LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY TECH REPORT 2004.2005 IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS. UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES. IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS. UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES.

Looking back, the big picture emerging at Louisiana Tech was that of a signature year. Achievements had come in ways both splashy (an invention made national news) and quietly rippling (a student challenged the odds to become a teacher) – and in numbers far too great to tally. Then came Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and their terrible aftermath. In typically incalculable layers of responsiveness, the Tech Family never missed a beat. Some examples:

Dr. Box Leangsuksun and a group of computer science graduate students created a Web site aimed at streamlining the search Members of Tech’s Student for people displaced by Government Association Hurricane Katrina.Å arrived ahead of the quarter to aid the displaced Tech community flocking to Caruthers, a closed dormitory that Tech reopened and equipped in less than 24 hours to receive Katrina evacuees.Å

When Hurricane Rita struck, Tech hosted McNeese State University’s computing center IN TRIBUTE – servers and families alike. For two weeks, McNeese’s The colors displayed on the With Hurricane Katrina Internet and e-mail operated cover and throughout the driving Tulane University smoothly from Tech’s campus, Tech Report represent those from New Orleans for the and some employees and their of the universities who have time being, Tech invited families stayed with Tech’s displaced students currently the Green Wave’s football computing center staff.Å attending Louisiana Tech. team to make Tech its home for study, practice and play until Tulane reopens.Å

The Tech Report is made possible through the support of the Louisiana Tech Foundation. Louisiana Tech, a member of the University of the Louisiana System, is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

1 But it didn’t take a crisis for Tech to reach well beyond the borders of a workaday world. Alumnus Karl Over the past year: Malone upgraded the equipment in Tech’s weight room, inspiring hundreds of student-athletes to do an extra rep.Ç

The Bachelor of Science in nanosystems Dr. Ken Rea, vice engineering was president for academic approved, the first such affairs, traveled to program in the nation.É Germany as part of a 17-member international university delegation exploring trends in European higher education.Å

Albino Hinojosa donated 191 pieces of art to the Tech launched an university, comprising 29 online master’s in years’ worth of his original health information illustrations and paintings management, the first of Louisiana Tech. A computer password- Å completely online protection invention degree program of its brought Tech its first kind in the country.Ñ royalties in technology transfer.Ñ

Dyslexia didn’t stop Katie Peacock from achieving her dream of becoming a teacher. The Baton Rouge native received her bachelor’s in elementary education this past spring. Three professors Å traveled to Belfast, Ireland, and São Paulo, Brazil, for workshops on internationalizing the curriculum.Ç Dr. Christina Erica Taylor sprang Edwards (2001 back from having a animal biology) baby in time to lead graduated top of Marie Bukowski judged the Lady Techsters her class from LSU more than 1,500 pieces basketball team to a Health Sciences of art alongside seven tournament season. Center-Shreveport.Ñ other artists from around Å the world at the annual World Art Print exhibition in Sofia, Bulgaria.É

2 3 “In my 19 years as Louisiana Tech’s president, I have never seen such highs achieved by our university and yet such an unfathomable low as the suffering and loss left in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. In the pages of this year’s Tech Report, I want to show you all our accomplishments; however, we cannot lose sight of the terrible toll the hurricanes have taken on our state and its people.” Daniel D. Reneau

REFLECTION

One month after Hurricane Katrina, the Louisiana Tech community paused for a vigil in the quad to remember the victims of this disaster. Tech’s Chamber Singers performed “Amazing Grace,” accompanied only by the gentle trickle of Lady of the Mist fountain.

4 5 IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS. “Louisiana Tech is not only a place to learn how to be UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES. successful, it’s a place to experience success. The Tech Family has dared to dream big, work hard, and develop a collaborative spirit inside and outside the campus. These achievements – big and small – are collectively moving Tech to a new level.” Daniel D. Reneau

Sometimes I look to the heavens and think the stars and ¢ No silo approach found dividing and moon aligned just right for Louisiana Tech’s successes this isolating parts of the campus. year. But in my heart, I know it was an earthly force of believers who put down on paper their dreams years ago. Testament to collaboration is the new Biomedical Today, many are reality. Engineering Building, the most complex building ever constructed at Tech and destined cornerstone of our research When Tech went to selective admissions in 1992, I said at university. The BME is being built next to the Institute for the time it was a milestone, and indeed, more than a decade Micromanufacturing. A suitably named “Collaboration later, we acknowledge that move as the turning point for a Alley” will link the two facilities. whole new level of excellence. This year, we achieved new milestones that will one day stand as similar markers. Let me We are completing more than $100 million in renovations touch on just a few. and new construction. Of particular importance is the completion of a new power plant. As energy prices soar, In 2004, we enrolled 2,379 graduate students, which conservation is more important then ever. represented more than 20 percent of our student body. As a ¢ A more energy-efficient power plant reference point, consider in 1999 we had just 1,301 graduate supporting our university. Sam Speed, Tech’s students comprising 13 percent of our student body. director of housing and ¢ We hit our mark of 20 to 25 percent Tech has researchers working around the clock on grant- residential life, greets graduate-level students. funded experiments. As the number of Tech patents grows, evacuees in Caruthers so does the need for a space where research can spin off into Hall. Amanda Joe, a Our student body continues to evolve, and we’re attracting viable businesses. Tech police officer, a higher-achieving class of learners. We may not say it quite ¢ Tech’s new Enterprise Center provides coaxes a little smile out like that in a recruitment publication, but we’re a university a nurturing environment for Tech-related of a young evacuee. that celebrates the nerdy instinct toward serious learning, and research and company collaborations to serious students have big goals. Every day we support them create economic development. along their path to achieving them. ¢ More than 75 percent have a Tuition On a final note, we have recently moved to the third tier of THOUGH LOUISIANA TECH’S CAMPUS ESCAPED HURRICANE the university. As the group began sporting free Tech T-shirts Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) “U.S. News & World Report’s” list of best doctoral-level Katrina’s assault on the Gulf Coast, many of our students, and adapting to their new home, Tech’s food contractor, scholarship. universities. While this isn’t a goal we set in ink years ago, it alumni, employees and friends were severely impacted. Tech Aramark, set extra plates for them. represents all the milestones – big and small – that we have Family is not a concept here at our university; it’s a way of In academics, it was a year of measuring up to basic standards amassed in recent years. life. In that spirit, Tech is responding to the challenges now At press time, our university had taken in more than 300 and accreditation. The most significant, of course, was our faced by our state and its people. college students who – thanks to the efforts of faculty, 10-year, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools At the end of the day, it’s not about moving up a tier admissions, housing, residential life and counseling services self-study. or building remarkable structures. It comes down to a Tech has reopened Caruthers dormitory, an eight-story – have moved seamlessly into classes. ¢ We met every criterion for reaccreditation community of people working together to make the world building closed earlier in the year when students moved with no recommendations cited in any a better place. And sometimes that’s as simple as taking in a Out of a tragedy, all our fates are newly linked. We demand into University Park, Tech’s new, apartment-style complex. category. neighbor. ¢ Now back in business, Caruthers is housing nearly 600 nothing less of this experience than a future that defies evacuees, most of them current Tech students and their the power of tragedy and continues to underscore our This doesn’t just happen. Not only did we get a clean- families, families of students from other universities who are commitment to helping create a stronger state, region and slate recommendation, but the committee made a unique continuing their studies at Tech, and alumni and friends of nation. We will not let bad times negate good.Ñ observation on the undeniable interdisciplinary, cross- President boundary culture at Tech.

6 7 “It’s really just a place where students can come to get information about a lot of MORE different things that will help them succeed. Ultimately the bottom line is, if you are STUDENT RESOURCES helping students succeed, retention increases. More students will stay and graduate.” Dr. Norm Pumphrey

A GROUP OF STAFF, FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATORS WILL The center is good news for Tech instructors as well as As the sounds of hammering and sawing echo through soon work in concert with technology to provide a state-of- students, says Dr. Tamara Powell, an assistant professor of Wyly Tower, Pumphrey also envisions a space that works the-art enrichment center for Louisiana Tech students. English and the English department’s electronic learning as a clearinghouse for information on studying abroad coordinator. In fact, the center dovetails with efforts by and student exchange programs. The list also includes a “We needed a more centralized place where students could Powell and others to establish a new online writing lab that training program for academic advisers, an information site go to get a variety of services,” says Dr. Norm Pumphrey, provides English resources outside the classroom. for disabled student services, an extensive referral system director of retention and advising. for counseling, and writing assistance for all students, “It’s absolutely the right direction for Tech,” Powell says. “I undergraduate through doctoral levels. The center, set to be completed in May 2006 and housed think what they will provide that is just invaluable is 101- in Wyly Tower, will provide an array of high-tech, student level assistance. It makes such a difference in the quality of The facility will also work as an important tool in recruiting, oriented services designed to encourage retention, raise test education students get and what they can accomplish later.” Ford says, since services like these are standard amenities at scores and improve academic progress. universities with strict admissions policies. Eventually, Ford and Pumphrey say, programming and “We looked at which courses had the highest rates of Ds, Fs referral services will go beyond helping students who struggle “Tech really did not have what I would call a retention safety and Ws,” says Pamela Ford, dean of enrollment management with coursework, and begin to include supplemental advising net,” Ford says. “If you talk to people at the very highly and one of the primary forces behind establishing a student for undergraduates, information on student life and help with selective institutions, they provide this service for students achievement space. “We will start by tutoring in those career decision making. who are trying to go the extra mile so that their GPA can be subjects which are typically general education requirements.” as high as possible. It was a logical thing.” “We want it to be a place where students who need help will Students discuss Some of those services – including math tutoring and writing get it, but also where great students can come and get better,” As dreams for the center have grown, so has the required their career courses – will be provided as early as the winter quarter. “We Ford says.Ñ space. Once meant to be housed on Wyly’s second (or goals with Dr. will do what we can,” Ford says. “We’re not going to wait Norm Pumphrey ground) floor, renovations for the center have now expanded until 2006.” in University to the third floor. Seminar 100. Most of the staff members will be housed on the second floor, which features an open and inviting floor plan, Pumphrey says. Tutoring and meeting space will be housed upstairs.

