Strategic Planning Process 2026
Dear E. J. Ourso College of Business community,
Since joining LSU, one of my first priorities has been listening. In conversations with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders, I have explored their ideas and aspirations for the college. These talks have reinforced a simple truth: the future of the E. J. Ourso College is strongest when it is shaped together.
Business education continues to evolve rapidly, with artificial intelligence and emerging technologies reshaping every industry. Demand for experiential learning and entrepreneurial thinking continues to grow. Yet our core goal remains unchanged: to nurture future leaders and entrepreneurs who are creative problem-solvers committed to making a difference in the world.
With this in mind, we are beginning a strategic planning process to guide the Ourso College over the next several years. This will be a collective effort, grounded in collaboration and shared purpose. Your perspectives and engagement will be essential as we identify priorities, build on our strengths, and position our college for continued excellence.
Thank you in advance for your time, thoughtfulness, and participation in this process. I am grateful for your work and look forward to shaping our future together.
Sincerely,
T. Russell Crook
Dean, E. J. Ourso College of Business
About the process
The Ourso College's strategic planning process will be driven by the participation of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders, culminating in a plan with achievable, measurable, and sustainable strategies that set the college on a path to lasting success.
Throughout the process, we will share regular updates on this page and through other
channels to keep you informed and offer ways to get involved.
Planning Timeline
We kicked off the planning process at the start of the spring 2026 semester, with the goal of finalizing the strategic plan by the end of the semester. This will be a highly engagement-driven process, with many opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and external partners to share their perspectives and have their voices heard over the coming months. We encourage you to stay involved and participate throughout the process.
January: Project kickoff
February–March: Stakeholder engagement
- Stakeholder interviews
- Faculty and staff, student, and alumni and external stakeholder surveys
- Listening sessions
Late March: Strategic planning retreat
April 17: Strategic plan framework presented to Dean’s Advisory Council
April–May: Strategic plan development
May: Finalize strategic plan
Summer: Begin strategy implementation
Updates
The process is in its initial stages with Emergent Method, the Baton Rouge-based consulting firm that has been engaged to guide us through this process. The steering committee will meet regularly with the consulting team to review research and begin planning for stakeholder interviews, surveys, and listening sessions.
We thank you for your support throughout this process and for your interest in the success of this plan and the college's future.
Steering Committee
The steering committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and leadership representatives from across the Ourso College. It was intentionally formed to include members from multiple departments, roles, and levels of experience, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are reflected. The committee serves as a valuable resource - guiding the process by reviewing research, informing stakeholder engagement, and ultimately overseeing the development of our strategic plan.
Dana Hart | Graduate Business Programs, Assistant Dean, Committee Chair
Avery Aucoin | Accounting, Graduate Student
Melanie Buchmann | Office of Business Student Success, Director
Bill Buslepp | Accounting, Associate Professor
Katie Casseri | Dean's Office, Business Manager
Areendam Chanda | Economics, Professor
Tommy Karam | Marketing, Distinguished Instructor
Andrew MacKinlay | Finance, Assistant Professor
Gabe Piccoli | Entrepreneurship & Information Systems, Professor
Anmol Soni | Public Administration, Assistant Professor
Seth Thibodeaux | Office of Business Student Success, Director
Daniel Whitman | Management, Associate Professor
Ex-officio
Stephenie Franks | Dean's Office, Assistant Dean
Angela McBride | Office of Communications, Marketing & Events, Interim Director
Dayton White | Dean's Office, Assistant Dean
Get involved
The strategic planning process is driven by the participation of our college community and external partners, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other Ourso College stakeholders.