease? Why Your Health Depends on the Soil Why Our Farms Hold the Key to a Healthier Future

Casey Ingram, director of residential life at Louisiana Tech University, discusses her 20-year involvement with the University. She highlights the importance of housing freshmen on campus, which currently accommodates 75% of the student population. She talks about the housing challenges in the COVID-19 era and the significance of maintaining a personal connection with students and parents, ensuring a supportive and welcoming environment at Louisiana Tech. Louisiana Tech Residential Life: latech.edu/life-on-campus/residential-life/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

Dr. Ben Bergholtz, assistant professor of English at Louisiana Tech University, discusses his journey into academia, his teaching philosophy, and his book "Swallowing a World: Globalization and the Maximalist Novel." He emphasizes the importance of engaging students through high-energy, reflective classes and the need for interdisciplinary approaches. Bergholtz highlights the evolution of the English curriculum to include diverse literature and digital humanities, and he also addresses some of the challenges of AI in education. College of Liberal Arts: liberalarts.latech.edu Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

Guest host LeAnn Waldroup interviews Dr. Selwyn Ellis, a long-tenured professor and department head at Louisiana Tech University, about his journey and contributions to the institution. He discusses his transition from Mississippi to Louisiana Tech for his doctorate, his role in the Center for Information Assurance, and the evolution of Tech's computer information systems degree. He highlights the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the growing demand for AI and prompt engineers, and Louisiana Tech's rare and hard-earned NSA designation. CIS at Louisiana Tech: business.latech.edu Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

This week Clint speaks with Christy Goodwin. Christy joined the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home & Family Ministries staff in May 2019 as a Foster Care and Adoption Specialist for the Shreveport region. In May 2024, Christy was appointed as Connect1Child Director of Foster Care & Adoption Services. Christy received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Louisiana Tech University and a Master of Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University. Christy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in foster care and adoption. She and her family also had the opportunity to serve as foster parents in Orleans Parish while her husband attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Christy is passionate about individuals, families, churches and organizations working together to respond to the current foster care crisis. When asked about her favorite part of her job, Christy said, "When a gospel-centered person or family answers the call to foster, I love seeing their friends, families and church members wrap around them with practical support and prayer. With Connect1Child, no one fosters alone."    Handles:  Facebook: @connect127.org Instagram: @connect1childlbch Website: www.connect1child.org

In Episode 122 of White Canes Connect, listeners revisit the 2024 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Erie, featuring Danielle Lubiner's insightful presentation, "Braille: The Language of the Blind." Danielle, an accomplished educator and advocate, shared her journey from special education teaching to becoming a Braille expert, emphasizing the vital role of early intervention and daily Braille instruction. Drawing on her experiences at Louisiana Tech University and the Louisiana Center for the Blind, Danielle highlighted the need for high expectations, collaboration among educators, and a Braille-rich environment at home and school. Her approach includes teaching Braille using natural contractions and integrating literacy skills into students' daily routines. She stressed that Braille literacy starts at home, supported by tactile learning, family involvement, and evidence-based strategies. Danielle also addressed systemic challenges, advocating for inclusive practices, ongoing professional development, and equitable resources for blind students. Her presentation inspired attendees to champion Braille literacy and foster success for blind individuals in education and beyond. Mark your calendars for the 2025 NFB of Pennsylvania State Convention in Harrisburg, November 13–16, and stay connected with White Canes Connect for updates and opportunities. Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/122  An Easy Way to Help the NFB of PA Support the NFB of PA with every purchase at White Cane Coffee Company by going to https://www.whitecanecoffee.com/ref/nfbp. When you use that link to purchase from White Cane Coffee, the NFB of PA earns a 10% commission! Share the link with your family and friends! Listen to Erin and Bob Willman from White Cane Coffee on episode 072 of White Canes Connect. Donate to the NFB of PA If you want to donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit https://www.NFBofPA.org/give/. We Want to Hear Your Story Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at (267) 338-4495 or at whitecanesconnect@gmail.com. Follow White Canes Connect Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast 