“In addition to traditional tutoring, our goal is to provide The computerized group-study sessions and supplemental instruction,” Ford architectural renderings says. “We want students to come for a variety of reasons. Some of the Student Achievement Center’s of the Student Both advanced tutoring and the advising of undeclared resources and functions include: Achievement Center majors will take place in this center.” show an open, inviting • Tutoring for tough courses space that is a hub Future plans include study space and a computer lab with • Group help sessions for services that help wireless networking. A newsletter and Web site would spread students succeed. the word. • Peer-to-peer tutoring • Writing assistance “It’s really just a place where students can come to get information about a lot of different things that will help them • Advising for students who haven’t declared a major succeed,” Pumphrey says. “Ultimately the bottom line is, if • Referral system for career and personal counseling you are helping students succeed, retention increases. More • Facilitation for the University Seminar course, an intro- students will stay and graduate.” ¢ to-college for first-time freshmen • Coordination for student living and learning communities • Hub for study abroad and exchange program information • Computer labs and study space

8 9 “First-class professors and students are attracted to incubator and require housing in a research park containing institutions with a demonstrated commitment to research manufacturing space. and solid reputations,” Rawle says. “By providing a MORE commercial means for businesses to develop and flourish, “Companies will eventually start popping out of here, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT startup companies will become invested in regional resources and they won’t all survive,” Rawle says. “The ones that and locate themselves in this area.” do survive will require bigger and better space and laboratories.” The incubator can accommodate up to 10 tenants, and the office space can be modified for each tenant’s needs, Rawle Eventually, the incubator will expand into additional space IT ONCE HOUSED ROW UPON ROW OF BOOKS. RECENTLY, IT Bobby Rawle, Tech’s director of economic development, is says, smoothly sliding a divider across a ready-made office. in the new Biomedical Engineering Building currently began a new chapter as Louisiana Tech’s Enterprise Center. kind of like the incubator’s apartment manager, shuffling under construction. A 7,000-square-foot wing of the through the applications and weighing the potential of “Every space is totally flexible because all the furniture is on building is designated for the incubator and includes space When the center officially opened this fall in the former each startup. He understands that many of Tech’s research casters,” he adds. “We can design space for the tenant very for testing and experimentation. Lincoln Parish Library on Alabama Avenue, it heralded a new endeavors now need a different kind of lab: Enter the well- easily. As their needs change, we can make the space follow level of commitment to university research and development. appointed office space. suit.” Meanwhile, Rawle, like any good caretaker, wants to assist startup companies more immediately by way of the library- Select startup companies are now moving into the center’s “Young businesses are forced to address so many complicated The center also offers a conference space, computer lab and turned-incubator. technology incubator, companies destined to create business decisions that can ultimately impact their future administrative support services. things we’ll someday read about and which our children’s success,” Rawle says. “By supporting these companies “It’s an exciting time for Tech,” he says. “The incubator generation will likely use in their daily life. through those difficult times, Tech is playing an important Companies are expected to occupy their space for about is just one more way that the university supports and three years. After that, they likely will have outgrown the celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit.” ¢ Startup companies that emerge from Tech-related research role in helping businesses mature and prosper.” can apply for “housing” in the incubator and the chance to Incubator tenants are merely down the hall from valuable be near crucial business services. counsel offered by Tech’s Small Business Development Center, something SBDC director Kathy Wyatt calls a TRANSFORMING COMMUNICATION “synergistic plus.” In 1996, with one promising client in her portfolio, alumna “It boils down to access,” Wyatt says. “It’s easy to step inside Karen Gordon started a company with the help of a unique set of someone’s office to ask a question. Also, being located in the subcontractors: stay-at-home moms. same building means an opportunity to know their businesses Gordon sought out well-educated women who had left prominent better and the challenges they confront on a daily basis, just positions in the telecommunications industry. Working from home because you regularly have conversations with these people.” on their own schedules, the women did technical writing and high-tech training. They delivered high-quality, on-time results that This convergence of expertise between researchers and exceeded the expectations of Gordon’s growing, household-name businesspeople is precisely what Tech’s vice president of clientele (AT&T, Ericsson, Nortel and Sprint). research and development is counting on. Dr. Les Guice envisions an incubator ticking with entrepreneurial energy Gordon describes GTCI as an information-clarification organization. operating at the speed of real-world business. The company makes information usable and understandable for end users through technical writing, product documentation, “The goal is to bring various business-related services together technical course training and e-learning. Her teams fan out around in one location to facilitate creativity and opportunities for the globe to provide high-tech training in places like Australia, the startup tenants,” he says. Colombia, Haiti, Spain and even Pago Pago, American Samoa.

The incubator will also offer educational programs and other In 2004, this Richardson, Texas-based company made Inc. Magazine’s list of fastest-growing, privately held companies. networking scenarios, dynamics that Guice says will naturally Gordon has felt the staffing demands of a growth spurt. Last year, she began looking for an untapped workforce that would strengthen the startups. yield a steady stream of skilled, ready-to-work employees on par with the caliber of women her company was founded on. Reflecting on her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana Tech, she realized a technical writing internship at “Tech wants to foster a mentor-mentee relationship with Bobby Rawle stands in a company like hers would have afforded her valuable, real-world experience when she was getting her master’s in English incubator tenants and will work to support the individual the Enterprise Center’s with a technical writing emphasis. She buzzed her alma mater. conference room needs of each business,” he says. “It’s all about people; it where all furnishings comes down to people helping other people and creating a GTCI is opening a satellite office in Tech’s new Enterprise Center. It will draw on university resources in the areas of are on wheels to easily greater and stronger community.” technical writing, engineering and science. Gordon foresees a win-win solution in partnering with Tech. GTCI can offer adapt to tenants’ students hands-on technical writing opportunities as they pursue their degree. After graduation, the strong candidates can changing needs. Rawle recognizes that when entrepreneurial people work move seamlessly into GTCI’s ranks. hand in hand, the region’s economic development outlook improves.Ñ Her university solution is also keeping jobs in the country. Like many CEOs, she has felt financial pressures to outsource jobs abroad. By investing these jobs in Ruston, which boasts a moderate cost of living and a concentration of skilled workers flowing from the university, she can offer a more competitive price to customers.

10 11 MORE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

FEW THINGS HAVE BEEN AS TALKED ABOUT LATELY AS As an associate professor of biomedical engineering and much as Louisiana Tech’s newest construction project. interim director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering The $10.5 million, 52,000-square-foot Biomedical and Rehabilitation Science, Dr. Mike McShane’s work has Engineering Building, scheduled for completion next year, been about solving problems. One problem his team has been is rising from the ground next door to the Institute for tackling is implementation of the so-called Smart Tattoo, Micromanufacturing. a miniscule implant that could render obsolete needle-stick testing for diabetics. The idea involves a “tattoo” made up of As well as providing a clear entryway that makes the campus tiny reactive particles that relay a blood-sugar reading when a boundary stand out, the building’s architecture will combine filtered light is shone on the tattoo. historic elements from the past with modern elements of the technological present. But there’s a different mix inside As McShane and other biomedical engineering researchers the building that Dr. Stan Napper, dean of the College of at Tech labored at such research challenges, they have had Engineering and Science, has been waiting to see – that of an additional burden to deal with: insufficient lab space to collaborative research that has long needed room to grow. accommodate all the different disciplines that must work together. Napper says the whole college is excited about the building, and not just those moving into it. Faculty from other President Dan Reneau pioneered Tech’s biomedical programs will finally be getting their space back. engineering department more than three decades ago. Almost since that time, the department has been housed in a Across the country, Napper sees biomedical engineering converted 1920s hospital in Ruston. departments combating the same problem: growing pains. New research facilities are going up everywhere, but Napper “That building is completely inadequate for a modern says Tech’s “will be the best combination of function and research facility,” McShane says. “Right now, the appearance.” (biomedical engineering) faculty is spread out all over.Ñ

CONTINUAL FACILITY INVESTMENT Over the past 10 years, the physical growth of the campus exceeded $100 million. Though much of the funding came from the state, significant support also came from external sources. Tech alumni provided funding to match the state’s stake, enabling construction of Hale Hall (below) and the RESEARCH new Biomedical Engineering Building (left). FOUNDATION Anchored by the Institute for Micromanufacturing to the west, the new Biomedical Engineering Building will provide a collaborative, spacious facility for researchers. Dr. Stan Napper, dean of the College of Engineering and Science, monitors real-time construction progress from a camera mounted in Davison Hall, the building to the east.

12 13 “Creating an infrastructure that provides the necessary resources for the many types of biomedical projects will support recruitment of new faculty, students, and of course will show funding agencies that we have the facilities to do the work we propose.” Dr. Mike McShane

hopefully we will develop a greater sense of camaraderie that will make us better colleagues. We will feel more like a team Dr. Mike McShane than like a bunch of loosely connected individuals.” looks forward to more elbow room in the new Th e Biomed Building and IfM will be attached by a covered Biomedical Engineering “Collaboration Alley,” and ideally will give everyone room to Building. Pictured in work together, including engineering (biomedical, chemical, the current microscopy electrical, mechanical, nanosystems), chemistry, biology and lab, there is little room physics. for researchers to work around the equipment. Tech’s investment in biomedical engineering not only solves the space problem, McShane says, it also shows forward thinking. “Creating an infrastructure that provides the necessary resources for the many types of biomedical projects Some of us are still in the old building, some in Bogard, will support recruitment of new faculty, students, and of and some in the IfM, which is bursting at the seams. Th ere course will show funding agencies that we have the facilities BRIDGING AREAS, ERAS is little space for anything new. Space that is available is to do the work we propose.” generally not suitable for the type of work we need to do. Th e A new pedestrian bridge spanning 100 feet across the railroad tracks opened in September. It gives students Smart Tattoo, for example, requires that we have dedicated McShane also senses a newfound responsibility that goes easier access from the new apartment-style University fabrication and chemical testing facilities, plus we need beyond the brick and mortar aspects. “Th e way I see it, there Park to the rest of the campus. The bridge is anchored biological testing and animal facilities.” is even more work to do now that the building is on the way. by the re-created Hale Hall on one side, which had its We have to be prepared to occupy it, and not just physically,” origin in the 1800s, and on the other, Tech’s new state- Up until now, those functions have also been stretched out he says. “Th e expectations for the research that will be done of-the-art student housing complex. over three diff erent locations, McShane says; fabrication and in that building are very high, and we must be ready to move chemical testing are done in the IfM and Bogard Hall, and it along quickly and continue building a name for Tech by animal testing in Carson-Taylor Hall. doing excellent work.” ¢ “Th e new building will allow us to streamline the process from beginning to end,” McShane says.

