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 […]
123. Chris Dicus: Good Fire, Bad Fire
Dr. Chris Dicus, Louisiana Tech alum and a professor of Wildland Fire and Fuels Management at Cal Poly, talks about his early interest in wildlife and his decision to study at Tech. Dicus shares his career path, including his work on the Black Saturday fires in Australia and the multiple wildfire outbreaks in California. He […]
122. Malcolm Butler: It’s the People
Malcolm Butler, the voice of Louisiana Tech, shares his deep-rooted connection with the University, starting from his childhood memories of the campus. He recounts his journey from a student worker to jobs in sports information, highlighting significant moments like beating Alabama in 1999 and the 2019 softball team’s resilience post-tornado. Butler discusses his transition from […]
121. Amy Vessel: Professional Brainstormer
Dr. Amy Vessel, director of the Clinical Residency and Recruitment Center at Louisiana Tech, shares her journey from a four-generation education family to her current role. She highlights the TEAM model, which includes mentor teachers and faculty evaluators, and the success of graduates in securing jobs. Vessel emphasizes the importance of finding joy in teaching […]
120. Selwyn Ellis: Tech-Savvy Problem Solvers
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. […]
119. Sarah McVay: Heroes with Heart
Dr. Sarah McVay, a leader in Louisiana Tech’s Division of Nursing, cares about her work, her patients, and her students with equal fervor. So much so that the Heroes with Heart retreat at MedCamps was born out of a desire to help her future nursing graduates contribute to the community and develop as caregivers. In […]