Almira Bradford Winans, a 2016 Louisiana Tech graduate, discusses her journey from being adopted from Kazakhstan to becoming a successful artist and educator. Originally an engineering student, she transitioned to graphic design to find more creative fulfillment. Winans highlights how her foundational experiences at Tech, including the VISTA program, shaped her professional path. She emphasizes […]
132. Phillip Michael Leblanc: Balance
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, […]
124. Benjamin Bergholtz: Engagement and Reflection
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 […]
111. John Worsencroft: The Heart of Who We Are
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 […]
69. Pasquale DePaola: Getting Crafty and Creative
Dr. Pasquale DePaola is currently the Director of Louisiana Tech’s School of Design, but the Italian expat has a rich history, including extended time as a professional basketball scout in his home country and beyond. In this episode, DePaola talks about growing up in Italy and his jump to the U.S., the parallels between finding […]
65. Jalia Payne: From Movement to Musical
Senior Music Industry Studies major Jalia Payne recently completed her capstone project: a one-of-a-kind musical written for the stage and based on both prominent and lesser-known moments and perspectives from the civil rights movement. Jalia discusses the significance and process of creating this production— a collaboration between the Louisiana Tech Music and Theatre departments titled […]