Half the new building’s fi rst fl oor will be reserved for PROPOSED CAPITAL OUTLAY PROJECTS incubator businesses that arise from current Tech projects; the other half will house labs and classrooms. Th e second Louisiana Tech has three capital outlay projects recommended to the Legislature on behalf of the Louisiana Board of Regents. ENERGY WISE fl oor will off er lab and offi ce space, and the third fl oor will be left for expansion. In August 2004, a capital outlay project was $6,000,000 completed to replace the existing 5-megawatt Th e new labs will have a dual purpose, Napper says: steam-fi red turbine with a more energy-effi cient instruction and research. gas-fi red turbine. Based on operations over the $5,000,000 past fi scal year, the university has seen signifi cant “Everyone will be able to share measurement equipment and reductions in operating costs. With greater sample-preparation equipment – all will be centrally located,” $4,000,000 University domestic water system upgrade electrical capacity, the university reduced its he says. Most importantly, everything will be under one roof, Visual arts building renovation and purchased electricity from 31 million kilowatt- giving students and researchers ease of communication about $5.3 million expansion for College of Administration and hours in 2003-04 to 4 million kwh. This was $3,000,000 $5 million courses and projects. “It will give students a leg up, getting Business and Center for Entrepreneurship accomplished with a relatively small increase in practical application of skills they will use in the fi eld.” natural gas consumption. The $7.2 million project and Information Technology $2,000,000 was funded with $2.5 million in state funds and For researchers like McShane, it does even more. It $2.76 million Jenkins/McFarland Hall renovation for $4.7 million in local funds fi nanced over 20 years. off ers enough lab space, and the right kind. “Certainly speech department expansion and other communication will be improved,” McShane says, “andÑ $1,000,000 departments requiring additional space

14 15 Your research led to some startling breakthroughs, including EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MATH a moment where Jim was able to recover some control over his Mathematics is a visual language that causes major body. Was that success what emboldened you to diversify your obstacles for blind students considering careers in MORE research into things like strokes? science, engineering and other math-intensive fields. RESEARCHERS FOR THE GREATER GOOD Definitely. One of the things that I am working on now is Two Louisiana Tech faculty members have teamed up a device to help people who have seizures. It appears to help to develop an innovative way to address the problem: about 40,000 people who are dying from this particular type Project VROOM or Visualizing the Real Operations of of seizure. There are about 100 a day dying from these types Math. Through a National Science Foundation grant, DR. WALT BESIO, AN ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF BIOMEDICAL of seizures. That is one of the things that inspires me and Dr. Stan Cronk, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, says he’s been blessed to see his passions play drives me. I’d like to save those lives. engineering, and Dr. Ron Ferguson, senior research out in his work. Besio, who has a biomedical engineering fellow in the Professional Development and Research master’s and doctorate degree from University of Miami, was You ended up in academics, with a job at Louisiana Tech Institute on Blindness, are designing, testing and driven to help disadvantaged people through medicine after that’s the best of both worlds. How do you balance time in the implementing a new Math 101 course. Through their his brother Jim was left paralyzed from the neck down in a lab, which you clearly love, with the responsibility of teaching? efforts, blind students will gain equal footing in the one car accident at age 25. From those first embryonic devices It’s tough. I love both but it’s hard to do both well. One is college course that is the gateway to many different and adaptations for a sibling came the confidence to become always pulling away from the other. What I try to do is put math-related disciplines. a designer, and then a lifetime of exploration. He talks about some of my research into my teaching. It’s very hard. The Below, Jason Ewell, a math mentor from Norwalk, how he came to find that niche, and how research continues research leads to publication, which leads to grant funding, Ohio, checks instructional Braille handouts for accuracy to inform his teaching today. which leads to a career. I know most researchers would and offers suggestions on formatting for the Nemeth prefer not to teach, but I enjoy teaching. It helps keep my Code used to write math equations in Braille. Ewell, What was it like after your brother’s accident? Did you mind fresh. I love learning. If I don’t stay in touch with the who is blind, was one of two college graduates who immediately jump into helping him through science? kind of things I teach, then I lose them. If I just stay, doing spent the summer at Tech working on math concepts I spent a lot of time working with my brother. Any break I my research, we could save lives, and get a lot of grants and with blind students like Aisha Oduntan (right), a high had (from an early job as a technician in an electrical firm), things of that sort, but my mind wouldn’t be as sharp. school junior from Youngsville, La. I went to see him. When I got my bachelor’s (from the University of Central Florida), I was looking to see if there The other way I look at it is that if I can influence just one were any companies dealing with re-growing the spinal cord other student to take on the kind of life I’ve had, it won’t at that time, which was 1993. I didn’t find anything; it was just be me. Maybe the two of us could make more progress. all in academics. I would like to see one of my students be a Nobel Prize winner. Of course, they laugh. But I don’t. I took a job with a startup company in medical electronics. I was employee No. 7 or 8. It was mostly for ambulatory Dr. Walt Besio Is yours a lonely existence, all alone working in a lab – or do blends research heart monitoring systems. That really shaped my views. I your students get a chance to collaborate with you? and teaching in was always coming up with inventions. Being an engineer, Basically, yes, I am in the lab. When I first came here (in a quest to inspire I wanted to find unique ways to do things that nobody had his students. 2002), I was in the office pretty much around the clock by thought of. After getting into that startup company, I realized myself – even after the students went home. My wife used to that it was medical services that I would like to develop. At say there is something wrong with that. They are supposed to the time, I was going to make devices to help spinal cord be the ones working. For the most part, we do research with people such as my brother.Ñ students and other researchers. I love my students; we have fun. I try to make it so that it’s not just monotonous time in the lab. We do have other researchers that I communicate and collaborate with (at Tech’s Center for Biomedical Engineering and Rehabilitation Science), a good group of guys. ‘STRANGE’ ENOUGH How do you stay committed through the long process of Four Tech physics professors helped rewrite the book on physics by helping prove that “strange” quarks may influence proton research – and, better yet, how do you stay inspired? I try to give that to my students: ‘If you can imagine it, you structure. Drs. Tony Forest, Kathleen Johnston, Neven Simicevic and That comes back from my industrial experience of working can make it work.’ Usually, they want to get something done Steven Wells have all contributed to different aspects of the G-Zero in engineering (before beginning a career in teaching and and go out and get a job. I end up being a cheerleader so we experiment at the Department of Energy’s Jefferson Lab in Newport research). I was used to things never working the first time. can help humanity. It comes down to the challenges that I News, Va. Its Tech connections reaching back to the early days, the That leads me back to understanding that even though I had to go through in my working in industry. I have a very G-Zero collaboration now involves 108 physicists from 19 universities wanted things to be done now, it doesn’t happen. There is positive attitude in life that it’s all going to work out. I never worldwide. going to be development; there will always be obstacles that found anything that I couldn’t solve. I know I am going to we have to overcome. It’s a matter of putting the energy into it. make it work. ¢

16 17 MORE CONNECTIVITY AND INFORMATION-SHARING POSSIBILITIES

FOR SOME TIME, ONE OF THE BARE NECESSITIES OF STAYING vice president for research and development, is to promote competitive at the collegiate level has been the ability to economic growth by developing a network of interconnected, collaborate. Now, in the cyber age, the speed with which high-speed supercomputers that can move more data faster researchers can transmit their data is almost as important as than ever before. Guice says the first discussions about the data they are moving. bringing the initiative to Louisiana began in December 2003.

On Sept. 9, Louisiana celebrated connection to the National “It happened very quickly,” he recalls. By May 2004, the LambdaRail. This unique, high-speed network will use Louisiana Board of Regents had committed $5 million beams of laser light to increase transmission speeds by more to join LambdaRail, and the Louisiana Optical Network than 1,000 times what is currently available. Initially, eight Initiative was born. higher-education institutions, including Louisiana Tech, will be partners in an effort to translate the growing culture By September 2004, Gov. Kathleen Blanco promised another of innovation and creativity into quantifiable economic $40 million in state funds to develop or adapt existing fiber development. for LONI’s infrastructure in Louisiana. Guice serves as chairman for LONI’s Management Council, and is charged LambdaRail is a nationwide initiative by a number of with combining the talent, ideas and resources across the organizations – public, private and industry groups – to state to make the most of LambdaRail. install the infrastructure needed for a super high-speed computer network. The concept, says Dr. Les Guice, Tech’s On LambdaRail, information is transmitted through fiber optic cable in light waves – or, as it is known in theÑ

THE NEED FOR SPEED Tech’s High Energy Physics Group, headed by physics professor Dr. Dick Greenwood, is part of a larger group of collaborators trying to learn more about the smallest building blocks of matter, including the quarks that make up protons in an atom. Working with the world’s highest energy particle accelerator at Fermilab near Chicago, the project studies these particles by slamming protons into antiprotons.

“Sometimes the debris from these collisions can give us a lot of insight into the structure and workings of the proton and other forms of matter,” Greenwood says. The project generates several terabytes -- equal to 1,000 gigabytes, or FIBER-RICH STATE a million megabytes -- of data each year. “This requires very fast data transporting and computing capabilities. And that’s Dr. Les Guice, vice president what LONI provides. And it allows Tech and other Louisiana for research and development universities to be a player in this highly competitive, cutting- and director of information edge research.” technology, holds out a piece of fiber-optic cable, the backbone of the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative buried underground.

18 19 scientific world, lambdas – so the challenge, Guice says, has MOVING RECORDS IN been to establish a fiber network that will reliably connect RECORD TIME five LONI supercomputers throughout the state, all of which There are a plethora of medical tests performed in will eventually provide the platform for a statewide grid the United States every year -- MRIs, CAT scans and computing system in addition to being a state-of-the-art, “The benefit of collaboration is beyond the like. Problem is, there are many more tests than high-speed, high-capacity data network. calculation. The old days of a researcher there are doctors to analyze the results. Dr. Sumeet Dua, an assistant professor of computer science, “We’ve been working on establishing redundant pathways,” doing an experiment in a lab with a and collaborators at Grambling State, University he says. “If a part of the fiber is cut or disabled, we don’t couple of graduate students are over. of Louisiana at Lafayette, Children’s Hospital, and want that to interrupt the system.” Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in All of us in the sciences and engineering New Orleans, are working on a computerized “helper” The physical fiber stretches across Interstate 10 from New that can prioritize illnesses and help put the sickest Orleans, up I-49 and across I-20 to Tech. research collaborate in some fashion, patients first. But the scans generate a huge amount “How big a deal is LONI?” Mike Abbiatti, the Regents’ with large physics collaborations often of data that must be transferred from hospital lab to university lab. “FedEx has become our best friend,” Dua associate commissioner for technology, throws out the including dozens of institutions and says. “First of all, we don’t want to physically move that question he is bursting to answer. “It’s the biggest deal in much information, and if we did, we would have no terms of high-speed computing and grid computing,” he says. hundreds of researchers.” place to store it.” But FedEx will be replaced by LONI, which will solve both problems for Dua and his team. Grid computing combines the capacity of several Dr. Lee Sawyer supercomputers to work on a single function, either transmission or analysis, of data. The network will make it possible to share and store large chunks of research- related information such as medical records or experimental data, and to process raw data into usable results such as node” for the first time. “It’s been a group effort,” he says. simulations. “We’ve had everyone’s help.”

