Dr. Ronald Owen McBride

McBride is a three-time graduate of NSU, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education (1970), a Master of Arts in Design (1972), and a Master of Education in Educational Media (1973), later completing an EdS.in Communications and a Ph.D. in Communications and Media Management from Georgia State University. He returned to NSU in 1991 and served in numerous leadership roles, including director of Telecommunications and Distance Learning, head of the Department of Journalism and Telecommunications, professor of educational technology, and coordinator of Educational Technology. He also served as the inaugural holder of the Melba Law Steeg Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair in Educational Technology Leadership.

McBride played a foundational role in advancing distance learning at NSU, including the design and development of the Louisiana Instructional Satellite and Telecommunications Network (LISTN). His work not only expanded access to education across the state but positioned NSU as a leader in educational technology. McBride received the College of Education and Human Development Excellence in Teaching Award and was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Educators.

In the Natchitoches community, he has served as president of the Natchitoches Rotary Club, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony Society. His leadership of the Natchitoches Tri-Centennial Celebration stands as a defining achievement—overseeing more than 150 events and nearly 90,000 attendees in a year-long celebration that garnered national recognition as a “must-see” event.