Beyond 1894

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 the importance of discipline, pursuing personal passions, and building supportive communities to overcome challenges like imposter syndrome and achieve long-term career success. Almira's Instagram: instagram.com/almirawinans Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Khalilah Kersey is a people person. As the international student and immigration adviser in Louisiana Tech's Office of International Affairs, she has made a career out of connecting with the University's international student population and helping them navigate their college experience. She discusses growing up in small-town Louisiana, developing the interests that led her to pursue graphic design at Tech, and the importance of the work her International Affairs team is doing. Louisiana Tech International Affairs: latech.edu/student-life/international-affairs/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

In his work as a graphic designer at Louisiana Tech, Adam Cook has influenced the visual identity of the University's brand and the aesthetic of the campus. He cut his teeth as a student worker, steadily receiving projects with more and more heft, and he now is a full time member of University Communications responsible for several large hand-designed murals on campus. In this episode, he discusses finding the balance between personal style and the constraints of a project, why the School of Design at Louisiana Tech helped him thrive as an artist, and the reasons why AI-generated media can't top work from human hands. Louisiana Tech School of Design home page Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Kyle O'Neal, Director of the Humana Student Services Center at Louisiana Tech University, discusses the center's role in supporting College of Business students, offering tailored career and professional development and working in partnership with the Career Center. O'Neal emphasizes the importance of building professional networks and shares how much of his career was spent honing his skills with a desire to get back to Tech and work on campus. Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]

Dr. Matthew Thornton, director of the School of Human Ecology and interim department head of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Louisiana Tech, discusses his new role and the school's unique programs in human development and family science and fashion merchandising and retail studies. He highlights the new applied behavioral analysis undergraduate certificate, designed to address the growing need for ABA professionals. And he shares his journey from a student at Louisiana Tech to a seasoned mental health professional, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and servant leadership in his work. School of Human Ecology: latech.edu/education-human-sciences/about-cehs/human-ecology/ Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: [email protected]