This process, or series of parallel processes, will be done faster Five more supercomputers will be located at Tech, the and more reliably than ever before. University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Southern University, Tulane and the University of New Orleans, and will be When the Columbia space shuttle disintegrated, Abbiatti assembled and connected by the first of the year, Abbiatti says, it took months to analyze the data recovered and says. LSU Health Sciences centers at Shreveport and New reconstruct what happened. Using a grid like LONI could Orleans and Tulane University’s School of Medicine will also have provided faster answers. have access to LONI. TROUBLE SHOOTER “The benefit of collaboration is beyond calculation,” says Dr. “Louisiana adopted the concept as an entire state,” Abbiatti For three years, Dr. Box Leangsuksun (pictured center), Lee Sawyer, an associate professor of physics working on a says, and that commitment has already attracted national an associate professor of computer science, has been project involving the particle accelerator at the Fermilab near attention. “Our talented and collaborative research researching ways to improve the stability of high- Chicago. “The old days of a researcher doing an experiment community has secured millions of dollars in grants that we performance, high-speed computing networks. His work in a lab with a couple of graduate students are over. All of us couldn’t have even applied for a year ago,” about $20 million involves not only ways to detect and repair existing in the sciences and engineering research collaborate in some so far. outages, but also how to predict and prevent conditions fashion, with large physics collaborations often including in which outages are likely to occur. Now LONI will dozens of institutions and hundreds of researchers.” provide a good testing ground for his work. He’s been In addition to grant possibilities, Abbiatti says, the network has appeal to companies that could use high-speed working on a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy But LONI’s benefits will have even wider applications than computing power. Telemedicine, digital media production to develop an operating system for high-end computing just facilitating collaboration, Guice says. Another example and video imaging are among the possibilities. networks that would include methods of automatic of the network’s use, he says, is real-time video conferencing fault discovery, automatic rerouting and recovery from used in remote-learning classrooms. “Right now if you take a outages. There are still some challenges that LONI will Companies across the nation have asked for information real-time video course, it’s not true real time – there’s a time have to iron out, and Leangsuksun will likely serve in about LONI, and the Louisiana Department of Economic an advisory capacity to the statewide system. “When I delay, and the resolution quality is lower.” LONI will allow Development is hiring a liaison specifically to work with travel around the country, people are very impressed, images and sound to travel instantaneously, eliminating the LONI. The possibilities, Abbiatti says, are endless. “It’s even jealous, of what Tech and Louisiana have in store. resolution and delay issues. the difference between the Wright brothers’ plane versus a LONI is a catalyst. It will help attract talented people in supersonic jet.” ¢ the field.” Tech’s contribution to the LONI effort is undeniable, Abbiatti says. On Sept. 9, at Louisiana State University, the first supercomputer to be connected to LONI “lit up theÑ

20 21 “It’s a tremendous sign of achievement, and the culmination of a lot of hard work. We MORE are very proud of the strides we’ve made.” EMPHASIS ON RESEARCH Dr. Ken Rea

AS OF SPRING COMMENCEMENT IN MAY 2005, LOUISIANA “To expand to the doctoral level, you have to assess faculty Tech reached a milestone; for three consecutive years, Tech strengths, get faculty in place and evaluate facilities and ADMINISTRATION AND granted no fewer than 30 doctoral degrees per year in five equipment,” Rea says. different academic categories. BUSINESS REACCREDITED Part of the process, McConathy says, is to show there is a Louisiana Tech’s College of Administration In the eyes of the Southern Regional Education Board, Tech need for graduates with particular expertise for each of the and Business recently marked its 50th year of has satisfied all the requirements to be classified as a Four- degree categories. “We looked toward the graduation trends, accreditation with a reaffirmation of that status Year 2 institution, says Dr. Terry McConathy, executive vice what the market will bear and how viable the need is for by the accrediting agency. Notification came at president and dean of the Graduate School. that program.” At Tech, those areas are audiology, business, the annual meeting of the Association to Advance computational analysis, counseling/psychology, education Collegiate Schools of Business International. About “It’s a prestige thing,” she says. “It brings a great deal of and engineering. “As a university, we are fulfilling a need. 4,000 U.S. universities offer business programs status to the university. It gives us a national reputation as a We are meeting the educational needs of our students and of study, and only 456 of these are accredited by research university.” the community.” AACSB. Tech is one of only 114 universities that offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in Tech is now one of three universities in Louisiana to have Once the programs were in place, building up the numbers business that are accredited by AACSB. reached this status, and the only doctoral 2 university within became the goal. Over the past five years, Tech’s graduate a 200-mile radius – the others are the University of Louisiana student enrollment increased by almost 100 percent and has at Lafayette and the University of New Orleans. Only set records three consecutive years. The number was 2,379 in Louisiana State University has a higher status as a Four-Year 2004. figures had to be submitted demonstrating the need for and 1, awarding 100 or more doctorates. support of the various degree programs. These proposals went Tech graduated 36 doctoral candidates in 2002-03, 33 back through the same channels – the Regents and Board of But the status does more than polish Tech’s reputation, doctoral candidates in 2003-04 and 34 doctoral candidates in Supervisors. McConathy says: “When a program reaches a certain size, it 2004-05. allows for a greater level of collaboration among students.” The final step, Rea says, involved an on-site visit from outside At that point, Rea says, it became a matter of paperwork. consultants to verify the university’s data and numbers. Now, A case in point, and one cited by Tech’s accrediting agency, he said, all that remains is the stamp of approval. the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is the “First, we filed a letter of intent with the Board of Regents. biomedical engineering department and its collaborative It had to be approved by the Regents, and by the Board of “It’s a tremendous sign of achievement, and the culmination efforts at the Institute for Micromanufacturing. “That Supervisors (of the University of Louisiana System),” he says. of a lot of hard work. We are very proud of the strides we’ve certainly helps on the recruiting end, both for faculty and made.” ¢ students,” McConathy says. With that hurdle cleared, a second set of more involved

Aside from the recruiting and retention power of a larger program, doctoral 2 status also changes the formula for AN IMPECCABLE REACCREDITATION funding, raising average faculty salaries, she says. The status PROCESS also enhances opportunities for grant funding. Louisiana Tech received a “clean slate” Building up the postgraduate research opportunities at Tech recommendation from the visiting committee of the RATES WORTH REPLICATING was a goal President Dan Reneau set early on, says Dr. Ken Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of In spring 2005, the Education Trust partnered with Rea, vice president of academic affairs. Colleges and Schools. SACS, the regional accreditation the American Association of State Colleges and agency for post-secondary institutions, makes an Universities (AASCU), and the National Association Since SREB requires graduates from five unique Ph.D. accreditation determination every 10 years. The of System Heads (NASH) to study graduation-rate programs – “for example, engineering and biomedical commission makes its final action in December. Dr. successes. Tech was one of 12 campuses selected engineering, though two separate degree programs, are Terry McConathy, Tech’s executive vice president and for an on-site visit geared toward learning best only counted as one” – the road to doc 2 is a long one that dean of the Graduate School, guides this ongoing practices for other schools to emulate. The study requires a strong fundamental program in each area.Ñ process that centers on a Quality Enhancement Plan. found that what sets Tech apart is the presence of a Tech’s QEP is a forward-looking plan about how the campus culture that values student success. university will implement continuous improvement as it relates to student learning.

22 23 MORE WAYS OF CARING FOR THE UNIVERSITY

IN 1999, WITH JUST 2 SECONDS LEFT, LOUISIANA TECH Oakes, dad to John, Ty and Matt, now 10. “He knew she edged Alabama 29-28 after Brian Stallworth threw a wouldn’t deliver, but I stayed behind and he made the trip. touchdown pass to Sean Cangelosi, and Kevin Pond made We still laugh about it.” the kick. Stacy Gilbert, Tech’s assistant athletic director for academics, It was the most electrifying Tech win Dr. Robert Guthrie also got a Jarrell delivery: son Mason, now 3. “He’s delivered Jarrell had ever seen. Even the most half-hearted fan would so many babies, it’s not textbook to him,” she says. “That was have thought so. And Jarrell is no half-hearted fan. comforting to me.”

“There can be a storm and only five or six people sitting in Given that Jarrell pretty much delivered all his patients the stands – but there’s Dr. Jarrell,” says Jim Oakes, Tech’s himself, Gilbert marvels that he gave Tech so much athletic director. “I can’t imagine where this athletic program attention. would be without him. He has been there every step with his financial support, passion and dedication.” “It’s rare to look around at any game – baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, football – and not see him there. And it The obstetrician-gynecologist made time for Tech even before doesn’t have to be a ‘big’ game,” she says. retiring last year after a 50-year career in which he delivered 15,000 babies, including a set of triplets born to Oakes and Still, it was always clear in her chats with Jarrell that games his wife, Tammy. weren’t all he cared about.

Jarrell is what you look for in a doctor, Oakes says: “He’s “He couldn’t learn enough about the students – not just compassionate and thorough. We knew we had one of the what they did for Tech as athletes, but how they could be top obstetricians in the country.” successful in life,” she says.

Jarrell’s devotion to Tech athletics provided one of the lighter Few know that side of Jarrell better than Tech alumna moments of Tammy Oakes’ difficult pregnancy. Sue Donohoe.

