This April 1, 2026 episode brings Louisiana Tech's beloved mascot, Tech XXII, to the guest table. This exclusive, in-depth interview with the loyal and friendly four-legged family member covers everything from his puppy beginnings at the University to his love for fast cars and slow days. Did we mention it's April 1st?

Tech XXII on Instagram: instagram.com/techxxii

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

Dr. Wes Flinn has not been a part of the Louisiana Tech faculty for a full year yet, but he's already integrated himself into the School of Music as its new director, and he knows he leads world-class instructors who shape the minds of future musicians. In this episode, he talks about growing up on a hog farm in southern Indiana and finding his love for music and teaching. He discusses his vision for the School of Music, and he emphasizes the importance of collaboration, work ethic, and the transformative power of music education.

School of Music: latech.edu/liberal-arts/programs/school-of-music/

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

Computer Science major and LA Tech feature twirler Tess Gardner has made a college career out of keeping busy. Between her academic and extracurricular commitments, she's discovered a passion for pushing herself and maximizing her potential. In this episode, she shares stories about finding her way to Tech and carving her own path to becoming a feature twirler despite her late start. She talks about working in the University's Security Operations Center, protecting its IT infrastructure from real-time threats. And she reflects on her personal growth and future career goals as she looks to finish her junior year strong.

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

Louisiana Tech 2017 graduate Kevin Richardson has made a name for himself in college athletics. From choosing his major at Tech on a whim to working hard and earning a role in the University's athletics department, Richardson charts his journey in sports and the mindset that has carried him this far. He talks about stops at Rice, Texas, and, his current home, Clemson and what he's learned along the way. He reminisces about Street Team, the student marketing team from his time at Tech, and he shares his thoughts on how work-life balance and a healthy work environment can change college athletics for the better.

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

When Audrey Calhoun graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1973, she became the first Black woman in the country to earn a forestry degree. It was just the start of her one-of-a-kind career in the field. She's worked all over the country, protecting and preserving nature and the history connected to it. She's been a part of operations at the White House. She led evacuation efforts from the Pentagon daycare during the September 11 attacks. At every turn, she has been dedicated to sticking with her dreams, and she shares her full, inspiring story in this special episode.

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

2025's Miss Louisiana Tech University, Hannah Brotherton, is getting ready to crown the next Miss Tech in late January, so she's got a lot to reflect on from her past year of service with the crown. She discusses her "switch flip" moment discovering a knack for coding, how her confidence has grown over her 20 years of pageant competition, and the people and causes that she holds dear in her personal life and in her time representing her university.

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

Louisiana Tech's Director of Broadcasting Kyle Schassburger might be new to the Tech Family, but he's already proven his loyalty to the red and blue by lending his commentary talents to Bulldog sports and buying in to their mission of excellence. In this episode, he talks about growing up listening to some of the broadcasting greats, finding his passion for making big calls, and why Ruston and Louisiana Tech have quickly become home for him.

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu

Louisiana Tech's University Communications crew sits down for the annual recap episode to talk through the biggest headlines and highlights of 2025. From a revamped university website to the revival of 1894 Magazine, and from a groundbreaking partnership with Radiance Technologies to a shift to the Sun Belt Conference for LA Tech Athletics, the best stories of the year are here on Beyond 1894.

More Louisiana Tech news: latech.edu/news

Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/

Email: 1894@latech.edu