By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - Louisiana Christian University has launched a new podcast, featuring LCU President Mark Johnson and his wife, Heather. The eight-episode first season of the P356 podcast debuts this spring, with episodes released biweekly. “This came about because of my travels, meeting people across the nation and who are part of the Wildcat Nation,” President Johnson said. “It gives us the opportunity to sit down with amazing alumni and highlight some of the great things they are doing and make connections with them.” The conversations will be built around the four pillars of worship, scholarship, stewardship and leadership from Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. “We have built connections with people in our world—together and separately, and we are excited to share those with listeners,” Heather Johnson said. Heather said one of the key messages she hopes listeners will take away from the podcast is encouragement for their Christian daily walk. Podcasting technology gives believers another way to access biblical messages and hear from other believers living … [Read more...]

By Elizabeth Clarke, LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The Louisiana Christian University School of Social Work hosted a Trust-Based Relational Intervention® workshop, March 9-10, at Granberry Conference Center and welcomed social workers, law enforcement, judges, probation officers and teachers who work with children and families. Trust-Based Relational Intervention is an attachment-based, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of children and families who have experienced adversity, trauma or disrupted attachment. Developed at Texas Christian University by the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TBRI is built on decades of research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and child development. Katherine Jennings, Families in Need of Services, director for the Ninth Judicial District Court, served as the workshop coordinator. Speakers addressed understanding how trauma affects the developing brain and behavior and the importance of connection before correction in building lasting change. They also offered practical strategies that professionals can implement immediately in schools, court systems, foster care and community programs. “Children and families involved in child welfare, … [Read more...]

By LCU News PINEVILLE, La. (LCU News) - The paintings of Marjorie Shanks will be on display starting March 19, at 5 p.m., when Louisiana Christian University’s “Plein Air and Beyond” art show opens. New York native Shanks, who now lives in Marksville, specializes in plein air painting. Plein air painting, from the French for "open air," involves creating art outdoors to capture natural light and scenery in the moment. By working directly within the environment, artists can more accurately portray the shifting colors and atmosphere of the landscape. “I am thrilled that our gallery will have the privilege of showcasing Shanks’ work,” said Assistant Professor of Art Michael Williams. “This will be an excellent event, and I’m excited that our students and community will have the opportunity to experience the remarkable work of such a talented artist.” Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. Community members should email LCUFineArts@lcuniversity.edu to schedule a tour. Students who attend will earn a cultural credit. … [Read more...]