“He told me I better not go to this one ballgame,” says Donohoe, whose mother grew up with Jarrell in Epps, saysÑ

DR. ROBERT GUTHRIE JARRELL (’49) – HE DELIVERED His Tech years: Claybrook Cottingham and R.L. Ropp were presidents of the era. Degree: 1949, B.S. in biology (minor in chemistry pre-med) Further education: 1954, LSU School of Medicine (New Orleans); 1955, internship, Confederate Memorial Medical OBJECTS OF Center (Shreveport); 1956-58, U.S. Navy physician (Bainbridge Naval Base, Md., and Washington, D.C.); 1958, Conway Memorial Hospital (Monroe); 1959-62, ob/gyn training, Ochsner Foundation Clinic and Hospital (New Orleans). AFFECTION Tech awards: 1975 Louisiana Tech Alumnus of the Year; 1982 Tower Medallion recipient; named in 100 Distinguished Dr. Robert Guthrie Jarrell’s study Alumni at Tech; former president, Alumni Association; board member, University Foundation; member, Athletics Council; is filled with Tech-related awards Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. and memorabilia, underscoring the close bond he shares with his alma Made it “happen”: Helped initiate and promote “The Happening” in Monroe, Tech’s largest annual alumni event, and mater. His weathered doctor’s bag, has attended all 24 events; still has a $3 ticket to the first event (May 1973) which was attended by then-Tech President F. kept from the early days of his 50- Jay Taylor and NFL great Terry Bradshaw. year practice, bears witness to his Among the professional awards: 2003 Mother Gertrude Hennessy Humanitarian Award, given to him during St. other passion: medicine. Francis Medical Center’s 90-year celebration. Crowning interest: Has helped support the Miss Louisiana Pageant since 1950 when it was still in Lake Providence; instrumental in pageant’s move to Monroe.

24 25 Jarrell croons, too, at the mention of westward travel, all the 1950. Additionally, he has hosted 17 pageant kickoffs at “As a physician thinking about the hurricanes, you see potential for even more deadly map spots from the old “Route 66” song: “From St. Louie, his Monroe home. “A lot of Tech girls have won Miss problems with illness. At this juncture, they don’t even know the exact number killed. Joplin, Missouri; Oklahoma City looks oh so pretty; you’ll Louisiana,” he notes with pride. see Amarillo and Gallup, New Mexico; Flagstaff, Arizona, But you worry about the potential for additional deaths. And you think of all the don’t forget Winona; Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino.” Also in retirement, he misses hospital life where he once interacted with patients, personnel and friends. But pregnant women and wonder, ‘What did they encounter?’” Girls, dancing, music – all well and good. But Jarrell really reminders of the lives he touched are abundant. Dr. Robert Guthrie Jarrell enjoyed bringing babies into the world and performing surgery that helped address obstetrical, gynecological and “It’s almost unbelievable how many patients I run into,” infertility problems. The path to his specialty began with his he says. “And of course, everywhere I go, I see children I Jarrell helped put her where she is today: sitting behind ob/gyn stints in the Navy. delivered.” a nameplate that says NCAA vice president for Division I Sam Rubin, a retired retail jeweler, knows Jarrell as so many women’s basketball. “I just enjoyed tremendously dealing with people,” he says. “I liked to be available 24/7, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays. They do, both for his Tech allegiances and for his doctor role. “He She says her career evolved from Jarrell backing her for a grad depended on me.” steered me into the Louisiana Tech loop,” Rubin says, “and assistantship with the Lady Techsters. (Predictably, Jarrell he delivered my grandson.” only points to Donohoe’s work ethic.) When he began practicing medicine in Epps in 1955, he charged $3 for either a house call or an office visit, the level Calling Jarrell a “superlative” physician, Rubin says he has “He wants good things to happen to people,” Donohoe says, pricing by way of apology for a “not nice” office. Later, when never heard an unkind word about him. “and he just quietly goes about making that happen.” he practiced in Monroe in 1962, he charged $125 for a Fellow Tech alum Landon Miles, a retired engineering complete care and delivery package. That quality of caring is rooted in the kind of family and executive, says Tech needs 10 more just like Jarrell, whom he place he came from, she says. His father (Jarrell Sr.) was In retirement, he has more time for the athletic events calls “the perfect Southern gentleman.” Epps’ pharmacist; his mother (born Lucille Lipp) was a “ray he loves so well and for the Miss Louisiana Pageant “But you ain’t got any others like him,” Miles says. “Ol’ Doc of sunshine.” which he has helped support through scholarships since bleeds red and blue.” ¢ Jarrell’s paternal grandfather was a family doctor who charged $25 for a home delivery. The family also boasted another pharmacist, a surgeon and a dentist. The whole crowd loved FOR THE SAKE OF EDUCATION sports. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Tech Family pitched “The Jarrells were folks others could turn to in times of in to help students affected by the storm. In addition to the need,” Donohoe says. “I look at what that family meant to on-campus relief efforts, the Louisiana Tech Foundation was WHAT MAKES A GUTHRIE JARRELL? their community, and then what Dr. Jarrell meant to Tech inundated with calls from concerned alumni offering to help. In response to the crisis and outpouring of support, the foundation It surely has something to do with his growing up in – it’s just a great story of people doing for others.” immediately established a hurricane relief fund with 100 Epps and Oak Grove. “Up in that corner of the state, Jarrell was born in Oak Grove where his pharmacist dad percent of contributions going directly to Tech students to assist people rely on one another,” says family friend Sue with tuition, books and living expenses. Donohoe. “People there are really close-knit.” earned $18 a week during the Depression. The family moved to Epps when Jarrell was 8. As word spread about the relief fund, contributions flowed His family was in medicine and journalism and would in from places as far away as California, Massachusetts, have, by virtue of their jobs, been important to any “I still feel an allegiance to West Carroll Parish and Epps, and Michigan, North Dakota, Utah, Virginia and even Ontario, small community. But they went beyond what was I’ve maintained those roots. I feel real close to those people,” Canada. An alum in Colorado even held a garage sale to raise expected. “When you talk about that family,” Donohoe Jarrell says. additional money for the affected students. says, “you’re talking about caretakers, people who At press time, alumni and friends from more than 25 states had helped everyone in every walk of life. That’s just the When Jarrell began attending Tech in 1945 at age 16, he donated approximately $21,000. In addition to cash gifts, the kind of family they were.” made the basketball squad but gave up playing the next year in favor of his studies. He wasn’t all work, however, and foundation also received packages of children’s clothing and other supplies. Jarrell also witnessed an incredible work ethic. His loved big bands, especially Tech’s orchestra, the Debonnaires. physician grandfather, too old to drive, once tapped To ensure that the funds are best utilized to help Tech students, the Student Government Association organized a committee his teen grandson for a ride to a tough, all-night, home “We had these ‘practice dances’ in the women’s gym that of students and faculty to review student requests for aid. Lindsay Mencacci (above), SGA president, is part of the committee delivery. were kind of preparation for the bigger functions,” Jarrell that will determine the recipients of the awards. Mencacci, a biology major from Erath, says many students are in a bind. remembers. “I liked meeting all the girls.” Maybe it’s only that Jarrell is part of the “Greatest “Their parents can’t provide for them because they are trying to pick up the pieces back home, and a world away in Ruston, college must go on,” she says. “These students still have to pay tuition, go to class, buy books, and keep up with all the other Generation” spawned by the Depression and World He still dances and still enjoys the old music, whether War II. But then how do you explain that even his own everyday expenses of college. They’re doing this on top of coping with great loss.” performed by singers from back then or by later ones such contemporaries say things like, “You ain’t got any as Carly Simon, who croons “Moonlight Serenade” from Currently, the committee is reviewing the applications for assistance and the money will be distributed before December. others like him”? Contributions to the relief fund can still be made to the Louisiana Tech Foundation Hurricane Relief, P.O. Box 3183, Ruston Jarrell’s home stereo.Ñ LA 71272.

27 26 MORE STUDENT-ATHLETES SETTING THE PACE IN ELITE COMPETITION

“ONE TEAM. ONE GOAL.” The Lady Techsters’ ambition presented a quandary for the coaches. The women wanted to push themselves beyond That was the slogan thumbtacked to the bulletin board reason, and the coaches had to address their intensity. in Louisiana Tech’s women’s track team locker room last season. When the women won the Western Athletic “The unique thing was some of our national-class kids were Conference indoor track title in February by the largest not only willing to do other events that were not their forte, margin in WAC history, the word “goal” was replaced with but demanding to do other events to get one or two more the word “dream.” points,” Stanley says, shaking his head in fond disbelief. “And you’d have to say, ‘Look, this isn’t reasonable. You’re going The indoor title was a dream come true. However, these to do these extra two events but not five!’” women were on a new mission. Through sacrifice and determination, they clinched the WAC outdoor track title The women had every right to fret about points because they MORE STUDENT-ATHLETES SCORE in May. This Cinderella ending marked only the third time lost the 2004 outdoor track title by a mere 6.5 points. It DIPLOMAS in WAC history that a single team captured both titles in a was a finish they couldn’t reconcile, and it set the stage for a season. record-breaking season. As collegiate athletics becomes a bigger business year after year, winning games becomes increasingly How did they prevail? After all, this was the team that started By the time you finish reading about headliner Nina Gilbert, important. Louisiana Tech, however, continues to make at the bottom of the WAC four years ago when Tech entered she will have run 400 meters. The junior biology major from good on its No. 1 goal where student-athletes are the conference. Houston helped her team by bringing her “A-game” to every concerned, which is to see them graduate. In 2004 meet. She did this while juggling a demanding class load graduation-rate reports released by the NCAA, Tech ranked first in the state among public universities with Head coach Gary Stanley thought he had seen it all after that she hopes will lead to medical school and a neonatology Division I programs. coaching his 23rd season at Tech. The championship ring on specialty. (Gilbert is a self-proclaimed nerd who adores his right hand is the tangible reminder that this journey to newborns.) Pictured above, psychology major Amber Obaze, a the top actually happened. former Lady Techster basketball guard, receives her She meets her goals through discipline and sacrifice: Going diploma and a hug from retired head coach Leon “It was just such an incredible hill to climb,” Stanley says. to bed early, avoiding soda and chocolate, drinking lots of Barmore at spring 2004 commencement. “To go in there the first year and look at those teams and just water, and studying whenever she is not on the trackÑ get spanked so bad. We were the same team that had won the Sun Belt (conference) the year before.”

The team didn’t decide to be the best overnight; their strategy was guided by the writing on the wall: One team. FORMULA BULLDOGS AND TECHSTERS Senior Doria Appleberry, the mother figure of the team, had Yancy McKnight (pictured left) refers to his job as rocket seen this strategy work at LSU. As a transfer student, the science for the weight room. As Tech’s head strength sociology major from Dallas had just two seasons at Tech to and conditioning coach, he and his staff work with make her mark in the hurdles. She knew it would take more 300-plus student-athletes on improving their overall than her effort to win the WAC titles and ultimately qualify athleticism and reducing their risk of injury. Under Nina Gilbert pushes herself for the NCAA Championships. McKnight’s watch, this happens one day at time. Each to excel in the classroom athlete has a customized, daily workout and nutrition and on the track. The junior “A lot of people thought I had an attitude problem because plan that dictates the day’s exercises, number of reps, biology major has her I would get mad when I saw other people not taking it as and provides analysis on their progress toward peak sights set on getting into seriously as me,” Appleberry says. “My mother would tell me, performance. McKnight approaches conditioning medical school and being ‘Well, Doria, you have to understand not everybody is going like a teacher. There is a daily lesson plan for every a NCAA champion in the to be as serious as you are.’”Ñ athlete and slight adjustments are normal, like in any 400 meters. classroom. In his second season at Tech, McKnight is making his mark with his measured technique to producing a healthier and more successful student-athlete.

