LSUS Alumni Association Honoring 7 Outstanding Alumni at the 2026 Alumni Awards Brunch

At this year's Annual Awards Brunch, we are proud to recognize seven exceptional Circle of Excellence Alumni whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on their professions and communities. Their journeys reflect the values of excellence, service, and lifelong achievement that continue to inspire future generations.

Celebrating Our Circle of Excellence Alumni

Honoring Remarkable Achievements

Mark Randall Cantrell serves as Director of Operations at Riverpark Church. He oversees facilities, daily operations, and event logistics while supporting care and men’s ministry initiatives. Previously, he served as Facilities Manager and Care Team Leader. A longtime Shreveport broadcaster, he has provided play-by-play for high school football and baseball since 2000, calling more than 850 baseball games. His experience also includes youth sports, LSUS athletics, and professional baseball. He holds an Associate Degree in Broadcasting from Bossier Parish Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), and a two-year certification in Christian Leadership from Destiny Leadership Institute. He is a 2026 LSUS Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.

A Commitment to History and Education

Marty R. Young is the Director of the LSUS Pioneer Heritage Center at Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS). He earned both a B.A. in General Studies (2000) and an M.L.A. (2006) from LSUS. He is honored for his leadership in preserving and expanding the region’s history educational program. The lasting impact of the Pioneer Heritage Center on the community is commendable. In accepting the alumni award, he expressed gratitude for LSUS’s mentorship and the opportunities that shaped his professional journey. He emphasized his commitment to preserving regional history education. He noted that LSUS has been instrumental in his growth and that he is proud to call LSUS home as a Pilot alumnus. He hopes this recognition inspires others to pursue a lasting impact through passion and perseverance.

Excellence in Medicine

Matthew Hefner, M.D., is a neurosurgeon at Willis Knighton Health and a proud Shreveport native. A graduate of Northwood High School, he earned his B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), graduating summa cum laude in 2009. He received his M.D. from LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport in 2014 and completed his neurosurgery residency there, serving as chief resident from 2020–2021. He has contributed to peer-reviewed research and national presentations. He is this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, recognized for his excellence in medicine, leadership, and service to his community.

Inspiring Future Generations in Sports

Kendrick Farris is a three-time U.S. Olympian and Shreveport native who earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with a concentration in Applied and Social Sciences from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS), graduating in 2024. His weightlifting career began in LSUS’s Weightlifting Center under Dr. Kyle Pierce. It has since taken him to international competition, where he became the only American male to set U.S. records in two weight classes. Beyond athletics, he now serves as a juvenile detention officer in Caddo Parish, where he mentors and supports youth through counseling and recreation. Farris credits education, mentorship, and discipline for shaping his journey. He has expressed a commitment to using sport and wellness as tools for positive change. He is recognized for his leadership, service, and lasting impact as an LSUS alumnus and community role model.

Leadership in Finance and Community Impact

Renisha J. Sanders is the Operations Director at Cardinaux Wealth Advisors. She leads operations, financial oversight, compliance, and team development for a top-ranked Ameriprise Financial advisory practice. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular Studies from Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) in 2010. She credits LSUS with shaping her work ethic, leadership, and commitment to service. With over 15 years of experience, she has built a career focused on operational excellence, mentorship, and client service. She is recognized for her leadership and community impact, including the ATHENA Leadership Award and YPI 40 Under Forty honor.

A Legacy of Service and Innovation

Shelby Keith is a proud two-time graduate of Louisiana State University Shreveport. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management and Administration and a Master of Science in Computer Systems Technology. Since beginning his career at LSUS in 1980 as a programmer analyst, he has served the university in numerous leadership roles, including CIO, Associate Vice Chancellor of Technology & CIO, and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration. A dedicated advocate for LSUS, Shelby’s legacy spans decades of service, innovation, and stewardship. He and his family share a deep connection to LSUS, with both of his children earning degrees from the university.

A Journey of Growth and Leadership

Dr. Toby J. Brooks is a 2024 MBA graduate of Louisiana State University Shreveport. He currently serves as Director of the Academy for Teaching and Learning at Baylor University. As a first-generation college student from rural Southern Illinois, Dr. Brooks has built a distinguished career as an educator, researcher, administrator, and leader in higher education. His work focuses on faculty development, leadership, resilience, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence in education. He is honored to receive the LSUS Circle of Excellence Award and remains grateful for the impact LSUS has had on his personal and professional journey.

Join Us for the Awards Brunch

The Awards Brunch will take place on Saturday, June 13, at the Noel Memorial Library in the 3rd-floor Atrium, followed by the Annual Meeting. Join us as we celebrate these outstanding Circle of Excellence Alumni and recognize their accomplishments, leadership, and lasting contributions to their professions, communities, and the LSUS family.

As we gather to honor these remarkable individuals, we reflect on the strength of our community. Together, we can continue to build a powerful network that supports current students and university initiatives while celebrating the achievements of our alumni. Let’s expand the 'Pilot legacy' globally and inspire future generations to strive for excellence.