For the second time in my tenure at LSU, I have been called upon to lead the E. J. Ourso College of Business through a time of transition as interim dean. The first was five years ago when the search that ultimately yielded Robert Sumichrast as dean began. Five years later, the college is on the verge of national prominence, and we are truly living through one of the most prosperous and exciting times in our history.

Repeatedly our academic programs, faculty, and students are being recognized for their quality. Donors are responding to our successes, and because of their continued support, it will not be long before the college has a new building on campus to call home. Regardless of which aspects of the college one considers, the common denominator among everything in and out of our classrooms is excellence.

Excellence perfectly describes the rise in rankings of our Flores MBA Program and undergraduate programs. Excellence perfectly describes the innovative academic initiatives that have been established, such as the Modern Chinese Business and Culture Program and the Business Residential College. Excellence perfectly describes the numerous awards won by our students as teams and as individuals. Excellence perfectly describes the establishment of the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute and the christening of the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute through the generosity of Emmet and Toni Stephenson.

The list is virtually endless and continues to grow with each passing day.

I look forward with anticipation to what will be. Support from our alumni, the business community, the University, and the State has never been stronger, and those bonds are only intensifying.

As I begin the new academic year, with all its promises and opportunities, I will also strive to make certain our accomplishments thus far are simply mile markers on the journey to the heights we have yet to achieve.

Sincerely,
William R. Lane, Interim Dean