28 29 “We were just ready to win the title because we thought it was our time to claim it. When it happened, it was the sweetest victory. We blew the others away so much so MORE that it went down in history.” SUPPORT IN THE ATHLETIC RANKS Nina Gilbert

– which consumes a vast chunk of her day. Regarding last A GREAT GOLF SWING IS CHARACTERIZED BY EFFICIENT season, Gilbert thinks her national-caliber team was ready to technique – something that makes for consistently straight peak. and powerful shots, driver through wedge.

“We were just ready to win the title because we thought it In many ways, Dr. Jean Hall is using the same dynamic for was our time to claim it,” she says. “When it happened, it building a golf team at Louisiana Tech. was the sweetest victory. We blew the others away so much so that it went down in history.” Hall, who took over in July 2004, wants to recruit powerful talent, but also consistent student-athletes. It was a remarkable year on many fronts. Stanley was named WAC coach of the year. Appleberry was named outstanding Having an incentive like a truly special home course helps, performer of the year. Senior Ayanna Alexander swept the too. And what could be more efficient than a coach who WAC indoor and outdoor triple jump titles and took home works for nothing more than love of the game? all-American honors at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. “Our first focus is always on academics,” says Hall, who The accolades go on, which prompts the question: What previously served from 1988-2002 as vice president of happens next season? student affairs and university advancement at Tech.

Gilbert recites her 2006 goals by rote. She will run the 400 “Our goal is to have every student-athlete to graduate,” he in 51 seconds, and she will cut that to 50 seconds before she says. “Our second focus is on character. We want them to be graduates. And she will be a national champion. The elite good citizens. We want them to represent our community field doesn’t faze Gilbert, who calms herself in the blocks by and university in a positive light. Our third focus is on the reciting Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ golf. We’ve got some talent, and they feel part of a program who strengthens me”). that’s getting better.”

“There’s nothing wrong with aiming high,” Gilbert says, Hall, a member of Squire Creek Country Club, also quickly leaning her small frame forward to emphasize the point. solidified his program’s relationship with the Choudrant “Next year, I really feel I’m a lot more disciplined and ready. facility – one of the game’s emerging courses. I know some things I took for granted. I know how to fix some things I couldn’t fix before because now I’ve actually Squire Creek pro Jeff Parks was named an assistant coach, been through it.” and the club’s assistant pro, Brad Pullin, is a volunteer assistant. Tech then hosted the Western Athletic Conference STANDARD MILES Whatever tactics Stanley employs in 2006, he refuses to golf tournament at Squire Creek in May, turning in its best dwell on the past. It’s unfair to new recruits, he says, who are During four years of softball, Amber Miles never WAC finish ever at fifth. slowed down, especially on the base paths. When hungry to move the team forward. she completed her undergrad career this spring, the “We had a great opportunity – from Jeff Parks’ swing “I don’t even want to hear about last year,” he says. “Once centerfielder had amassed 89 career stolen bases, third instruction and the latest equipment to the indoor practice those kids come in here, I will take my ring off and not wear best in Tech history. The two-time team captain flexed facility,” says Hall, who graduated from Tech with a Bachelor it as much.” her muscles off the field, too. A journalism major from of Arts in elementary and secondary education in 1968. DeSoto, Texas, she served as editor of The Tech Talk, As for Gilbert, she will assume Appleberry’s matriarch role. president of the Western Athletic Conference Student- Derek Busby – a senior Tallulah native originally recruited Athlete Advisory Committee, and Tech representative at “I’m going to take incoming freshmen under my wing and before Hall took over – says the difference in atmosphere Coach Jean Hall the 2004 NCAA Leadership Conference. Always up for expect them to bring it,” she says. “We’re just going to go out under his new coach is palpable. making reality out of her dreams, she spent the summer helps Derek Busby there and condition and get ready again for another season.” playing for the Nebraska Comets, a pro softball team “He’s brought a lot of discipline to the program,” Busby says. line up a putt during in its first year of existence. Now she’s back at Tech And the slogan on the locker room bulletin board? It will “I think that’s what we were lacking – that structure. Being a a practice round pursuing her master’s in counseling and guidance. at Squire Creek likely get rewritten, too. ¢ vice president at Tech, he knew what it took to get to the top level. He brought that from his life into the program.”Ñ Country Club.

30 31 Hall assembled a program that takes the best of area talent NUMBERS GAME like Busby and combines it with an international flavor. Last Bulldog forward Paul Millsap is a numbers man. At the June, he announced the signings of Hjortur Brynjarsson end of his second year of play, the 20-year-old, 6-foot- of Hafnarfjordur, Iceland, along with Amrith de Soysa of “Our goal is to have every student-athlete 8-inch, 243-pounder became only the fifth player to Colombo, Sri Lanka. win back-to-back NCAA rebounding championships, to graduate. Our second focus is on and the first to do so as a freshman and sophomore in “Golf is an international sport, and they play all over the character. We want them to be good the Western Athletic Conference. The sociology major, world,” Hall says. “If you look at the PGA tour, you’ll see who has two years’ eligibility left, said he is looking out citizens. We want them to represent our golfers from many, many countries. We started off locally, for No. 1 -- which to him means the Bulldogs and their and then we expanded out.” chances next season. community and university in a positive Brynjarsson, the Icelandic National Junior Champion, won light. Our third focus is on the golf. the Order of Merit for golf in Iceland. De Soysa, a graduate We’ve got some talent, and they feel of the famed Pendleton School in Bradenton, Fla., attended the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and was the winner of part of a program that’s getting better.” both the India and Pakistan junior opens. Dr. Jean Hall Oakes thinks drawing student interest from such faraway places takes a special personality.

“Jean is just such a quality person,” he says. “With all of your head coaches, you want someone who really cares Hall has already had an impact. He says the Bulldogs started about the total development of young people – and not just out ranked No. 174 in the nation among Division I golf championship rings. He’s committed to his kids getting a programs, then jumped to 110. Though the Bulldogs finished degree, and that’s what you want.” fifth in the WAC, Hall noted that the team had legitimate aspirations for third until late in the season. Not that Hall has let his players become complacent with a fifth place in the WAC. Far from it. GLOVE AND BASKETBALL “I felt confident that we could improve the program because of the commitment of (Athletics Director) Jim Oakes, the “The biggest key to the program right now is that relationship They can call the movie “Glove and Basketball.” Lady administration and the athletics council to have a good golf with Squire Creek,” Busby says. “Dr. Hall, being a member Techster senior guard Erica Taylor was considered one program,” Hall says. “Then, we have one of the best golf and having close ties to the Davisons and Coach Parks and of the top 10 players in the country following a junior courses in the United States. The commitment that (Squire (club general manager) Cliff Bailey, that made it much easier season in which she almost single-handedly led the Creek founder) James Davison has made to this program to develop that relationship. But it’s also our responsibility Lady Techsters to the NCAA Sweet 16 Tournament. now to compete at that level, since they are putting their On her way to stardom, however, Taylor was slowed is just outstanding. You take those elements, and it was an name on it. They are a top-class golf course, and they expect by news that she and professional boxer husband opportunity to elevate this program.” nothing less of us. We don’t, either.” ¢ Jermain were expecting. Daughter Nia was born Dec. Oakes says offering students the chance to both practice and 15. As Mom got used to her new role, her teammates battled adversity on the court. Taylor returned to the play at Squire Creek has quickly become a signature element hardwood on Jan. 22 and although her five-point of recruiting in the ultra-competitive world of golfing. Often performance might not have looked like much, it was a teens have played all over the United States, sometimes even WORK ETHIC HOLDS COURT huge lift to the team. Her transition back was not easy. overseas. Comprehensive analysis: each team, each player, each However, her 25-point effort in Tech’s 92-87 double move. That’s how Chris Long approached his scouting “Having a great course like Squire Creek has created a overtime win over Fresno State in the semifinals of the reports in preparation for Lady Techsters basketball WAC tournament signaled she was back. Although tremendous asset in itself,” Oakes says. “You have to have a games. Now, as head coach, he’s on the receiving end her dream of leading Tech to its 14th Final Four great leader, but you also must have a facility to recruit into. of that information. He knows the long hours that go appearance was short-lived, Taylor proved her love for Now, we’ve got both ingredients: A great leader in Jean and a into those reports after serving as a Techsters assistant the game. She was selected in the 2005 WNBA draft tremendous course in Squire Creek.” coach for six years. This season, he’ll walk the sidelines by the Washington Mystics. As for new dad, in July he ensuring the pre-game prep carries through on the court. became the middleweight champion of the world. It’s been widely reported that Hall is working for $1 a year. He’d like to debunk that. Long is pictured in the newly renovated women’s basketball locker room that celebrates the rich tradition “It’s not a $1 a year; it’s really nothing,” Hall says, laughing. of the program. The room’s focal point is a wall mural of “I was a vice president at Tech, and my wife was an English former Lady Techsters who played in the WNBA. Next professor. This university has given so much to us. In to the WNBA stars is a silhouette of a player with the retirement and living at Squire Creek, it just seemed like it inscription, “who’s next?” was an opportunity to give something back.”Ñ

32 33 MARY CALDORERA IS A BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER. DANIEL Carr is a chemical engineer. The graduating seniors had unique research pursuits that ultimately resulted in one MORE excellent outcome. HIGH-ACHIEVING UNDERGRADS Caldorera from Independence and Carr from Shreveport were named 2005 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellows. This prestigious fellowship, sought after by undergrads across the country, opens the door to many graduate schools in the United States. Both picked The University of Texas at Austin.

Before they graduated last spring, they sat down to recap their Tech experience.

How did you get to Louisiana Tech? Ever since she was a sophomore, Mary: I transferred in my sophomore year, and I wouldn’t Mary Caldorera worked in Dr. Mike McShane’s lab in the Institute trade my education here for the world. for Micromanufacturing. She feels Daniel: The smaller size of Tech’s engineering program this opportunity to do research was a big draw. I’ve heard other universities have freshman “I’m a military police officer in the Army Reserves. My gave her a leg up when she true passion is caring for sick people. When I was applied for the National Science engineering classes of 200-plus students. We were plugged young, I went to the hospital a lot, and the presence of Foundation Graduate Research into small groups from the very beginning. With the a nurse soothed me. Also, nursing runs in my family. It’s Fellowship. integrated curriculum, we got right into engineering design a profession I’ve always admired. I enjoy anything that where you begin to figure out what type of engineer you want deals with health care. to be. My goal: Through my clinical rotations, I have As you wrap up your college career, what is your perception of realized I love working with older people. I want to be Tech? a nurse in geriatrics.”

