2024-2025
Ourso Bottom Line
Report
A Year Defined by Purpose and Possibility
The story of the E. J. Ourso College of Business over the last academic year is one of momentum, with every initiative, achievement, and investment building toward something greater. From the launch of innovative programs and high-impact research to national recognition for our students, faculty, and alumni, the 2024–2025 year was one of meaningful progress rooted in relevance.
The Ourso Bottom Line highlights what makes the Ourso College distinct: a commitment to transforming through education and fueling innovation across industries and communities. It’s a snapshot of how we’re expanding opportunity, strengthening our state, and equipping future leaders with the tools to drive change.
For the best viewing experience, we recommend browsing the Ourso Bottom Line on your desktop, laptop, or tablet.
REACH. RESULTS. RANKINGS.
Our Numbers Tell a Deeper Story
Behind every enrollment increase, every degree awarded, and every student hired is a shared commitment—to student success, academic excellence, and service to our state and world. The 2024–2025 academic year was marked by growth and recognition that reflect not only where we are, but also where we’re headed. These outcomes underscore our role as a leader in business education and a driving force in shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
OUR REACH
TOTAL ENROLLMENT
| AY 2024-2025 | % Increase Since 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrolled Students* | 6,061 | +37% |
| Undergraduate Students | 5,241 | +43% |
| Graduate Students | 794 | +9.5% |
| Graduate Certificate Students | 26 | +189% |
*Includes campus and online students in UCFY, UCAC, admitted majors, and graduate programs as of Fall 2024.
ENROLLMENT BY MAJOR
Undergraduate*
| 589 BS Accounting |
968 BS General Business |
| 171 BS Business Analytics |
210 BS ISDS & BS ISA** |
| 94 BS Economics |
78 BS International Trade & Finance |
| 131 BS Entrepreneurship |
170 BS Management |
| 818 BS Finance |
711 BS Marketing |
* Includes only students admitted to the college (campus and online). UCFY, UCAC,
exchange program, and non-matriculating students are not included.
** Information Systems and Decision Sciences & Information Systems and Analytics.
Graduate
| 50 Master of Accountancy (MAcc) |
19 MS Finance |
| 43 MS Analytics |
8 MS Financial Economics |
| 530 MBA |
91 Master of Public Administration |
| 5 PhD Accounting |
15 PhD Economics |
| 33 PhD Business Administration |
|
OURSO INFLUENCE
+13%
Increase in college applications
####
LSU Students took at least one business course in Fall 2024
Top Ten
General Business and Finance are among LSU's most popular majors.
3rd Largest
LSU Senior College by enrollment
OUR Results
###
Bachelor’s degrees conferred
###
Master's degrees conferred
##
Doctoral degrees conferred
###
Graduate certificates conferred
87%
of graduates reported positive post-graduate outcomes*
*Ourso College graduates in AY23-24
$76,289
average starting salary - all graduates
85%
of MBA graduates secured a job by 6 months post-graduation
$96,677
average starting salary of MBA graduates
THE FIRST DESTINATION OF OURSO GRADUATES
Ourso College graduates are driven by limitless possibilities, from continuing their studies to conquering the corporate landscape. Each year, Business Tigers transform into visionary leaders ready to make a significant impact on the world. This data shows a snapshot of 2023-2024 graduates' first destinations after LSU. See the university-wide dashboard.
Top Hiring Employers
Chevron
Deloitte
Edward Jones
EisnerAmper
Ernst & Young
Gallagher
Grant Thornton
Hannis T. Bourgeois
JPMorgan Chase & Co
KPMG
Lockheed Martin
Louisiana State University
New York Life Insurance
Northwestern Mutual
Top Employment Destinations
-
Louisiana
-
Texas
-
Florida
-
Georgia
-
Washington, DC & Colorado (tied)
Our Rankings
#14
Best Master’s of Business Analytics
- TFE Times - 2025
#11
Best MBA Programs for Human Resource Management
- Fortune - 2025
#14
Best MBA Programs for Consulting
- Fortune - 2025
#35
Best Online MBA Programs
- Fortune - 2024
ACADEMICS
Innovative Learning that Meets the Moment
Our academic offerings continue to evolve to meet the demands of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities. In 2024–2025, we introduced new courses and interdisciplinary programs designed to equip students with forward-thinking skills and career-ready experiences, solidifying our role as a driver of innovation across campus and beyond.