This episode has a history that winds like a West Texas border road.  My guests are the Brothers Elmore, and we originally recorded it in April but one of the tracks went bad.  So finally at the end of our collective academic semesters, we once again discussed No Country for Old Men, speculating about its origins, its commentary on neo-liberalism, the film adaptation, and how some critics tried to read the author through the novel.  Twin brothers, the Elmores collaborate on their work on McCarthy.  Jonathan Elmore is Associate Professor of English at Louisiana Tech University and the Managing Editor of Watchung Review.. He is the editor of Fiction and the Sixth Mass Extinction: Narrative in an Era of Loss (Lexington) and co-author of An Introduction to African and Afro-Diasporic Peoples and Influences in British Literature and Culture before the Industrial Revolution (ALG). His scholarship has been published in The Cormac McCarthy Journal, Mississippi Quarterly, The British Fantasy Society Journal, Orbit, The Journal of Liberal Arts and Humanities, and The Criterion, among others.    Thanks as well to Thomas Frye, who composed, performed, and produced the music for READING MCCARTHY.  The views of the host and his guests do not necessarily reflect the views of their home institutions or the Cormac McCarthy Society, although in our hearts we hope that like Hank Williams they will someday see the light.  Download and follow us on Apple, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts.  If you're agreeable it'll help us if you provide favorable reviews on these platforms.  If you enjoy this podcast you may also enjoy the GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL PODCAST, hosted by myself and Kirk Curnutt. To contact me, please reach out to readingmccarthy(@)gmail.com.  The website is readingmccarthy.buzzsprout.com.Support the showStarting in spring of 2023, the podcast began accepting minor sponsorship offers to offset the costs of the podcast. This may cause a mild disconnect in earlier podcasts where the host asks for patrons in lieu of sponsorships. But if we compare it to a very large and naked bald man in the middle of the desert who leads you to an extinct volcano to create gunpowder, it seems pretty minor...

This week, we welcomed Wyatt Olson, the Associate AD for Internal Operations at Louisiana Tech University. The conversation centers around helping young people with transitioning out of athletics, into career, and more. Wyatt is an expert on leadership within organizations, and his story has so many relatable twists and turns for all of us who have built lives and careers through struggle and strife. Use some of the nuggets in this episode to help the young people you serve to transition more smoothly out of your care into the world! Check out more content, questions, and resources here: Podcast: tinyurl.com/eccpod YouTube: youtube.com/@essentialcoaching Medium: https://medium.com/@essentialcoaching TikTok: tiktok.com/@essentialcoaching --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/essential-coaching/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/essential-coaching/support

Dr. Julie Moulard, an associate professor of marketing at Louisiana Tech University, discusses her academic journey from mass communications to marketing, her research on consumer suspense, and her current focus on brand authenticity. She explains the three types of authenticity: true to ideal, true to fact, and true to self, and how they apply to brands and social media influencers. Moulard emphasizes the importance of experiential learning in marketing education and discusses the rise of personal brands, and she also highlights the evolving dynamics between brands and influencers. Marketing at Louisiana Tech: business.latech.edu/undergraduate-programs/marketing/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