Mary: You’re not just a number. You become a lot more LAQUANA WILLIAMS (’06) personable with your professors. I don’t think I would have MANSFIELD had the opportunity to work in a lab at a larger research university.Ñ NURSING

“Environmental science was a new world that my professors opened up to me. Growing up in mid-city New Orleans, I didn’t have much exposure to environmental Daniel Carr is no stranger to issues. I learned there was a whole lot I was taking for National Science Foundation granted, which got me hooked on the major. My resume opportunities. He feels his biggest is filled with research I did in my classes and work-study research coup came in summer jobs – mediation of oil well brine spills, diversity of edge 2004 when he landed an NSF- habitats, and movement patterns of box turtles in winter, to sponsored Research Experience name a few. This summer I worked in the coastal wetlands for Undergraduates at University of for LUMCON (Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium). Colorado at Boulder. Back at Tech, he also did enzyme immobilization My goal: To get my doctorate, work in government research alongside Dr. Bill Elmore, research, and then one day be a professor. I would enjoy pictured here with Carr. giving students the same things that my Tech professors gave me.”

BRIAN EARLY (’05) NEW ORLEANS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR

34 35 “I want to teach elementary school because children Daniel: To me, it was important to go to a nationally are like sponges. In class they say: ‘Tell me more! competitive research university. Tech is that caliber. Tell me more!’ I enjoy seeing the look on their faces when they get it. Dealing with dyslexia, I understand What type research did you do? MORE firsthand why it’s important to meet the needs of the auditory, visual and kinesthetic learner. My students Mary: For three years I’ve been working in Dr. Mike ALTRUISTIC UNDERTAKINGS shouldn’t accommodate to the way I teach. I should McShane’s lab on cell culture, nanosensor-type work. accommodate to the way they learn. Daniel: I did enzyme immobilization research with Dr. My goal: I went to a special school for dyslexics, and Bill Elmore. I also did a summer Research Experience for it would be awesome to teach there. I would love to instill Undergraduates at The University of Colorado at Boulder. I in those children that they can do it. The world is theirs.” worked on a botulism vaccine.

KATIE PEACOCK (’05) What was your residential-life experience like? BATON ROUGE Mary: I live in Adams. I figure, why live off campus? It’s so ELEMENTARY EDUCATION MAJOR convenient to be within walking distance to IfM (Institute for Micromanufacturing) and Bogard (where engineering classes are held). I live with a freshman communication design major. It’s funny having a biomed major on one side of the room and an artist on the other. I see a different perspective.

Daniel: I lived in Cottingham for three years, and we had a really neat community there. Now I live in University Park. I like the privacy, and I like having a kitchen.

Any parting thoughts?

Mary: I felt intimidated when I first visited my grad school. A HEAP OF CARING But we have a good number of Tech grads at UT. The best At this job site, students rake thing was meeting with them and seeing that they are doing leaves into a pile and haul them well. Tech has established a good name there. Also, Dr. away in old bed sheets. They McShane asked me countless times to stay a Bulldog instead learned this trick from the elderly of becoming a Longhorn. I think he had his research interests resident they are helping out in mind! I know he’s proud of me regardless of my decision. during the Big Event, a Saturday set aside for students to do Daniel: Check it out. Dr. Elmore and I wore the same shirt service projects in Ruston. to this photo shoot. What can I say? Great minds think alike. ¢

“During the summer, I’m a counselor at Tech’s Explorers Camp. I help middle-school kids get on the path to college. IMAGINE A MOMENT WHERE PEOPLE COME TOGETHER AND The 2005 Big Event, which drew its largest group of student Especially in the summer, I think you have to make the make a community what it dreams of becoming ... a better volunteers yet at 900, came to the aid of 96 job sites, connection between school and having fun. You can add one. That moment is actually one day, and it’s known as The including projects to help the Lincoln Parish Police Jury them together and still accomplish learning. Big Event. clean 13 different highways and roads within the community. My goal: I want to be the kind of teacher where students Each April, Louisiana Tech’s Student Government Association SGA president Lindsay Mencacci, a senior biology major say: ‘You have to take Mr. Shavers!’” organizes the special Saturday to draw volunteers willing to from Erath, measures the community reaction by its words of LARRY SHAVERS (’05) perform acts of community service for their Ruston neighbors. praise.

DENHAM SPRINGS From raking yards to lifting litter off the sides of the road, “The community is grateful for the hard work Tech’s student MATHEMATICS EDUCATION MAJOR the mission since 1998 has been to unite for a common cause body puts forth, and we receive many thank-you notes after and interact with the public by helping beautify the city, one the Big Event,” she says.Ñ yard at a time.

36 37 Community service is an essential facet of college life as it THIS ONE’S FOR THE GIRLS prepares students for the future they will face after leaving They make Slime- and Silly Putty-like substances. They Tech’s campus, organizers say. design doorbells and build bridges out of plastic straws. “Learning how to serve and work with others will not only make us great professionals, “Community service is an important aspect of college,” says In April, Girl Scouts do these activities side by side with Tech’s Society of Women Engineers. The women of Jenny Quinnelly, a speech major from Ruston who graduated but it will help us to be great parents, colleagues, neighbors and citizens.” SWE wouldn’t have this Saturday any other way as they last spring and served as SGA’s community service director, Lindsay Mencacci enable area Girl Scouts to earn badges for science and “because students learn what serving others can do for them, engineering. In the process, the young girls see a whole and they get to connect with the community that supports new world of career possibilities that starts with the them.” question: Could I be an engineer when I grow up? Mencacci says the experience can make students better people. “Learning how to serve and work with others will ORIENTATION – not only make us great professionals, but it will help us to be PARENTS NEED IT TOO great parents, colleagues, neighbors and citizens.” Louisiana Tech’s freshmen orientation program is the As The Big Event continues to be an annual Tech tradition, oldest in the state. For 33 years, this program has been new goals have been set for next year. In 2006, Big Event helping new students become acquainted with college organizers will strive to sign up at least 10 percent of the life. Parents need a similar kind of support – in the form student body, include more civic- and organizational-based of straight answers, sound advice from people who’ve projects, and serve as an example for other SGAs around the been there, and humor plus more humor. Tech’s “Home state to start the same initiative in their own communities. Alone II” parent orientation program has caught on. Last year, more parents than ever attended the two-day Helping others in need, working with others who help, and program that helps parents adjust to an empty nest or preparing for the future ahead – the Big Event is seen as send off their first child to college. serving to bolster the potential of its student volunteers.

“Education and the opportunity to partake in projects like The cards relay a consistent theme. Here are some excerpts: the Big Event will help students make it in the big world,” Mencacci says. ¢ “The student body exemplified all that is good as ambassadors for Tech, and the community spirit displayed in sponsoring the event assures the community that its future is in good hands.”

“The students worked hard and did a superb job, and we appreciate them.”

“We certainly are thankful for the students who worked and helped us. They were excellent, and we enjoyed having the opportunity to visit with them.” CIRCLE OF BENEVOLENCE Gracious words from grateful people. For 15 years, collegiate service organization Circle K The work is much harder than the tangible rewards might has helped make Special Olympics of North Central Louisiana possible. This spring, Circle K student suggest: a T-shirt and a little well-earned lunch, yet the organizers recruited 150 Tech volunteers to lend a hand students benefit in other, larger ways, Mencacci says. at the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex. To mark the Those who help “are given the opportunity to aid someone opening of the games, the athletes jogged around the track passing the torch. The joy expressed in their faces in need and the opportunity to work with one another on a conveyed the true meaning of community service. project that really makes a difference.” At left, Krystal Penuell, the reigning Miss Tech, pauses She adds, “Getting dirty, working hard, working with friends for a photo op with an athlete. The senior marketing and knowing at the end of the day that you did something major from Gilliam was crowned last January during the great for someone else – I think this is why students volunteer 50th annual Louisiana Tech pageant. year after year.”Ñ

38 39 UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION PROFESSORSHIP AWARD MORE Dr. R. Anthony Inman (pictured below), a professor of management in the College of Administration and FACULTY SHINE BRIGHT Business, was recognized for extraordinary service and performance in teaching, research and service to the campus community. He serves as the Ruston Building and Loan Professor of Management. In 1996, Inman LAST SUMMER, MARIE BUKOWSKI BOARDED A PLANE WITH was ranked by the Journal of Operations Management 100 PIECES OF art crammed into her suitcases. When she as 17th in the nation in terms of research productivity landed in Sofia, Bulgaria, for the fourth annual World Art in production-operations management, his specialty. Print exhibition, she encountered hundreds more pieces of He also received the Shingo Prize, which honors art from around the globe. researchers throughout the world who promote new knowledge and understanding of manufacturing and Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Poland – Eastern European business improvement methods, systems and processes. countries cannot get enough of her artwork. The assistant Inman received his bachelor of business administration professor of art at Louisiana Tech was awarded a sabbatical from the University of Mississippi, his master’s from the last spring (the only one granted) so she could focus on her University of North Alabama and his doctorate from printmaking and prepare a solo exhibition of her work, which Memphis State University. He joined the Tech faculty in goes on a tour of these countries in July 2006. 1989.

Bukowski’s recent trip abroad focused on sharing her Other finalists for the professorship award: knowledge about printmaking and judging other people’s • Nancy Darland, professor of nursing art. Her first stop was Bulgaria where she was a visiting artist • Dr. Kimberly Kimbell-López, associate professor of and one of five jurors at the World Art Print exhibition held curriculum, instruction and leadership at the national palace in Sofia. Bulgaria’s capital city is the cultural center of the country with a population of more than a million people.

After traveling about 24 hours and arriving on a Wednesday afternoon, the exhibition coordinator picked Bukowski up from the airport and exuberantly informed her that there were 1,500 pieces of art submitted by 522 artists that had to be judged by Friday. Her judging marathon was about to begin – sleeping and eating would have to wait. He offered her 10 minutes to freshen up at the hotel, Bukowski recalls with a laugh.

“I said, ‘OK, I can rest, relax and regroup in 10 minutes.’ What can you possibly do in 10 minutes? You throw your suitcase in the corner, splash water on your face, brush your teeth, and off you go,” she says.