Prompt Engineering: Expanding Curriculum for the AI Economy
This year, the Ourso College introduced ISDS 3070: Prompt Engineering, a new course that reflects our commitment to evolving business education alongside industry needs. Offered fully online and open to all majors, the one-credit course introduces students to large language models, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, through hands-on exercises and applied learning. Designed for individuals without technical backgrounds, this course equips students with a foundational understanding of how prompt design influences AI output, preparing them to adapt and lead in a rapidly changing workforce.
Real Estate, Reimagined: Launch of Interdisciplinary Minor
This year also marked the launch of the Real Estate Design, Construction, and Development (REDCD) minor, an interdisciplinary partnership among the Ourso College, the College of Art + Design, and the College of Engineering. The program connects students across finance, architecture, and construction management to study the intersection of urban design, policy, and real estate economics, developing professionals ready to shape communities and the built environment.
A Launchpad for Public Leaders: New Minor in Public Affairs
Building on the strength of our NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration program, the Ourso College announced a new undergraduate minor in Public Affairs. The 18-hour minor equips students with foundational knowledge in leadership, government, public policy, and nonprofit management. Designed for students interested in public service, law, or politics, the program offers a robust launchpad into policy-adjacent careers and advanced degrees. The new minor is available to all LSU majors.
Investing in Louisiana’s Hospitality Future
Food and hospitality is at the heart of Louisiana’s culture and economy. With that in mind, the Ourso College launched the Restaurant Management Program to meet the growing demand for skilled, business-savvy professionals in the field.
The program's first cohort combined classroom learning with immersive, real-world experience. Throughout the year, the fellows took coursework in restaurant operations and held paid internships at program partner restaurants, working alongside top industry leaders.
Students also participated in the Cornell Restaurant Administration Strategic Exercise, a hands-on simulation that challenges participants to manage every aspect of a virtual restaurant, from pricing and payroll to marketing and menu design. Led by Professor Alex Susskind of the Cornell Nolan School of Hotel Administration, the exercise drew students and professionals from across the region, including representatives from City Group Hospitality, Ruffino’s Restaurant, and Chartwells.
STUDENTS
Where Excellence Takes Root
At the E. J. Ourso College of Business, student success is more than a measure, it’s a mission. This year, our students continued to demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose, achieve with integrity, and engage with impact. From national competitions to prestigious university honors, their accomplishments reflect not only their hard work but also the college’s commitment to empowering the next generation of business leaders.
Leaders. Innovators. Agents of Positive Change.
The college proudly honored the 2025 cohort of Ourso Outstanding Eight, the highest
undergraduate student honor awarded by the Ourso College. Chosen for their excellence
in academics, leadership, professional development, and service, these students embody
the college’s mission to enrich lives through business innovation and community advancement.
Read and watch their stories and discover what drives them.
Michal Daszkiewicz
Impact Through Economics
Reya Machen
Seizing Abundant Opportunities
Wesley Powell
Learning, Growing, Giving Back
Karly Robledo
The Future of Finance Is Female
Eli Shortess
The Power of Preparation
Paige Snyder
Management Meets Meaning
Abigail Soudelier
Embracing the Power of People
Mary Caroline Wilcox
Playing the Long Game
Ourso Students on Top
Finance Students in Top 1% of Global Competition
A team of LSU finance majors finished in the top one percent of worldwide competitors
in Bloomberg’s 2024 Global Trading Challenge. With over 2,100 teams in the competition,
Tiger Fund managers Henry Tanner of Raleigh, North Carolina; Thomas Abadie of Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; Maggie Hunter of Metairie, Louisiana; Ellen McGettigan of Houston
and Augustus Roppolo of Covington, Louisiana finished in 14th place worldwide and
5th place among teams from North America.