Jasmina (Jass) Brooks is President, Electrophysiology, Johnson & Johnson MedTech (formerly Biosense Webster, Inc.), a global leader in the science, diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Jass is a seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in the cardiovascular field, primarily focused on electrophysiology. She has accountability for setting the J&J MedTech Electrophysiology end-to-end global strategy as a leader in cardiac ablation, advancing its innovation agenda, and driving execution to position the organization for continued growth. Previously, Jass was Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing, Biosense Webster, Inc. In this role, she worked with cross-functional and international teams to set the strategy and shape the company product pipeline to drive growth, market share, and profitability. Having joined Biosense Webster in 2014, Jass held positions of increasing scope and responsibility in the Global Strategic Marketing Organization. Prior to joining Johnson & Johnson, Jass spent 15 years at GE Healthcare, where she held various roles in commercial marketing, global strategic marketing, product development and engineering in the US and EMEA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University. Jass has dedicated her career to championing excellence in patient outcomes and solving unmet medical needs. She is a collaborative leader with a deep knowledge of the electrophysiology space, a track record of successfully driving growth and market leadership, as well as a deep commitment to developing talent and fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. In 2023, Jass was named as one of LA Times' Healthcare Visionaries. In 2024, she was honored as one of Orange County Business Journal's Women in STEM and was also celebrated as one of the publications 2024 “OC 500,” an annual Directory of Influence that honors the most impactful leaders, innovators, and changemakers in the OC business community. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

Dr. John Worsencroft recently became the director of Louisiana Tech University's School of History and Social Sciences. In this new role, he's learned to get the most out of both his passion for teaching in the classroom and his administrative duties to the School and to the College of Liberal Arts. He spends this episode discussing his educational background, his time in the United States Marine Corps, and his teaching philosophy. He stresses the importance of learning how to learn, and he gives his thoughts on the political nature of history in higher education. Dr. Worsencroft's Website: johnworsencroft.com Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

Send us feedback/questions via TextToday we talk about the unpredictable chaos of virtual events, sharing a Podcaster's Happy Hour mishap that underscores the need for robust security on platforms like Zoom. Our discussion transitions to actionable insights on enhancing podcast discoverability with strategic linking across platforms like Podbean, Apple, and Buzzsprout, ensuring your audience can always find more of what they love.We also tie lessons about monetization, making a TRULU Unique show, the new Mac Minis, and more (see chapters)SPONSORSPodcast Branding.Co at podcastbranding.coBased On a True Story Podcast at www.basedonatruestorypodcast.comSchool of PodcastingPodpage.comEcamm LiveSupporter of The Week: John MuntzCheck out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration! Podindy.com is a one-day event focused on Profiting from Your Podcast, Magnified by AI with keynote speakers Dave Jackson, Author of the book Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Your Listeners Into a Livelihood, and Craig Van Slyle, host of AI Goes to College and Professor of Technology from Louisiana Tech University. Podcast Hot SeatGrow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/storeYour Audience Will Thank You! Profit From Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood is now available as an Audio Book. Learn the proven strategies from over 300 interviews to help you monetize your podcast. Check out profitfromyourpodcast.com/book Can't Attend Live?Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave us your question.Supporter of The Week: John MuntzCheck out John Muntz where curiosity meets exploration! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Dr. Brad Miller on the Cancer and Comedy Podcast.     A month after retiring from a 43-year career as a pastor Dr. Brad Miller was diagnosed with cancer.  His reaction was to laugh to keep from crying.  He responded by combining his ministry experience with his doctoral degree in life transformation and his love of comedy to create the Cancer and Comedy Podcast designed to help people impacted by cancer (and other diseases) to heal with hope and humor.  Dr. Brad launched the Cancer and Comedy Podcast in August 2023 and received the Best faith-based Comedy Podcast for 2023 Award by Spark Media. Dr. Brad Miller is available for speaking, consulting and coaching in matters related to leveraging humor and hope in the healing process.     Dr. Brad Miller Brad@DrBradMiller.com https://cancerandcomedy.com/follow https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbradleymiller/ https://www.facebook.com/cancerandcomedy https://www.youtube.com/@CancerandComedy https://www.facebook.com/bradmiller2000 Blog Post from Senior Living Guide Podcast where I was a guest https://www.seniorlivingguide.com/i-will-not-let-cancer-define-me/   PodINDY.com is a one day conference on the topic "How to Profit from Podcasting: Amplified with AI" and features presentations by Podcast Hall of Famer Dave Jackson, the author of "Profit From Your Podcast," and Dr. Craig Van Slyke, Technology Professor from Louisiana Tech University, and creator of the "AI Goes to College Podcast."    The live event is 9AM ET November 9, 2024 and virtual tickets which include the replay recordings are available for $27 at PodINDY.com.   As Brad mentioned, here is The Five-Day FREE "Healing through Hope and Humor" Course will Help You Cope with Cancer on Your Terms! https://cancerandcomedy.com/free Please share with your friends or anyone in need.

