What a great privilege to spend an evening celebrating my former professor, Raymond Strother. The famed political consultant, author and journalist is retiring as the Erbon & Marie Wise Endowed Chair in Journalism at Northwestern State University. The university held a retirement reception for Strother on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the NSU Alumni Center….
Tag: Northwestern State University
Grateful for all my Alma Mater has given me
Northwestern State University’s annual Homecoming reunion is always one of my favorite times of year! It’s a great reminder of how special Natchitoches and NSU will always be for me. I was surprised, but so very honored to receive the ‘Outstanding Young Alumnus’ award from my Alma mater at halftime of the football game. Perhaps…
A chance to chat with the next generation of journalists
Learning is a lifelong adventure for any committed journalist, a journey shaped by academic studies, real world application, and experiences shared by those working in the field. There’s always an opportunity to grow for those open to it. Looking back on my college years, I was fortunate to have been exposed to constant advice from professors…
Will people know the color of your heart?
I was very honored to have the opportunity to speak to the graduating seniors of my alma mater, Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. On Thursday, May 5, NSU threw a ‘Fork Em Farewell Crawfish Boil’ for seniors and their families. As a board member for the NSU Alumni Association, I was asked to share…
In memory of longtime NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb
It’s been a tough week for many at my alma mater, Northwestern State University, with the passing of former president Randall J. Webb. While he had been retired for almost a year — you’d never know. His devotion to the success of NSU never waned. You’d see him on campus, at alumni events in Shreveport, and doing…
Advice from a 105-year-old with no intent of slowing down
What a privilege and honor it was Wednesday morning to visit with Tyler resident Earline Andrews on her 105 birthday. She happens to be the oldest living graduate of my alma mater, Northwestern State University! I don’t think she could have been more delighted when we arrived with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on behalf…
General Erbon Wise’s impact on my education
Some truly exceptional individuals have connections to Northwestern State. This weekend, I got to catch up with General Erbon Wise, a noted author and the publisher of several newspapers in Louisiana and Texas. He wrote for our newspaper as a student at NSU and later served in World War II during the Normandy invasion. He…
Volunteering: A chance to repay your ‘debt’
I believe one person truly can make a difference in the life of another and I hope to never ignore that calling. It’s quite humbling to think of the special individuals spent countless hours mentoring me — many of whom continue to do so. Counting myself among the extremely fortunate, I’m pursuing my “dream profession” as…
An honor to be named to Pi Kappa Phi’s ‘Thirty Under 30’ list
I am so very honored to have been selected for Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity’s inaugural ‘Thirty Under 30’ list, among a truly impressive group of young professionals. I’ve served as a volunteer for the organization since 2008, hoping to mentor emerging leaders during their collegiate experience. As a student, I was exposed to countless opportunities for leadership development and owe debt of…
This Isn’t Your Daddy’s Journalism
I recently had the opportunity to return to my alma mater to participate in the 41st annual Northwestern State University J-Day. Journalism Day gives discerning high school students the opportunity to attend hands-on workshops and lectures at NSU. Professionals talk with students about the changing field of journalism and mass communications and give advice on how…
Video series focuses on preserving our past, protecting our future
Living in Natchitoches, reminders of the city’s rich history are everywhere you go. From antebellum homes, colonial fort sites, and historical markers, preserving our history is imperative. Fortunately for Natchitoches, there’s no shortage of those with an interest in preserving the past for future generations. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, headquartered on…
Meet the woman profiled in ‘The Armless Marvel’
I’d like to introduce you to Mary Belle de Vargas, a woman whose remarkable story of overcoming adversity highlights the importance of celebrating the abilities of all people. I’ve worked for the Natchitoches Convention and Visitors Bureau for almost four years. Our office is situated in historic downtown Natchitoches, in a small stucco and brick…
DFWReporting.com is news without the blues
A new website aims to prove a different angle of news coverage for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. DFWReporting.com will tell stories that might sometimes fall through the cracks amid the wall-to-wall coverage of car chases and murders. It was founded by Chris Ghanbari, a young professional who I worked with at WFAA in Dallas last summer….
Raymond Strother: The Father of Political Consulting
Using the word “colorful” to describe Louisiana’s political scene has become so cliché. With grandiose political personalities in every corner of the country from Senator Robert Byrd, to Governor Schwarzenegger and Senators Larry Craig and Ted Kennedy, Louisiana isn’t the only state with famous politicians. Louisiana, however, still maintains control of its own style of…
From the Town Talk: “Greeks Work to Change Stereotype”
It’s no secret that the Greek System at NSU is going through a rough patch. Low recruitment, retention, and accountability are among some of the biggest obstacles. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however. Some very capable student leaders are at the helm of their respective organizations. Comittment to philanthropic service…
Is the state of Greek Life at NSU in danger?
In an effort to improve the current state of fraternities at Northwestern State University, the Interfraternity Council, or IFC, is undertaking a self-imposed reorganization. The IFC, which serves as the governing body of six chartered fraternities, voted earlier this semester to disband temporarily and to allow the group to restructure their operations. “Many fraternities felt…
More than 50 thousand demonstrators pack tiny Louisiana town
Thousands of marchers gathered in Jena, Louisiana on Thursday to rally support for Mychal Bell, one of six black students initially charged with attempted murder for the beating of a white classmate. Charges were eventually dropped against five of the teens, while Bell still sits behind bars awaiting trial. I traveled to Jena with my crew…
New semester, new ideas
Upon arrival in Natchitoches in early August, I hit the ground running with re-tooling my duties with NSU22 News. I planned to return to anchoring this fall, but a class conflict will prevent me from scheduling around the newscast. This may prove to be a favorable coincidence because I have been named to the investigative beat…
Day 18: How do J-schools stack up?
Do I cut the red wire, or do I cut the blue wire? There are 10 seconds left on the timer. Tick tock, tick tock. The voice over the radio screams “Come on, you’ve got to cut the wire.” You know the inevitable is looming. If you cut the wrong wire, it’s over. Your heart…
Uncovering ‘Silent Killers’ on NSU’s campus
Everywhere you go, they’re hiding in places you can’t avoid. Waiting to take advantage of vulnerability. Growing stronger with every passing minute. Indiscriminate attacks on infants, adults, and the elderly. Are we safe? Can we protect ourselves? Or are we adding insult to injury? Who are these silent killers? Those are the first few lines…
Entering the blogging realm
Hello and welcome to my blog! Through encouragement from colleagues and friends, I have decided to take on blogging. I plan to use this blog as a means for commenting on life in general, but with a main focus on news events. I plan to take on an internship this summer at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas,…