More on the students' big win.
Among LSU’s Best: Ourso in the Tiger Twelve
Three Ourso College students—William Hamilton Carter (Business Analytics), Emily Demps
(Management), and Kenneth Taylor Jr. (Marketing)—were named to the prestigious Tiger
Twelve Class of 2025, LSU’s highest student honor. Selected from the entire graduating
senior class, these students were recognized for their exceptional commitment to academic
excellence, campus leadership, and meaningful community service. Their achievements
reflect the values at the heart of the Ourso College experience.
Meet the Tiger Twelve.
Business Students Win the Big Check
Prismera, an AI-powered solution that streamlines lease abstraction in commercial
real estate, took first place in the 2025 J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge, earning
an $18,000 award. Founded by international trade and finance majors Riley Hudson and
Nicolas Osborn, the startup impressed judges with its potential to eliminate bottlenecks
in a complex industry. Hosted by the LSU Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, the
competition supports student-led ventures with funding and expert feedback.
More about Prismera and the competition.
A Lesson in Leadership Through Kindness
Conversations That Inspire Career and Character
Students explored the power of values-based leadership during an inspiring session with James C. Rhee, best-selling author of red helicopter―a parable for our times, and Jude Melville, president and CEO of b1Bank. Together, they challenged students to think about the stories they will tell 30 years from now, and how kindness, resilience, and agency shape meaningful careers.
More about James and his important philosophy on life and business.
Student Organizations Shine on the National Stage
Business-focused student organizations continued to thrive this year, helping students expand their professional networks, gain leadership experience, and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields and communities. Below are a few recognitions earned from Ourso organizations.
-
Earned Gold Chapter status for excellence in academics, professionalism, and ethical leadership
-
First place in the "Empowering Professional Relationships" category at the BAP Best Practices Competition
-
Won regional and final round awards totaling $2,250, including for a student-led inclusiveness initiative by accounting majors Brent York and Mary Caroline Wilcox
-
LSU Beta Zeta Chapter won awards for Outstanding Professional Activities and Outstanding Alumni Relations
-
Member, Michael-Leah Hart, was honored as Regional Collegian of the Year
-
Chapter president Clarence Magee II received the Tiger Leadership Award from LSU Campus Life for his positive impact on student life. Magee is now pursuing his Master of Accountancy.
-
The LSU Beta Chi Chapter was one of only 16 chapters nationwide recognized at the AKPsi Convention for its impactful community service projects in Baton Rouge.
Global Journeys, Lifelong Impact
This year, Ourso College students expanded their worldviews through immersive global experiences across the continents. As part of the LSU Global Ambassadors Program, one high-achieving Ourso student, Abigail Soudelier, joined a select cohort of juniors for a transformative spring break journey to Senegal. There, students explored local history, connected with community leaders, and celebrated Eid with host families—gaining a deeper appreciation for Senegalese culture and the broader global community. Upon returning to campus, these students now serve as Global Ambassadors, encouraging their peers to pursue international learning opportunities.
Our graduate students also gained firsthand experience of the world through global immersion trips designed to deepen their understanding of international business and public policy. Students from the Flores MBA, Master of Public Administration, and Master of Accountancy programs traveled to Germany, Hungary, Argentina, and Costa Rica, respectively, to experience global markets, cultural nuances, and policy dynamics. Undergraduate students took advantage of the Rucks International Scholars Award, which supported management majors studying abroad to enhance their career readiness and cross-cultural competence. These international experiences reflect the college’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in a globally connected economy.
Louvre Museum, Paris
AI INNOVATION
Shaping the Future Through Technology and Talent
As artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy, the E. J. Ourso College of Business is helping Louisiana lead the way. From convening industry thought leaders to empowering student entrepreneurs, our college is ensuring that AI isn’t just something we teach; it's something we help shape.
AI in Action Symposium Sparks Statewide Momentum
In February 2025, the Ourso College hosted “AI in Action: Leading Innovation in Louisiana Industries”, a high-impact symposium exploring artificial intelligence’s role across the state’s economic sectors. Held at LSU’s Lod Cook Conference Center, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs for an in-depth examination of how AI is transforming various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, entertainment, and public service.
