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Distinguished Alumni Award
The Circle of Excellence Award is designed to express annual appreciation to outstanding LSUS alumni who are leaders in our community, region, or nation – those who are using their LSUS degrees in a significant manner, either professionally or through volunteerism, to bring recognition to the University. Click the link below to nominate an LSUS alum for this honor.
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Circle of Excellence Award
The Circle of Excellence Award is designed to express annual appreciation to outstanding LSUS alumni who are leaders in our community, region, or nation – those who are using their LSUS degrees in a significant manner, either professionally or through volunteerism, to bring recognition to the University. Click the link below to nominate an LSUS alum for this honor.
2007
James N. Fritze
Jim is the Dealer of Red River Motor Company and is well known in Shreveport and Bossier City circles for his work with Junior Achievement, the United Fund, Louisiana State Fair, Caddo-Bossier Council on Alcoholism and YMCA. He was named the March of Dimes Citizen of the Year in 1997.
Jim received a Bachelor of General Studies in 1995.
Jim received a Bachelor of General Studies in 1995.
John M. Good, Jr.
John is President of The Good Companies and Developer of Louisiana Boardwalk and The StoneBridge Golf & Residential Community. His newest project is Villaggio, a 64-acre residential and retail development in North Bossier City that is modeled after an Italian village. It is scheduled to open in 2008. John received a BS in Accounting in 1976.
Sheriff Stephen W. Prator
Steve has had a long and distinguished career in law enforcement, having served with the Shreveport Police Department for 26 years. He was Chief of Police from 1991-1999. Steve has served as Sheriff of Caddo Parish since 2000 and will begin his third term in 2008.
He earned a Bachelor of General Studies in 1975 and is a member of our first graduating class.
He earned a Bachelor of General Studies in 1975 and is a member of our first graduating class.
Edie Broyles Williams
Edie’s name is well known in volunteer and philanthropic circles for her work with CHRISTUS Schumpert Sutton Children’s Medical Center, the La. State Exhibit Museum Governing Board and The Glen Retirement System Board. She and her husband Lacy’s underwriting donation made the Dr. Lacy and Edie Williams Circle of Excellence Plaza possible. Construction is coming along well and we anticipate a dedication later this fall. Edie received a Bachelor of General Studies in 1988.
Anne D. Wilson & Dr. "Woody" Wilson
Both Anne and Woody are also well known in volunteer and philanthropic circles. Anne has been a force for change with Shreveport-Bossier Community Renewal since before its inception. Proceeds from her recently released children’s book will benefit that organization. Woody, a Shreveport physician, has served as the Historian for the Shreveport Medical Society for almost 20 years. He is also past president of the Louisiana State Heart Assn. and the Louisiana Historical Society.
They received their Master of Liberal Arts degrees together in 1987.
They received their Master of Liberal Arts degrees together in 1987.
James H. Ballengee
James is the President and Owner of Taylor Gas Liquids and is an avid fan and sponsor of the LSUS Sports Program. He and his wife Waynette are active in many Shreveport-Bossier philanthropic endeavors.
He received a BS in Business Administration in 1987.
He received a BS in Business Administration in 1987.
Ronnie L. Bryant, CEcD, FM
Ronnie is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Charlotte, North Carolina, Regional Partnership. He also served as CFO of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.
Ronnie received a BS in Business Management Administration in 1989.
Ronnie received a BS in Business Management Administration in 1989.
Dr. Johnette H. McCrery
Johnette is a former television reporter and anchor and LSUS faculty member. She was twice voted by students as one of the top 20 professors on campus. She currently serves as Vice President of Public Affairs for Hayes and Associates in the Washington, DC suburb of McLean, Virginia. She is married to U.S. Representative Jim McCrery.
Johnette received her Master of Liberal Arts degree in 1996.
Johnette received her Master of Liberal Arts degree in 1996.
