E. J. Ourso College of Business

E. J. Ourso College of Business. It is the business school of Louisiana State University, located on its main campus in Baton Rouge. Founded in 1928, the college has grown into a comprehensive institution offering a range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs accredited by the AACSB. It is named for prominent Louisiana businessman and philanthropist E. J. Ourso.

History

The origins of the college trace back to 1928 when the College of Commerce was established at Louisiana State University. In 1972, the school was renamed the College of Business Administration. A significant transformation occurred in 1997 following a substantial donation from E. J. Ourso and his wife Florence Ourso, leading to its current naming. Key leadership figures in its development have included deans such as James R. H. "Jim" Hildreth and Eli Jones. The college's growth has been closely tied to the economic development of the state's petrochemical industry and the broader Gulf Coast business community.

Academics

The college offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentrations including Finance, Marketing, and Information Systems. At the graduate level, it provides a full-time and professional Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Finance, and a Master of Analytics. Doctoral programs are offered in fields like Accounting and Economics. All programs hold accreditation from the AACSB. The college maintains strong ties with major regional employers such as ExxonMobil, Shell, and IBM, facilitating extensive internship and recruitment opportunities for students.

Centers and institutes

Several specialized research and outreach centers operate under the college's umbrella. The Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) works on data-driven safety projects, often in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The Public Administration Institute focuses on training for government and nonprofit sectors. Other key units include the Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems and the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, which foster innovation and startup creation across the Louisiana region.

Facilities

The primary home for the college is the Business Education Complex, a modern facility opened in 2011. This complex features the T. J. Moran Center for Student Success, numerous trading room and analytics labs, and flexible classroom spaces designed for collaborative learning. The building also houses the LSU Executive Education programs. Prior to this, the college was located in the Patrick F. Taylor Hall, which is now used by other departments at Louisiana State University.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include former Governor of Louisiana Mike Foster, former CEO of Freeport-McMoRan James R. Moffett, and NFL executive Dennis L. Harrison. The faculty has included respected scholars such as financial economist James R. H. "Jim" Hildreth and former dean Eli Jones. The college's advisory councils often feature leaders from major corporations like Dow Chemical Company and Entergy.

Category:Louisiana State University Category:Business schools in Louisiana Category:Educational institutions established in 1928 Category:Baton Rouge, Louisiana