The symposium opened with a keynote from Darren Haas, AI pioneer and co-founder of Siri, who shared insights from his time at Apple, AWS, and GE. Haas urged attendees to look beyond the technology itself and focus on the human problems AI can solve.
Following the keynote, attendees joined a series of expert-led panels focused on the real-world application of AI in Louisiana industries. Each discussion was moderated by LSU faculty and featured leaders driving the implementation of AI in sectors critical to the state's economy. The event exemplified the college’s commitment to being a catalyst for innovation in both education and industry.
Leading AI Strategy from Within
In 2025, the college appointed Andrew Schwarz, professor in the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems, as its first-ever Artificial Intelligence Faculty Coordinator. A globally ranked researcher in emerging technologies, Schwarz is guiding the development of AI-related coursework, interdisciplinary research, and partnerships with industry, ensuring that LSU students and faculty are equipped to lead in a tech-driven world.
FarmSmarter.ai at the 2024 J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge
Prismera competes at the 2025 J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge
Student AI Startups Redefine What’s Possible
AI innovation isn't just coming from the classroom—it's emerging from student-led ventures through the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge. During the 2024 and 2025 J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge pitch competitions, AI-powered startups took top honors and funding.
- FarmSmarter.ai, created by a cross-disciplinary student team, earned first place and $20,000 in 2024. Backed by LSU AgCenter research, the AI tool helps farmers make better crop and weed management decisions. Since its win, the team has raised over $150,000 in national startup competitions. As their faculty advisor, Fahimeh Abbasi, an entrepreneurship instructor and program director for the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, ensured the team had the necessary mentorship and resources to excel.
- In 2025, Prismera, founded by international trade and finance majors Riley Hudson and Nicolas Osborn, won the top prize for its AI solution that automates commercial real estate lease abstraction. The company received $18,000 to further develop its platform.
Through these ventures, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports them, the Ourso College is cultivating the next generation of tech-savvy business leaders ready to drive innovation in Louisiana and beyond.
Driving Campus-wide AI Fluency
With artificial intelligence becoming essential across industries, the Ourso College is helping lead LSU’s charge to build AI fluency at scale. Through ISDS 3070: Prompt Engineering, one of the university’s first AI literacy courses open to all majors, students across disciplines are gaining practical skills to engage with large language models and understand their real-world applications. The course reflects a strategic push to make AI education accessible, relevant, and foundational, ensuring that LSU graduates are ready to thrive in a tech-driven economy.
RESEARCH
Powering Progress Through Evidence-Based Insight
Ourso College research fuels meaningful progress across Louisiana and beyond. Our faculty and students generate insights that inform economic development, influence public policy, and improve organizational decision-making. From measuring the billion-dollar impact of major events to earning top international honors, Ourso research is advancing the field. This commitment to applied, interdisciplinary scholarship strengthens LSU’s standing as a leading public research university and drives lasting impact in business and society.
By The Numbers
77
scholarly publications in AY24-25
- 81 total co-authorships
42
A+ or A-ranked journal publications
$6.07M
In research expenditures
- A 35% increase from FY20-21
Research That Shapes Economic Development
The Ourso College is a definitive source for economic expertise in Louisiana. This year, the Center for Economics, Business, and Policy Research, in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development, released a high-profile study on the economic impact of Super Bowl LIX, estimating more than $1.25 billion in statewide economic activity and over 10,000 jobs supported. The report contributed to a broader narrative of economic momentum across the state and underscored the role of rigorous, university-based research in informing public investment and development strategy. LSU’s leadership in this space reinforces the Ourso College’s position at the intersection of academic insight and real-world impact. Read the Economic Impact Report.
Spotlight on the Finance Mardi Gras Conference
The LSU Department of Finance launched the inaugural Finance Mardi Gras Conference, attracting top finance scholars from across the nation for a day of cutting-edge research presentations, panel discussions, and a keynote by Harvard Business School’s Lauren Cohen. Timed to align with Louisiana’s most vibrant cultural celebration, the conference uniquely blended intellectual exchange with authentic local experience, positioning LSU as a hub for financial scholarship.
