Katherine Frazer brings a passion for journalism and storytelling to her role as La Louisiane’s student editor for the Spring 2024 issue. She is a senior political science major pursuing a minor in journalism.
Frazer began her collegiate career at the Lafayette Parish School System’s Early College Academy, where she earned an associate degree before transferring to UL Lafayette. Thanks to that head start, Frazer will earn her bachelor’s degree in May – at age 19. She’ll then pursue a master’s degree at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University in Illinois, one of the nation’s top journalism programs.
"I like writing. I love reading, and I like current events," said Frazer. "When I got to college, it clicked that this is not only something I can do, but something that I would excel at."
Frazer began her career as a news writer after enrolling at UL Lafayette. Her stories have appeared in The Current, a nonprofit newsroom; and Le Louisianais, run by Télé-Louisiane, an online news source that examines Louisiana’s culture. Among her many bylines in The Acadiana Advocate newspaper was a story that examined the experiences of the first Black students who enrolled at the then-University of Southwestern Louisiana.
In this issue of La Louisiane, Frazer delves into University history again with a piece on Lagniappe Day, a time-honored tradition that turns 50 this year. Looking ahead, she said she hopes to one day pursue long-form investigative reporting for national publications such as The New Yorker.
"Katherine is a gifted writer," said Dr. James Savage, La Louisiane editor. "To find such natural talent in someone so young is unusual – but with this issue, the magazine is bringing the stories of two accomplished young professionals to its readers. Katherine and editorial intern Kade Parker are energetic and eager, and no doubt the future of journalism is safe in their capable, agile hands. We’re excited to feature their work in La Louisiane."
Frazer’s résumé, with its mix of traditional and new media, reflects the evolution of journalism and mass communication. Reporters must be adaptable to meet their readers' needs, Frazer said. "It seems like now you’re expected to know how to do everything. It’s not just print. It’s not just broadcast," said Frazer. "Younger journalists I’ve encountered are a little more adept at diving in headfirst."
Kade Parker is editorial intern for La Louisiane. He is a senior majoring in mass communication with a focus in journalism and a minor in English.
Parker joined La Louisiane in his last semester at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A Louisiana native, he showcases his love for food, arts and culture through his writing — and at home in the kitchen. Parker's always on the hunt for new recipes and compelling stories, such as his profile of KRVS' student radio revival in the 2024 issue of La Louisiane.
"Everybody has a story, you know," Parker said. "It's worth it to be able to tell it for them."
In addition to his duties with the University magazine, Parker works as a videographer for UL Lafayette's College of the Arts, filming and creating content to promote students and the college. Parker's work has been featured in The Acadiana Advocate and Daily Iberian newspapers and in The Current, a nonprofit newsroom. He brings valuable multimedia experience to the La Louisiane team.
"Journalists today have to do everything," Parker said. "You have to be able to take good photos, you have to be able to edit, and you have to write well. Having a background in videography is also helpful."
His path to journalism was not linear. Before earning his associate degree, Parker considered a career in food content creation for social media. But news coverage of a recent presidential election changed his career trajectory.
"The political atmosphere was changing, and the role of a reporter was evolving in real time," Parker said. "I realized the world needed more reporters."
After Parker took an English class at South Louisiana Community College, a professor noted his communication skills were strong and encouraged him to consider a career that involved writing. He began taking journalism courses after he enrolled at UL Lafayette to pursue a bachelor's degree in mass communication.
Parker will complete his bachelor's degree in May. He said he hopes to be a food writer, profiling new restaurants and chefs.
"Down here in Louisiana, we have a very special culture," Parker said. "I feel like being a food journalist is a good way to export that culture to broader audiences."
Photo caption: Katherine Frazer, student editor, and Kade Parker, editorial intern, contributed to the Spring 2024 issue of La Louisiane magazine. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette
