Ourso on the Geaux | February 2026

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AI In Action Symposium Returns for 2026

The Ourso College is pleased to announce the return of AI In Action, a symposium designed for forward-thinking executives, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers looking to leverage AI to achieve tangible business outcomes.

This year's event will bring together leading voices at the heart of the AI revolution, including Louisiana business leaders, national AI experts, and LSU researchers, to explore how they have successfully navigated this evolving landscape, from scaling AI across large enterprises to establishing the ethical frameworks necessary to manage risk and deploy AI responsibly.

Meet our speakers and register to attend.

Award Nominations Open Through Feb. 27

Help us identify the 2026 Hall of Distinction honorees and the Outstanding Young Alum award recipient. We're on the lookout for Ourso College alumni and supporters who have achieved amazing success, inspired others with their work, or gone the extra mile to support the college.

View the criteria and submit your nominations.

Ourso Alumni Named to LSU Leadership Positions

Congratulations to two Ourso alumni who were recently named to leadership positions within the LSU system!

Emmett Brown (MPA '16)

Vice President of Enrollment Management

Class of 2025, Pitch Your Big Idea

Members of the Class of 2025 are eligible to pitch their big business idea in the J Terrell Brown Venture Challenge. Entering is easy, just complete the application and submit a two-minute pitch video by Friday, Feb. 27. Three finalists will be chosen to pitch for a share of $35,000 during a live event on April 14.

See the competition rules and application.

LSU Giving Day 2026

LSU Giving Day will return on Wednesday, March 25. Please make plans to show your support for the Ourso College or a specific department or program. If you want to help spread the word to your network, consider serving as a social media ambassador for LSU Giving Day.

Learn more or sign up to be an ambassador by Monday, March 2.

2026 LSU100 & LSU ROARING20 Nominations Open

Are you an LSU graduate who owns or currently leads a business? Consider applying for the this year's LSU100 and LSU ROARING20 – nominations and applications are now open through June 15. The annual LSU100 list features the 100 fastest-growing LSU graduate-owned or led businesses in the world, while the LSU ROARING20 recognizes the 20 highest-revenue generating companies out of those who apply for the LSU100.

Learn more and apply by June 15.

Ourso Alum Named Business Report's Young Businessperson of the Year

Congratulations to Ourso alumnus Scott Gaudin (MGMT '04) on being named the 2026 Young Businessperson of the Year by the Baton Rouge Business Report! Gaudin currently serves as President and CEO of Currency Bank.

Talk It Out, Babble On

Ever notice how some people naturally take charge in meetings, even if they aren’t necessarily the most experienced or knowledgeable? Psychologists call this the "Babble Hypothesis" – the idea that how much you speak drives others' perceptions of you as a leader. Recent research co-authored by Michael Johnson in the LSU Rucks Department of Management explores unanswered questions behind this leadership phenomenon, with novel findings for employees and managers alike.

Dive into the findings.

When Connections Cripple Innovation

You've probably heard the proverb "It’s not what you know, but who you know?” While networking is a standard part of professional life, when personal connections overtake all else to become the primary currency for success, it creates a corrosive system known as cronyism. New research published in the prestigious Journal of Management by Sohrab Soleimanof in the LSU Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship & Information Systems highlights the effects of this corrosive favoritism and explores how the rule of law can paradoxically make it worse.

Read the full insights.

LSU Research Insights: Solar Innovations

In 2026, the world’s energy demand will reach an unprecedented level; sourcing cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy sources is a critical concern. Could solar potentially meet the moment? Charlotte Jacobs, assistant professor in the LSU Rucks Department of Management, shared valuable insights on how the next few years will prove "make or break" for the photovoltaic industry, plus the underreported role oil & gas companies have played in pushing solar innovation.

Read the full Q&A.

Purple banner reading Educational Opportunities

Executive Development Program

March 9 - 12

Today's executives must develop and communicate their organization's strategy and principles, balance competing priorities, and make tough decisions, all while developing future talent. This program combines executive coaching, self-assessment, and experiential learning to prepare leaders to meet their organization's present and future challenges.

Additional LSU Executive Education programs can always be found on our website.

LSU Sales Symposium

April 9

Sharpen your skills, dive into trends, and network at the LSU Sales Symposium. This event is ideal for business leaders, sales professionals, business owners, or anyone in a front-line decision-making position at a company.

This year's symposium will center around "The Modern Buying Process in the Age of AI."