Eric Lord
Agricultural Business Major - Minor in Business Administration
About Me
My name is Eric Lord. I am a senior Agricultural Business major with a minor in business administration. I grew up on a farm in Newellton and I have always loved agriculture. Even though my first choice in a major at Louisiana Tech was not agriculture, I've always known that I would like to stay close to the agricultural community. To me, agriculture is more than a career choice, it is a life choice. During my junior year at Tech, I decided to change my major to agricultural business. The move was better than I could have imagined. The faculty, staff, and students on South Campus have made a great and lasting impact on my life that I will never forget. I would encourage anyone considering a career in agriculture to come to Louisiana Tech. You will not be disappointed!
Mentor
The South Campus faculty members are some of the most caring people that I know. They are always willing to help in any way possible. I would like to especially thank Dr. Aaron Lusby. He is the best teacher that I have ever met. He is truly concerned that each and every student understands the material presented. Furthermore, he goes over and beyond the call of duty with his open door policy. At any time, you can go by his office, and he will drop whatever he is doing, no matter how important, and give you as much time as you need. To me, Dr. Aaron Lusby fully embodies all of the principles of what an educator should be. Thank you.
Quote
"My fellow citizens, the American presidency is not supposed to be a journey of "personal discovery". This world of threats and dangers is not just a community, and it doesn't just need an organizer." - Sarah Palin, 2008 RNC Vice Presidential nominee
Lisa McBride
Agricultural Business Major - Landscape and Turf Management
About Me
I am Lisa McBride, a senior from Minden, Louisiana, majoring in Agricultural Business with a concentration in Landscape and Turf Management. I am also a single parent of a daughter, Nikki, who is a senior at Loyola College Prep in Shreveport. It was a difficult decision for me to change careers late in life, but Louisiana Tech University was an easy choice! I work part-time at Tech in the greenhouses and also at Squire Creek. I find a little time to foster unwanted dogs for the Webster Humane Association and am an active member of Greenscape, our Plant Science student organization.
Mentors
During my years at Louisiana Tech, Dr. Peter Gallagher has not only been one of the best professors but also someone to whom I could relay all of the dramas going on in my life. Dr. Charles Winstead has managed to teach me so much about turf, and the Agricultural Sciences office staff is always so very helpful to me. Roxie Jordan is great to work with at the greenhouse...she is always there to answer all of my questions. Everyone here has helped to make my experience a truly great one!
Quote
"It is not easy going to college at my age. There are times when it has been quite difficult, but I would never want to send the message to my daughter to quit when things get hard."
Danielle Beard
Agricultural Education Major
About Me
I am Danielle Elise Beard, and I was born and raised in Rosa, Louisiana just about an hour south of Alexandria. I am a senior Agricultural Education Major at Louisiana Tech University and plan to graduate in Winter 2009. I am the eldest daughter of Hals and Tracy Beard with four younger sisters: Heidi, Lauren, Cody, and Maggie. Yes, my family consisted of six females and my dad, but he was not always outnumbered because while we were growing up we always loved to hunt, fish and spend time outdoors. I remember attending a private grade school and not being able to wait to get into high school just so I could take my dad's agriculture class and become a member of the FFA. While at Tech, I have been very active through participation in Alpha Zeta Honor Fraternity, Agricultural Ambassadors, Collegiate FFA, Association of Baptist Students, and First Baptist Church of Ruston. I have been truly blessed by my experiences at Lousiana Tech. Upon graduation, I plan to continue my education to receive my Master's of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. In April 2009, shortly after graduation, I will be marrying Aaron Newsom, a senior Mathematics major here at Louisiana Tech University.
Why Tech and Agriculture Education?
Becoming an agriculture teacher was not always my career goal. While I was growing up, I remember wanting to become a doctor; I never decided on what type of doctor, I just knew that I was going to be one. Then during my sophomore year of high school, I had a rude awakening. After breaking my pinky finger while pitching for softball practice and not doing too well at the sight of my own blood, I decided maybe the medical field was NOT for me after all, so I started the career search again. By my senior year, I had decided that I wanted to become a teacher. I knew I loved students and had a passion for working with them, and I loved agriculture so Agricultural Education seemed like the perfect match. Now that my degree choice had been made, I began the search for the perfect university. I decided on Louisiana Tech because of the great things I heard about their agriculture department. While it was not an immediate decision, it was not a hard one for me to make. I have to say that everything I heard was right, and I would not change my decision if I could.
Mentors
To name just one professor that has become a mentor to me would do someone a lot of injustice. I have truly been blessed by the professors on south campus who have never been unwilling to write me a letter of recommendation, no matter how short of notice, or assist me with projects or whatever assignments whenever I need them. I thank each of them for all that they have done for me throughout these past four years, and I will be truly grateful to them forever. Other than my professors, my dad has become my number one fan! He is always willing to assist me when I am having trouble getting a lesson together, and I know he will always be there for me. While my dad sometimes makes me nervous because I do not want to disappoint him, I know is always there to support and assist me.
Quote
"Always reach for the moon because at least you will land among the stars." - Unanimous
If you will only reach higher to achieve your dreams, you will always land on your feet because you have surpassed something in your path on which you can firmly land and be successful!
Taylor Simon
Animal Science Major - Pre-Veterinary Medicine
About Me
Hi, my name is Taylor Simon. I am a junior Animal Science (Pre-Veterinary Medicine) major. My parents are Phil and Claire Simon, and I have a little sister named Megan who is a senior at Erath High School. My home town is Erath, Louisiana and I am a 2006 graduate of Erath High School. I don't think I had heard of Louisiana Tech until an older freind of mine decided to come here. Once I looked into it and saw what the Agricultural Science program here had to offer, I knew it was the school for me. For me, Louisiana Tech has been not only a school, but a community where I have always felt welcome and at home. I have been active in the Pre-Vet club, Equestrian Club, Block and Bridle, Ag Ambassadors, Alpha Zeta, and ACTS. I know that I have gained invaluable experiences from my time here at Louisiana Tech.
Mentors
All members of the faculty here at Tech have been great, but a few stand out in my experiences. Dr. William Green looks out for all of his students, and he has a wealth of knowledge that I have felt privileged to learn from as a Pre-Vet student. Dr. Mark Murphey advised me when I was first starting out, and he has been a great help to me since. Due to my interest in horses, I have worked a good deal with Mrs. Aleta Overby, and I have learned a lot from my time in her classes. I have always felt welcomed here, and all the professors are wonderful about helping students if you go to them and ask for help.
Quote
"No man can sincerely help another without helping himself." - Emerson
I've enjoyed all of my time at Tech, but some of the best times I had were through my involvement in some of the many community service activities here.