Advancing the Field: Research Excellence Recognized
Our faculty earned top honors this year for research spanning finance, accounting, and economics.
Junbo Wang, associate professor in the Department of Finance, received the prestigious Fama-DFA First Prize for Best Paper in Capital Markets and Asset Pricing from the Journal of Financial Economics for his work on the synergy of human expertise and AI in stock analysis.
Read his paper “From Man vs. Machine to Man + Machine: The Art and AI of Stock Analyses.”
Wei-Ling Song, professor in the Department of Finance, and Chi Lam, PhD in Accounting student, received Best Paper at the Asian Finance Association Conference, selected from over 700 submissions, for research on investor responses to lease accounting changes.
Nikolaos Artavanis, assistant professor in the Department of Finance, earned Best Paper at the FMA European Conference for research examining deposit withdrawals due to specific, fundamental motives and depositor behavior in periods of uncertainty.
Research Highlights
Have you noticed fewer brick-and-mortar banks in your neighborhood recently?
Following decades of consistent growth, the number of bank branches in the U.S. peaked in 2010 and has been declining ever since, a trend that accelerated dramatically after the COVID-19 pandemic. A new working paper with the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) by Rajesh P. Narayanan, professor in the LSU Department of Finance, co-authored with Philip Strahan (Boston College) and Dimuthu Ratnadiwakara (Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond), suggests that this decline is driven by technology, which has fundamentally altered the profitability of local bank branches by making customers more powerful and less loyal.
In 1949, the number of high school graduates in the state of Louisiana dropped by nearly 71% for just a single year.
But what caused this sudden blip? The answer can be found four years earlier at the conclusion of World War II. In 1945, Louisiana primary schools transitioned from an 11-year to a 12-year education program by adding an 8th grade, resulting in 1949 featuring a “gap year" plunge in graduates as the new curriculum rippled forward. This historical oddity was featured in a 2023 article in The Advocate, and it sparked the curiosity of two faculty members from the LSU Department of Economics, Scott Abrahams and Maria Paola Ugalde Araya, who set out together to analyze its effects on students in a new paper.
When you think of your colleagues balancing responsibilities outside of work, what comes to mind?
Most might imagine a conventional nuclear parenting situation, where two parents share duties such as nurturing their healthy biological child[ren] or managing typical household demands. However, millions of employees across the workforce are taking on caregiving roles that fall outside traditional definitions. They are deeply involved in what is called “nontraditional caregiving,” from supporting aging parents to caring for individuals with disabilities. This often-overlooked segment is the focus of new research published in the Journal of Management by Michael Johnson, associate professor in the LSU Rucks Department of Management, alongside LSU alumnus T. L. Boyd (TCU), and Alison V. Hall (University of Texas at Arlington). Their work shines a light on "nontraditional caregivers" (NTCs) and explores why understanding their experiences is crucial for modern workplaces.
LSU Business students took their skills beyond the classroom, representing the college and the Center for Economics, Business, and Policy Research in an exciting economics study.
They hit the Caesars Superdome to gather data measuring the Economic Impact of the Super Bowl in Louisiana—a crucial effort in understanding how major events drive business and growth in our state. Hands-on experiences like this set Ourso College students apart, giving them real-world insights into economic research and policy.
Our students are active contributors to the college’s research mission. Several business students presented their work at the 12th annual LSU Discover Day Undergraduate Research Conference, presented by the LSU Office of Undergraduate Research.
- Alexander Parkhurst (Business Analytics) - earned first place in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts category.
- Luke Gilmore (Marketing)
- Audrey Freeman (General Business)
- Jeremiah Huynh (Information Systems & Analytics) and Kenneth Nguyen (Information Systems & Analytics)
- Reya Machen (Marketing)
- Anosha Rana (Business) and Noor Akram
FACULTY
Elevating Excellence Through People and Purpose
The strength of the E. J. Ourso College of Business lies in the expertise, energy, and vision of its faculty. This year, we announced the selection of a new dean, celebrated national recognitions, and expanded our academic community with the addition of new scholars and department leaders. Together, these individuals are shaping the future of business education and research at LSU, advancing our mission through impactful teaching, thought leadership, and real-world relevance. Their accomplishments reflect not only academic excellence but also the momentum driving the college forward.