Send us feedback/questions via TextThis week, we start off with news from the FTC and a crackdown on bogus paid reviews. Podcasters start with two things: No audienceIntegrityThe goal is to grow your audience without losing your integrity.Sponsors:PodcastBranding.co because they see you before they hear you.BasedOnaTrueStoryPodcast.com - Movies and History combined.Mentioned In This EpisodeSchool of PodcastingShure SE215 In Ear MonitorsShure Movemic Two - Wireless Lavalier MicrophonePodpage.com - build a website for your show in 10 minutesEcamm Live - We use this every SaturdayHome Gadget Geeks - Jim's Show of Nerdome.We interview spy authors, espionage historians and fans of spy books, spy movies and spy TV series! Check it out at https://spybrary.com/ Podindy.com is a one-day event focused on Profiting from Your Podcast, Magnified by AI with keynote speakers Dave Jackson, Author of the book Profit from Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Your Listeners Into a Livelihood, and Craig Van Slyle, host of AI Goes to College and Professor of Technology from Louisiana Tech University. Podcast Hot SeatGrow your podcast audience with Podcast Hot Seat. We help you do more of what is working, and fine tune those things that need polished. In addition to the podcast audit, you get a FREE MONTH at the School of Podcasting (including more coaching). Check it out at https://www.podcasthotseat.com/storeYour Audience Will Thank You! Profit From Your Podcast: Proven Strategies to Turn Listeners into a Livelihood is now available as an Audio Book. Learn the proven strategies from over 300 interviews to help you monetize your podcast. Check out profitfromyourpodcast.com/book Can't Attend Live?Go to askthepodcastcoach.com/voicemail and leave us your question.Supporter of The Week: Shane WaileyFor Fans of Spy Books, TV & Movies. Check out this show!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showBE AWESOME!Thanks for listening to the show. Help the show continue to exist and get a shout-out on the show by becoming an awesome supporter by going to askthepodcastcoach.com/awesome

Drew McKevitt, the John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, joins the program to conclude his conversation with Danny and Derek about his book Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America. This episode explores the repercussions of the 1968 Gun Control Act, grassroots gun control groups formed in its wake, gun rights groups, the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986, the rise of the militia movement, UN attempts to regulate guns in the 1990s, school shootings and mass shootings, and where things stand today. Pick up a copy of Drew's book here. Subscribe now for the full episode! Grab a copy of Matt Christman's Book ¡No Pasarán! here!

Danny and Derek continue their conversation with Drew McKevitt, the John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, about his book Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America. This episode picks up in the late 1950s with America's push for gun regulation, baby boomers' access to surplus military weapons, militant groups in the 1960s, European countries' gun exports to the US, the Gun Control Act of 1968, and more. Pick up a copy of Drew's book here. Subscribe now for the full episode!

Danny and Derek talk with Drew McKevitt, the John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, about his new book Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America. Pick up a copy of Drew's book here.

Danny and Derek talk with Drew McKevitt, the John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, about his new book Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America.Pick up a copy of Drew's book here.Subscribe at Supporting Cast! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.americanprestigepod.com

On this episode of American Prestige, hosts Danny Bessner and Derek Davison welcome Drew McKevitt, the John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University, to talk bout his new book Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America.Pick up a copy of Drew's book here.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