And that’s how her trip began, one that she calls the most impressive she has ever taken to Europe. During her month’s ART A-PLENTY stay, she evaluated art, participated in a panel discussion Entries for the World Art Print on printmaking, and taught for two days at the prestigious exhibition spanned floor to National Academy of Art in Sofia. The only thing she didn’t ceiling and overflowed into do was make art, which was pure agony for this prolific artist. Sofia, Bulgaria’s, Lessedra Gallery, where this picture was “It was so hard for me to be over there as a juror to talk about taken at the opening reception. these contemporary issues in printmaking and not be able to Assistant professor of art Marie make any artwork,” she says. “I felt this really strong urge to Bukowski was one of five artists actually do something, make something. I was so jealous of invited to judge the competition. the students over there because they were making their work, and I was just a visitor horning in on their space.”Ñ

40 41 Despite her itch to make prints, she pored over all the entries OUTSTANDING FACULTY ADVISER and made difficult decisions on what should be best of show. AWARD “Not only was the quantity great, but the quality was great, Dr. Edward J. “Butch” Miller (pictured below), too,” she says. “It was so hard for me to be over there as an associate professor of curriculum, instruction and To avoid bias, Bukowski was prohibited from talking with leadership in the College of Education, was honored other jurors before turning in her list of best artists. The list a juror to talk about these contemporary for his contribution to excellence in undergraduate academic advising. The award is sponsored by the each juror drew up was compared with the others; the artist issues in printmaking and not be able Division of Enrollment Management. In addition to most frequently appearing on the combined lists was named to make any artwork. I felt this really academic advising, Miller has served as sponsor for best of show. Tech’s chapter of the Louisiana Association of Educators strong urge to actually do something, Student Program. His department head, Dr. David E. Bukowski’s work has been in the exhibition for the past Gullatt, nominated him for the award and called him three years. Last year, the organizers bought her work to add make something. I was so jealous of the a “tireless warrior for the cause of student advising.” to Bulgaria’s permanent collection. Her monotypes, one- students over there because they were Miller joined the Tech faculty in 1977. He earned his of-a-kind pieces of art that she produces using an intaglio bachelor’s and master’s from Louisiana Tech and his printmaking technique, are what distinguish her in Bulgaria. making their work, and I was just a doctorate from North Texas State University.

She starts with a blank plate – her kind of canvas. She paints visitor horning in on their space.” Honored within their colleges for advising: on the surface of the plate and then runs it through a hand- Marie Bukowski • Dr. R. Anthony Inman, professor of management and crank printing press. Next, she paints or draws on top of this marketing and an image forms, an abstract reflection of her feelings. • Jonathan Donehoo, professor of art “Even though they’re abstract pieces, I almost see them as • Dr. Ruth Ellen Hanna, professor of mathematics and self-portraits or a diary,” she says. “When I print one image, statistics I don’t clean the plate. I just ink again and print again.Ñ That way the residue from the past print will still imprint in • Lori Arnold Myers, instructor of human ecology some capacity. There’s always carryover from one to another.”

F. JAY TAYLOR/FOUNDATION After Bukowski finished “jury duty,” it was off to Romania UNDERGRADUATE TEACHING to deliver pieces of her art for her solo show and scout out the exhibit space. She was overwhelmed by the size of the AWARD “city museum” in Timisoara, Romania, where her work will Dr. Rick Simmons (pictured above), an associate be displayed. Bukowski’s first reaction: “I have to make a lot professor of English in the College of Liberal Arts, more work!” teaches University Seminar 100, technical writing and literature. Simmons also received the Faculty Senate Not only is she producing art, she’s also teaching Chair Award for research, teaching and service in printmaking to Tech’s undergraduate and graduate students, 2004, making him the first faculty member from the all the while making connections throughout Eastern Europe. College of Liberal Arts to win both awards. Among This part comes easy for the native Philadelphian who speaks Simmons’ innovations in teaching: creating one of the Polish and German and can “get by” in Bulgarian. Gallery first Web courses at Tech and overseeing Liberal Arts’ owners have embraced Bukowski, and she is working to bring technology-enhanced classroom ever since the concept Bulgarian art and culture to Ruston. In a couple of years, she of such “smart” classrooms was introduced. Simmons joined the faculty in 1997. He received his bachelor’s hopes to have an exchange program for Bulgarian art and degree from Coastal Carolina College and his master’s artists at Tech. and doctorate from the University of South Carolina. “I feel like now that I’ve done all this I can’t take a year off Other finalists for the teaching award: and not do anything,” she says, gazing at her large, colorful • Dr. Kimberly Kimbell-López, associate professor of prints that nearly cover the cinder block walls of her office curriculum, instruction and leadership Assistant professor of in Tech’s School of Art. “I don’t want to be perceived as a art Marie Bukowski slacker.” • Dr. T. Selwyn Ellis, associate professor of computer explains each information systems step in the intaglio Hardly. When she returned from Europe, she had an e-mail • Krista Hines, instructor of mathematics and statistics printmaking process. announcing she received a residency next summer outside • Dr. William Jordan, professor of mechanical Barcelona, Spain, where she will produce art for a month. engineering Then, the artist/professor/jetsetter will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, for the opening of her first solo tour. ¢ • Dr. Janie H. Humphries, professor of human ecology • Dr. Saul Zalesch, associate professor of art

42 43 SUBSCRIBING TO SUCCESS MORE In 1983, Rosemary Ellis left Tech with undergraduate degrees in journalism and ALUMNI TRIUMPHS WENDING graphic design. Today she is senior vice president and editorial director of Prevention THEIR WAY BACK TO TECH magazine where she recently led a massive redesign that increased newsstand sales, broke They headline their professions. Their talents influence our world. Some sport a household name like ad records and raised the readership to 10.6 NBA great Karl Malone. Many more work tirelessly outside the spotlight. This is a small sampling of million strong.Ç alumni milestones this year. We call them “Tech Triumphs,” and we celebrate their accomplishments every day on the front of Tech’s Web site.

ELITE SCIENTIST For his work in neurophysiology, alumnus John White was inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of NATIVE SON STILL DELIVERS Medical and Biological Engineering, a group His career is unquestionably legendary. On a composed of the top 2 percent of the world’s quieter scale, so is his spirit of service. Retired bioengineers. An associate professor of NBA great Karl Malone was recognized at biomedical engineering at Boston University, 2005 spring commencement with the Tower White is a 1984 graduate of Tech’s biomedical Medallion Award. The Alumni Association engineering program; he earned his doctorate award recognized both his exceptional career from Johns Hopkins University in 1990.Å and his devotion to helping others. As far as his alma mater, Malone has pitched in many times, PAPER BREAKTHROUGH most visibly with the weight room he donated a At Mississippi River Corp., alumna Tanya decade ago and recently upgraded through his Smith Richardson led the creation of a process Ç gift of $85,000. whereby recycled pulp can be used in food contact. Starbucks was the first to announce plans to use hot beverage cups made from the recycled material, lowering the company’s use of tree fiber by 5 million pounds annually. Richardson earned her master’s in chemical engineering from Tech in 1998.Ç

LEGACY OF LEARNING Dad donned a hood and velvet-trimmed regalia; son a customary cap and gown. At spring commencement, Calhoun Middle School Principal Don Coker picked up his doctorate of education and Matthew Coker claimed a HONOR MEDICINE bachelor’s in family and child studies. The father, an educator of 25 years, said he wanted to send Her grade-school science project showcased the a message that education should be a lifelong human heart. This year, Dr. Christina Edwards process. His son said it’s about families, too, graduated top of her class from LSU Health and that his purpose is to give more children the Sciences Center-Shreveport and received the kind of guidance he grew up with.Å William and Charlotte Cadbury Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges. Now in general surgery residency at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., she earned her bachelor’s in animal biology from Tech in 2001.Å

44 45 IMPRESSIVE PROGRESS. UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES. “Louisiana Tech Unviersity in Ruston showed an important upward move in the national university category...” The Times-Picayune, August 20, 2005 ACT Entrance Scores (13-year analysis)

23

22.5

22

21.5

21

20.5

20

19.5

19 Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall Fall ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 ‘99 ‘00 ‘01 ‘02 ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 Louisiana Tech State National

Six-Year Graduation Rates (1998 Freshmen) 60 OPINION 7A MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2005 50

40

30

20

10

0 Tech NwSU GSU ULL ULM NiSU MSU SLU Source of Data: Board of Regents Attrition Study System Jonathan Todd/Special to The Times

46 47 LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION – MEETING THE CHALLENGE

Louisiana Tech University Foundation Inc.-Contributions (six-year comparison)

$4,900,000

$815,340 $4,200,000

$3,500,000

$2,800,000 $2,025,538 $2,063,657

$2,100,000 $1,694,858 $3,544,896 $582,755

$1,132,218 $1,400,000

$1,393,221 $1,358,022 $1,202,172 $700,000 $555,814 $1,193,550

$527,479 $291,856 $452,386 $284,576 $0 $190,018 $142,465 FY 99-00 FY 00-01 FY 01-02 FY 02-03 FY 03-04 FY 04-05 $3,573,577 $3,557,685 $2,140,418 $2,260,553 $3,030,873 $4,887,715 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment

Louisiana Tech University Foundation Inc.-Total Assets

$60,000,000 OUR MISSION

As a selective-admissions, comprehensive public university, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative $50,000,000 activity, public service, and economic development. Louisiana Tech maintains as its highest priority the education and development $50.6 M of its students in a challenging, yet safe and supportive, community of learners. Louisiana Tech provides a technology-rich, $47.4 M interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research environment to ensure student and faculty success. $40,000,000 $42.7 M $42.5 M $43.1 M

$38.3 M $30,000,000 $34.0 M

$25.4 M $20,000,000 OFFICERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION

$16.5 M Daniel D. Reneau Terry M. McConathy $10,000,000 President Executive Vice President and Dean of the Graduate School

Jerry S. Drewett Kenneth W. Rea $0 Vice President for Administrative Services and Vice President for Academic Affairs July ‘93 July ‘96 July ‘99 July ‘00 July ‘01 July ‘02 July ‘03 July ‘04 July ‘05 Director of Budgets and Contracts Corre A. Stegall Leslie K. Guice Vice President for University Advancement Vice President for Research and Development and Director of Information Technology Joseph R. Thomas, Jr. Vice President for Financial Services James M. King Vice President for Student Affairs

48 LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY Ruston, Louisiana www.latech.edu | 1.800.LATECH.1