2008
Donna M. Austin, DBA
Holds 3 degrees from LSUS - BS in Math Education 1979, BS in Computer Science and an MBA 1984. She has worked for LSUS for almost 21 years, becoming the Dean of Continuing Education in October 2003. She has revolutionized Continuing Ed and added a long list of new programs including the LSUS Nursing Program for LPNs and CNAs. Donna has trained more than 90 faculty members to teach online in nine separate 10-week “Learning to Teach Online” courses that she created. She also trained 348 full-time and adjunct faculty/staff to use Blackboard.
Nicholas E. Goeders, PhD
BS in Psychology (and a minor in Chemistry) 1978
Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport
He is considered one of the world’s leaders on the role of stress in drug addiction. He recently formed Embera Neuro Therpeutics, Inc. to conduct clinical trials on the treatment of addiction based on the results from his research on stress and addiction. Embera is testing a novel combinational drug treatment in cocaine addicts and cigarette smokers, and this pharmacotherapy may also prove to be effective in the treatment of drug and other addictions, including gambling.
Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center – Shreveport
He is considered one of the world’s leaders on the role of stress in drug addiction. He recently formed Embera Neuro Therpeutics, Inc. to conduct clinical trials on the treatment of addiction based on the results from his research on stress and addiction. Embera is testing a novel combinational drug treatment in cocaine addicts and cigarette smokers, and this pharmacotherapy may also prove to be effective in the treatment of drug and other addictions, including gambling.
The Honorable David N. Matlock
BA in English 1979
Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish since 1999.
Court related initiatives during his tenure include the Model Court Program to provide speedy and effective handling of child abuse and neglect cases; mental health screening for detained children; Juvenile Drug Court, a first-in-the-state; Dependency Drug Court, the only Drug Court program in LA for parents of abused and neglected children; the M.O.M.S. drug treatment program for adult women; Mental Health Court which offers a specialized court docket and services for children with significant mental health needs; Teen Court, a high school peer jury diversion program for less serious offenses administered by Volunteers for Youth Justice - and a long list of other innovative programs.
Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish since 1999.
Court related initiatives during his tenure include the Model Court Program to provide speedy and effective handling of child abuse and neglect cases; mental health screening for detained children; Juvenile Drug Court, a first-in-the-state; Dependency Drug Court, the only Drug Court program in LA for parents of abused and neglected children; the M.O.M.S. drug treatment program for adult women; Mental Health Court which offers a specialized court docket and services for children with significant mental health needs; Teen Court, a high school peer jury diversion program for less serious offenses administered by Volunteers for Youth Justice - and a long list of other innovative programs.
Michael R. Norman, PhD
BS in Physics 1979 (Summa Cum Laude)
He is presently an Argonne Distinguished Fellow and Head of the Condensed Matter Theory Group at Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, Illinois. He is also an Adjunct Professor, Department of Physics at Northwestern University in Chicago. From 1998-2008 he served as Senior Physicist at Argonne. He received the University of Chicago Distinguished Performance Award in 1999 and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1995. His list of publications and speaking engagements is lengthy indeed. Accepting the award for Mike are his parents, Wanda & Ray Norman.
He is presently an Argonne Distinguished Fellow and Head of the Condensed Matter Theory Group at Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, Illinois. He is also an Adjunct Professor, Department of Physics at Northwestern University in Chicago. From 1998-2008 he served as Senior Physicist at Argonne. He received the University of Chicago Distinguished Performance Award in 1999 and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1995. His list of publications and speaking engagements is lengthy indeed. Accepting the award for Mike are his parents, Wanda & Ray Norman.
Craig C. Spohn
BS in Finance 1987
Craig has twenty years of business experience in the Information Technology field working in international, commercial and federal government markets. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Cyber Innovation Center. The Cyber Innovation Center is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to support cyber initiatives by promoting research, educational and technological innovation and fostering collaborative and strategic alliances between governmental agencies, private industry and academic institutions.
Craig has twenty years of business experience in the Information Technology field working in international, commercial and federal government markets. Currently, he is the Executive Director of the Cyber Innovation Center. The Cyber Innovation Center is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to support cyber initiatives by promoting research, educational and technological innovation and fostering collaborative and strategic alliances between governmental agencies, private industry and academic institutions.