Russell Crook Named Next Dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business
The Ourso College entered a new chapter of leadership with the appointment of Russell Crook as dean, effective July 28, 2025. A nationally recognized scholar and experienced academic leader, Crook brings a deep commitment to strategic research, innovation, and student success.
Prior to joining LSU, Crook served as department head and First Horizon Foundation Distinguished Business Professor at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business, where he helped elevate research output, industry engagement, and academic achievement. His scholarly work in strategic management and entrepreneurship has garnered over 10,000 citations and significantly influenced thinking on organizational performance and value creation. With a clear vision and record of success, Dean Crook is poised to lead the college into a bold new era of growth, relevance, and national prominence.
New Expertise in the Ourso Community
The Ourso College welcomed 12 new faculty members this year across disciplines, including finance, marketing, economics, management, entrepreneurship, and information systems—each one bringing fresh ideas and expertise that will strengthen instruction and research alike.
New Leadership in Key Academic Departments
Yingmei Cheng was appointed chair of the Department of Finance and named the Lloyd F. Collette
Endowed Chair of Financial Services. A nationally recognized expert in financial economics,
Cheng brings extensive experience leading doctoral programs at Florida State University.
She now oversees a growing department of over 800 students and 18 faculty members,
with plans to expand career readiness and research activity, strengthen industry engagement,
and increase the department’s national visibility.
More about Cheng's appointment.
Thomas Greckhamer was named chair of the Rucks Department of Management, marking a new milestone in his 20-year tenure at LSU. An accomplished scholar in strategic management, Greckhamer has held numerous leadership roles within the college and the university, including director of the PhD program in management and chair of LSU’s graduate council. In addition to his scholarly achievements, he brings a deep understanding of LSU’s academic environment and a collaborative approach to leadership that will serve the department and its students well in the years ahead. More about Greckhamer's appointment.
Faculty Recognition & Impact
Our faculty continue to lead through service, scholarship, and thought leadership—earning national honors, shaping academic discourse, and contributing to meaningful change in their disciplines and communities. Whether advancing research methodology on global platforms, advising nonprofit organizations, or authoring new work on leadership and ethics, Ourso faculty are making their expertise matter where it counts.
Min Su, associate professor in the Department of Public Administration, was appointed to the Academic Advisory Board of CivicPulse, a nonprofit dedicated to improving local and state governance through high-quality data and research. Her involvement reflects the Ourso College’s growing influence in public policy and evidence-based decision-making.
Andrew Schwarz, professor in the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, was invited to join the prestigious Association for Information Systems (AIS) College of Senior Scholars. This honor recognizes his leadership in behavioral information systems research and global collaboration, including his role as co-chair of the 2024 International Conference on Information Systems in Bangkok.
James Davis, senior instructor in the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, co-authored Life-Changing Leadership: Stories on Military Mindset, Motivation, and Mission-Critical Teamwork. The book draws on real-life military experiences to share lessons on resilience and team leadership, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Shields & Stripes.
Suzette Caleo, associate professor in the Department of Public Administration, received the LSU Foundation Distinguished Graduate Faculty Teaching Award. This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to graduate education, mentorship, and academic excellence at LSU.
Thomas Greckhamer, chair of the Rucks Department of Management, was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Academy of International Business (AIB) Research Methods Shared Interest Group (RM-SIG). This role recognizes his influential contributions to research methodology and positions him to help shape the future of methodological training in international business scholarship worldwide.
ALUMNI
Alumni Carry Our Mission Forward
Support from alumni, donors, and friends of the college continues to open doors for students and strengthen our mission. This year, donor contributions helped fund scholarships, expand experiential learning, and provide meaningful support for students pursuing their academic and professional goals. With every gift, the Ourso College moves closer to a future defined by access, excellence, and innovation.
