My career began at Louisiana Tech University by way of Philadelphia, PA (birthplace). I grew up and finished high school in Natchitoches, LA. Here’s a brief outline of my journey to Tech:
- B.S. from Southern University in Health and Physical Education – Baton Rouge, LA
- M.S. from Southern University in Therapeutic Recreation
- 30 hours certification in Physical Education at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, CA
- 30 hours of residency while pursuing a Ph.D. on Physical Education and Dance. Texas Women’s University Denton, TX Regrets….did not complete program
- September 1983 I interviewed for the instructor position in the Department of Health and Physical Education at Louisiana Tech. My husband, Kenneth Maggio, Sr. who was also a native of Natchitoches had recently retired as a Lieutenant with the City of Natchitoches Police Department. We were informed of the opening in the department at Tech and I decided to apply for the position. We traveled to Louisiana Tech with our 4 year old son, Jason Lovelle. I interviewed and got the job.
What classes did you begin as a faculty member?
As a faculty member, my first classes taught were:
- Beginning Modern Dance (taught in Woodard Hall studio)
- Gymnastics for majors only in HPE (taught at the old Lambright Center)
- Social Dance (taught in Woodard Hall studio)
- Folk Dance as a rotation with Square Dance after the instructor retired.
- Aerobic activity classes (taught in Memorial Gym)
How have things changed during your career at Tech over the past 34 years?
Things have changed tremendously during my career. I have seen great strides made with new housing and new academic buildings. The following things come to mind:
- My dance studio moved from Woodard Hall to a new space in Memorial Gym
- Memorial Gym was renamed The Scotty Robinson Memorial Gymnasium
- New recreational facility – Lambright was renovated
- Faculty growth throughout the campus
- Changes in leadership – I have served under 3 presidents – Dr. F. Jay Taylor, Dr. Dan Reneau and Dr. Les Guice
- I have worked with 5 department chairs – Dr. Jay Akers (when hired in 1983), Dr. Billy Jack Talton, Dr. James Heimdal, Dr. Lanie Dornier and Dr. David Szymanski
- There have been many curriculum changes and technology upgrades campus wide
- Parking on campus has improved
- Online final grade submission (used to have to hand deliver to Registrar’s Office)
What do you feel are your greatest accomplishments?
I feel my greatest accomplishments during my years at Louisiana Tech included writing two new courses that are taught in the Kinesiology Department today. The first course is KINE 280 Dance Appreciation which is a fine arts elective and a part of the GER’s (General Education Requirements). The second class is KINE 164 Beginning Tap Dance which is an activity class. Both classes included an instructor’s overview, course description and objectives/goals, evaluation/testing and grading scale. Both classes were approved and are successful as of today.
Student enrollment in KINE 280 is an average of 100 or more each quarter. Enrollment in KINE 164, which is only taught Winter quarter averages 15 to 25.
My greatest life changing accomplishments were getting married to my loving and devoted husband, Kenneth C. Maggio, Sr. (deceased 2005) and giving birth to our two wonderful children. Our son, Dr. Jason Lovelle Maggio, who lives in Shreveport is a Doctor of Chiropractic. Our beautiful daughter Carmen B. Maggio Price, graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches with a degree in Psychology. Carmen is married to a devoted and loving man, Dwayne N. Price. Dwayne is a graduate of LSUA with a degree in communications. He is a successful boy’s basketball coach and teacher in Alexandria.
What have you enjoyed the most in your career at Tech?
The think I have enjoyed most is the satisfaction of seeing the growth of a shy, clueless student enter one of my classes and after a few meetings to watch them grow and see them build full confidence in learning and enjoyment of the process. But most of all, is to hear them express to me their enthusiasm of being in the class. Dance is, after all, a universal language; and the first art of the seven fine arts.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the daily routines of changing classes each quarter and meeting new students. I will miss passing my co-workers in the hallway and offices saying, “How’s it going?” I will miss the University Faculty Fall meetings each year with the President in Howard Auditorium, then walking over to the student center to meet and greet new and current faculty members. I will simply miss the view of campus life, of students going to and from classes, sharing a high five or yelling at each other as they maneuver to their destination.
Finally, I will miss this stellar university. I am grateful for the opportunity to work and serve in the capacity that I have for over 34 years. As my tenured appointment ends, I say, thanks for the memories!
What are your future plans following retirement as you enter the next phase of your life?
My future plans include relaxing for a short time and volunteering with a cause I can relate to. I plan to be a guest lecturer and do dance demonstrations when asked in Tap and Ballroom classes. I plan to travel and enjoy the scenery of the places I go. I also plan to return to Tech periodically and visit all of my WORKING friends and former co-workers…LOL!
To see pictures from Beverly’s retirement reception visit our Facebook page at
The Exponential Factor 
Though late in seeing your retirement video, my friend Bev, I must say it is remarkably awesome!!! Continue to enjoy every moment of this sweet, blessed time of your life. Liz
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