Michael K. Turner
BA in Sociology 1978
Mike served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy and later founded an X-ray supply business with his father. He entered the financial services business in 1986 with New York Life Insurance and continues as a representative. Mike also owns and operates Benefit Consultants of North Louisiana. BCNL offers professional financial consultation to companies needing employer protection and retention at the local and regional levels. Mike’s volunteer leadership includes Board President for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana, Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club and the Shreveport/Bossier Rescue Mission. He is a former board member of Hilman House and a member of the LSUS Foundation.
Mike served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy and later founded an X-ray supply business with his father. He entered the financial services business in 1986 with New York Life Insurance and continues as a representative. Mike also owns and operates Benefit Consultants of North Louisiana. BCNL offers professional financial consultation to companies needing employer protection and retention at the local and regional levels. Mike’s volunteer leadership includes Board President for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana, Pierremont Oaks Tennis Club and the Shreveport/Bossier Rescue Mission. He is a former board member of Hilman House and a member of the LSUS Foundation.
Barzanna A. White, PhD
BS in Psychology 1986, Specialist in School Psychology 1989
Dr. White has been the System School Psychologist for Caddo Parish School Board and an Instructor, Curriculum Writer & Grant Writer for the Counsel for the Advancement of Social Services and Education since 1999. She has also been a Continuing Education Instructor and Curriculum Writer for LSUS Continuing Education and a member of the Education Instructor/Adjunct Faculty since 1997. She received one of two individual state Heroes in the Fight Awards presented for the 2007-08 year by the Louisiana State Mental Health Assn.
Dr. White has been the System School Psychologist for Caddo Parish School Board and an Instructor, Curriculum Writer & Grant Writer for the Counsel for the Advancement of Social Services and Education since 1999. She has also been a Continuing Education Instructor and Curriculum Writer for LSUS Continuing Education and a member of the Education Instructor/Adjunct Faculty since 1997. She received one of two individual state Heroes in the Fight Awards presented for the 2007-08 year by the Louisiana State Mental Health Assn.
Brian R. Willis, MD
Received a BS in 1981 (Cum Laude) in the accelerated 6-year pre-medical curriculum.
He has been a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport since 2003. Brian also holds the rank of Commander, Medical Corp, US Navy Reserves and served in Al Anbar Province Iraq from June of 2004 to April of 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He has been a Diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons since 1994. He has been Investigator or Co-Investigator in 10 clinical trials and has a long list of publications and presentations to his credit.
He has been a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport since 2003. Brian also holds the rank of Commander, Medical Corp, US Navy Reserves and served in Al Anbar Province Iraq from June of 2004 to April of 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He has been a Diplomat of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons since 1994. He has been Investigator or Co-Investigator in 10 clinical trials and has a long list of publications and presentations to his credit.
2009
John W. Dean, CPA, MPH
BS ’77 Accounting
Managing Partner, Heard, McElroy & Vestal
Managing Partner, Heard, McElroy & Vestal
Lazerick C. Poland
BS ’01 Accounting
Team Chief, U.S. Air Force Audit Agency
Team Chief, U.S. Air Force Audit Agency
Gayle Flowers, MEd
BS ’82, M.Ed ’89, +30 - ED
Director – Career/Adult/Alternative Program Caddo Parish Schools
Director – Career/Adult/Alternative Program Caddo Parish Schools
Coach W. Chad McDowell
BS ’96, H&PE
Head Men’s Basketball Coach, LSUS
Head Men’s Basketball Coach, LSUS
B.B. Craig, MPA
BA ‘90, Poly Sci
Associate Director for Sales & Marketing, U.S. Mint
Associate Director for Sales & Marketing, U.S. Mint
Col. Barry Ashton Naylor
BGS ‘92
Former G-3 Operations Officer, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School
Detachment Commander, US Army Special Forces, Ft. Bragg, NC
Currently a student at U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
Former G-3 Operations Officer, John F. Kennedy Special Warfare School
Detachment Commander, US Army Special Forces, Ft. Bragg, NC