591. Part 2 of our conversation with Quentin Anthony Anderson, a Democratic Candidate for Louisiana Congressional District 6. "As the Executive Chairman of The Justice Alliance, a Baton Rouge-based social justice nonprofit, and the founder & Creative Director of Anderson Creative, Quentin embodies a lifelong commitment to fostering equity and empowerment.... A proud alumnus of McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Quentin earned his undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana and he received his law degree from LSU, punctuated by a pivotal year in 2007 when he joined then-Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. This experience - starting as an unpaid intern and culminating as a field organizer in Missouri - solidified his path in political activism and community organizing. His commitment extended into his law school years, where he taught legal studies courses at schools like Capitol High as a volunteer instructor through the Street Law program and served the unhoused community through legal aid work at the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless in Baton Rouge" (Anderson2024). Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 220 years. Order your copy today! This week in Louisiana history. September 14, 1874. The White League defeats the New Orleans Metropolitan Police in the Battle of Liberty Place. This week in New Orleans history. September 14, 2009. New Orleans Master Plan Regarding Claiborne Avenue Overpass. Supporters for the removal of the I-10 Claiborne overpass and rerouting I-10 to the I-610 corridor cite the structure's need for costly repairs and damage it has caused to cause what was a thriving urban neighborhood. Opponents argue that the overpass' removal would cause great inconvenience to the residents of New Orleans East and potentially require unwanted and intrusive expansion of the I-610 corridor. A September 14th, 2009 draft of the New Orleans Master Plan called for a study and eventual removal of the overpass. This week in Louisiana. Louisiana Soulfood Fall Fest Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, 2024 Louisiana Soulfood Fall Fest is an exclusive 3 day event that enhances the rich culture of savoring. 1400 Fairfield Ave. Shreveport, LA 71101 (318) 779-8941 louisianasoulfoodfallfestival@gmail.com Postcards from Louisiana. Tiffany Pollack sings at the French Quarter Fest. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

590. Part 1 of our conversation with Quentin Anthony Anderson, Candidate for District 6. "As the Executive Chairman of The Justice Alliance, a Baton Rouge-based social justice nonprofit, and the founder & Creative Director of Anderson Creative, Quentin embodies a lifelong commitment to fostering equity and empowerment.... A proud alumnus of McKinley Senior High School in Baton Rouge, Quentin earned his undergraduate degree at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana and he received his law degree from LSU, punctuated by a pivotal year in 2007 when he joined then-Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. This experience - starting as an unpaid intern and culminating as a field organizer in Missouri - solidified his path in political activism and community organizing. His commitment extended into his law school years, where he taught legal studies courses at schools like Capitol High as a volunteer instructor through the Street Law program and served the unhoused community through legal aid work at the Capital Area Alliance for the Homeless in Baton Rouge" (Anderson2024). Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 220 years. Order your copy today! This week in Louisiana history. September 7, 1863. Alexandria captured by Union troops during the Civil War. This week in New Orleans history. The Freret Street streetcar, which first ran on September 7, 1924, was replaced with a trolley bus on December 1, 1946 and later with a diesel bus. This week in Louisiana. Plaquemine Lock State Historic Site 57730 Main Street Plaquemine, LA 70764 Operating hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m As a distributary of the Mississippi River and a route to the heartland of Louisiana through the Atchafalaya Basin, Bayou Plaquemine was used as a navigable artery centuries before the age of European exploration. From the early 1700s, Bayou Plaquemine served as a commercial transport route, promoting settlement and economic prosperity in southwest and northern Louisiana via the Atchafalaya, Red and other rivers. Postcards from Louisiana. The Jazz Vipers play at the French Quarter Fest. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

Andrew C. McKevitt is John D. Winters Endowed Professor of History at Louisiana Tech University. His latest book, Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture, and Control in Cold War America, explores how guns came to occupy a curious place between “constitutional right” and “consumer good,” as the Cold War provided a cultural, political, and material framework by which guns could become the hottest item of the late 20th century. In this conversation, McKevitt shares some of the highlights of his research and provides historical context for the often simplistic “gun control” debate.  Subscribe to the Nostalgia Trap Patreon to check out my News Trap updates and all of our bonus content: patreon.com/nostalgiatrap