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SHREVEPORT – ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is excited to present Talks on Tap, a monthly lecture series held at Great Raft Brewing.

On the third Tuesday of each month starting in January, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ professors will hold engaging 45-minute talks on a variety of fascinating subjects, followed by a brief Q&A. 

This series invites the community to enjoy a unique opportunity to learn from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ faculty outside the classroom in a casual and relaxed setting.  

The lectures cover many topics:  

• “Witnesses to the Age of Revolution: The Odyssey of Jean Chahin and his Mamluk Brethren”: Dr. Alexander Mikaberidze from the history department explores the lives of Napoleonic soldiers and their exploits, providing insights into broader sociopolitical transformations within 19^th Century Europe. (Jan. 21 @ 6:30 p.m.) 

• “Beyond Teaching: What Do Your Local University Professors Actually Do?”: Dr. Margaret Gifford from the psychology department sheds light on the many roles university faculty take on within academia and beyond. (Feb. 18 @ 6:30 p.m.) 

• “Soldier, Trooper, Chair: A Leadership Journey”: Dr. Kevin Baxter from the leadership studies department shares a personal tale of resilience and adaptability from the viewpoint of positions as an army officer, police officer, and university department chair. (March 18 @ 6:30 p.m.) 

• “The Devil is in the Data (Along with an Angel or Two): Discover How Your Tax Dollars Impact Your Community”: Dr. Rebecca Bogie from the accounting and business law department takes a deep dive into data analysis of public financial information to expand understanding of government fund allocation. (April 15 @ 6:30 p.m.) 

The subsequent Q&As allow attendees to interact more with the speakers and extend their knowledge by diving further into the intriguing topics. The series is designed to make high-quality education more accessible to the general public.  

“ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ is committed to a culture of learning that reaches beyond the traditional classroom,” said Dr. Helen Wise, Associate Provost at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, “The 'Talks on Tap' series offers our community a chance to engage in lively, insightful discussions on research that resonates with real-world interests and challenges.

“We want to create a space where knowledge is accessible, relevant, and, most importantly, enjoyable. By connecting our faculty's expertise with the community's interests, we aim to spark conversations that inspire, inform, and contribute to our collective understanding while meeting new folks and connecting with our alumni.” 

Admission is free and open to the public, with food and drink available for purchase. Join us at Great Raft Brewing for captivating speeches, community engagement, and delicious cuisine.