Currently a student at U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA
Lane R. Rosen, MD
BS ‘89, Biological Sciences
Director, Radiation Oncology, Willis Knighton Cancer Center since 1998
Director, Radiation Oncology, Willis Knighton Cancer Center since 1998
Marjan Trutschl, PhD
BS ’94, Computer Science
Associate Professor of Computer Science, LSUS
Adjunct Professor, Dept. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, LSUHSC-S
Co-Director, Laboratory for Advance Biomedical Informatics (LABi)
Associate Professor of Computer Science, LSUS
Adjunct Professor, Dept. Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, LSUHSC-S
Co-Director, Laboratory for Advance Biomedical Informatics (LABi)
2010
Randall E. Brown, MBA
BS in Business Administration, 1985
Randy has been the Advertising Manager for The Bossier Press-Tribune for 10 years. As Advertising Manager, he wears many hats including those of writer, photographer, graphic designer and salesman. Previously, he and his father owned and managed a business together. He is the Immediate Past President of the LSUS Alumni Board (2006-2008). From 2003-2006, he served as Treasurer and Vice-President. He has been an active participant in the Pilots Golf Classic since 2003 and the RiverBend Revue Silent Auction since 2008. Randy is also the past president of the Shreveport-Bossier Ad Federation. He is a tireless advocate for LSUS and our community. He received his MBA from Centenary College in 1994.
Randy has been the Advertising Manager for The Bossier Press-Tribune for 10 years. As Advertising Manager, he wears many hats including those of writer, photographer, graphic designer and salesman. Previously, he and his father owned and managed a business together. He is the Immediate Past President of the LSUS Alumni Board (2006-2008). From 2003-2006, he served as Treasurer and Vice-President. He has been an active participant in the Pilots Golf Classic since 2003 and the RiverBend Revue Silent Auction since 2008. Randy is also the past president of the Shreveport-Bossier Ad Federation. He is a tireless advocate for LSUS and our community. He received his MBA from Centenary College in 1994.
Judge Frances Jones Pitman
BA in Education, 1977
Frances has served as Judge, 1st Judicial District Court, Caddo Parish, since 2009. She also served on the LSUS Alumni Board from 2003-2009 and chaired the Awards Committee for three years. Frances holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is a founder and instructor for “Kick It Up,” a Christian martial arts program for boys and girls, and “Don’t Be a Victim,” a safety training program for senior citizens, women and children. As a former speech pathologist and member of the medical/educational diagnostic team at LSU Health Sciences Center’s Children’s Center and special education teacher, Frances spent many years helping families through difficult times. In her position as a domestic judge, she makes sure that children’s voices are heard, as she has a unique insight into their problems. As a former Assistant Attorney General, Frances had an opportunity to practice in many areas of law and to research and write legal opinions. All of those experiences were valuable in building the foundation for Frances to demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative from the bench. Frances also holds an MCD from LSUHSC-Shreveport, 1978, and a JD from LSU Law Center, 1991. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including Legal Advisor for Wish Upon a Star, Inc. (Phil
Frances has served as Judge, 1st Judicial District Court, Caddo Parish, since 2009. She also served on the LSUS Alumni Board from 2003-2009 and chaired the Awards Committee for three years. Frances holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is a founder and instructor for “Kick It Up,” a Christian martial arts program for boys and girls, and “Don’t Be a Victim,” a safety training program for senior citizens, women and children. As a former speech pathologist and member of the medical/educational diagnostic team at LSU Health Sciences Center’s Children’s Center and special education teacher, Frances spent many years helping families through difficult times. In her position as a domestic judge, she makes sure that children’s voices are heard, as she has a unique insight into their problems. As a former Assistant Attorney General, Frances had an opportunity to practice in many areas of law and to research and write legal opinions. All of those experiences were valuable in building the foundation for Frances to demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative from the bench. Frances also holds an MCD from LSUHSC-Shreveport, 1978, and a JD from LSU Law Center, 1991. She has served on numerous committees and boards, including Legal Advisor for Wish Upon a Star, Inc. (Phil