LSUS Degree: Bachelor’s of General Studies in 1978

What I do now: Bossier Parish Police Jury, Parish Administrator, Police Juror District 9

About my job: I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Bossier Parish Police Jury. We have more than 300 employees and hundreds of millions of dollars in assests, including all public buildings belonging to the parish, the courthouse, two jails, the Juvenile Detention Center, the library system, and parish roads and bridges.

How I got to LSUS: I graduated from Parkview High School, and transferred to LSUS after attending BPCC for one year.

Fond Memories of LSUS: All the students I went to school with. We cross paths all the time and I am amazed at how successful they’ve become.

LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. Richard Speairs, Dr. Matlock, Dr. Spaht and Dr. Marsala. Dr. Marsala was the Dean of General Studies, and my wife worked for him as a student-worker her last year of college, our first year of marriage. I like to think the two of us helped shape him to obtain his current position!

How LSUS helped me succeed: The foundation I obtained by acquiring my undergraduate degree has allowed me to work in several fields and do well in all of them—banking, mortgage banking, insurance, and management of a multi-million dollar business. Experiences from these jobs prepared me for my current position, which I truly enjoy.

Advice to college-bound students: Have a good time, but study hard. The classes you take and the grade point average you earn can really open doors in the future in ways you cannot see at that time. I’m speaking from personal experience with the advantage of hindsight.

Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: Take a wide range of courses. On a daily basis I deal with accounting, budgets, personnel, insurance, laws and investment issues.

Tips on choosing a major or career: You have to enjoy what you do, but make sure the major you choose can make you some money. Money is good. If possible, intern during the summers in areas you think you might be interested in. Sometimes careers are not what you expected after you get into them.

My toughest professional challenge: Getting through mathematics in school. I still struggle with it to this day. I have a great accounting department that comes to my rescue often. Surround yourself with the best people you can find in their respective areas of expertise. Let them know their responsibilities and turn them loose to do their jobs. I am here to provide support and advice.

My toughest personal challenge: Losing my dad at an early age. Often I think of what I could have done if he had been around and the advice he could have given me. I might not have listened, but on the other hand it might have saved me some grief.

Successes (honors, awards, etc.) in my life: I’m an LSUS graduate. I found a wonderful wife and have three very well-educated kids doing their things. I also won the Times Leadership Award in 2004.

I’ve learned this from life: People and the relationships you develop mean everything in the long run. Continue to learn and enjoy throughout life.