Honoring Alumni Excellence
2024 Hall of Distinction & Outstanding Young Alum
Each year, the E. J. Ourso College of Business honors alumni and friends whose lives and work embody the values we strive to instill in our students. The Hall of Distinction is a celebration of the professional and personal successes that shape industries, communities, and the world around us.
In 2024, the college proudly inducted Patrick Brandau, Stephen Fussell, and Lyttleton “Lyt” Harris IV into the Hall of Distinction and named Whitney Dawn Breaux as the Outstanding Young Alum. Together, they represent the remarkable breadth of what an Ourso graduate can accomplish—from global corporate leadership to entrepreneurial success, civic engagement, and public service.
What unites these honorees is not only their professional excellence but also their enduring connection to LSU and the belief that business can be a force for good. Their journeys inspire the next generation of Ourso students to dream big, lead with purpose, and never lose sight of the communities they serve.
Learn more about the honorees.
Click each recipient's photo to watch their acceptance speech.
Patrick Brandau
Stephen Fussell
Lyttleton “Lyt” Harris IV
Whitney Dawn Breaux
Celebrating Ourso-Led Business Success
The 2024 LSU100 and Roaring20 honored the fastest-growing and highest revenue-generating LSU graduate-led businesses in the world. Among the honorees:
41 of the LSU100 and ROARING20 companies are owned or led by Ourso College alumni
5 of the ROARING20 are owned or led by LSU Business graduates. The ROARING20 represents the 20 highest revenue-generating businesses from all those that apply for the LSU100 each year.
These accomplishments reflect the strength, reach, and entrepreneurial drive of Ourso graduates, providing inspiration to the next generation of LSU business leaders. See the complete LSU100 list.
Alumni Stories That Inspire
The paths our graduates take are as diverse as the industries they lead, but each one reflects the confidence, preparation, and purpose shaped by their time at the Ourso College. Whether breaking ground in global public service or redefining careers in entertainment and innovation, these alumni continue to show what’s possible with an Ourso education at the foundation.
Marcus Ashiangmor, Master of Public Administration (2024), is making a difference through international
public service and policy.
Donald Morrison, general business (2015), plays a key role in the development of Epic Universe, a major new theme park at Universal Studios Orlando.
Alumni Return to Celebrate a Decade of Sales Leadership
LSU Professional Sales Institute marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration that brought together alumni, corporate partners, and faculty of the program.
Since its founding, PSI has grown into a nationally recognized hub for developing top-tier sales talent and fostering industry collaboration. The celebration included a special reception in advance of the annual LSU Sales Symposium. This decade of growth and innovation was made possible, in part, through the visionary support of alumni Jim and Laura Parr, whose generosity continues to shape the future of sales education at LSU.
GIVING
Investing in Opportunity, Empowering Impact
Support from alumni, donors, and friends of the college continues to open doors for students and strengthen our mission. This year, donor contributions helped fund scholarships, expand experiential learning, and provide meaningful support for students pursuing their academic and professional goals. With every gift, the Ourso College moves closer to a future defined by access, excellence, and innovation.
$2.2M
Total raised to support the Ourso College
- FY24
344
Donors gave to Ourso during LSU Giving Day
- $241,748 raised during the 2025 day of giving
$1.1M
Total scholarship spending
- $686,319 given to scholarships in AY24-25
388
Scholarship recipients
- AY24-25
The 20-Year Enduring Impact of the LSU Tiger Fund
Since 2005, the LSU Tiger Fund, the college’s student-managed investment fund, has grown from an initial investment of $500,000 to over $8 million, providing real-world portfolio management experience to more than 650 students.
Built through generous donor support from the LSU Foundation and expert mentorship, the Tiger Fund exemplifies the power of hands-on learning backed by donor funding. Its enduring success reflects a long-standing commitment to student development, financial acumen, and teamwork.
Your Support Creates the Business Leaders Of Tomorrow
We are so grateful for the continued support from our generous donors.
Keep Up with the Ourso College