Fall 2025 Rucks Fellows Announced
December 02, 2025
The Rucks Department of Management at the E. J. Ourso College of Business acknowledges
outstanding students as Rucks Fellows. These students are chosen by the faculty and
represent the highest level of academic achievement among senior management majors
in any of the department's concentrations. To be eligible, a student must be among
the top graduating seniors in the management curriculum based on their grade-point
average; honorees are announced in the fall and spring semesters.
The students selected for the fall 2025 Rucks Fellows class are December graduates
Cameron Beaugh of Opelousas, Louisiana; Britton LeBlanc of Baton Rouge, Louisiana;
Maia Leonard of Mobile, Alabama; Claire Nickels of Hampden, Maine and Matthew Rotolo
of Denham Springs, Louisiana.
Cameron Beaugh is a first-generation college student pursuing a bachelor's in management with a concentration in human resource management. She recently began a full-time position as an HR administrator at United States Gypsum, where she supports employee onboarding, safety programs and engagement initiatives. An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), she is committed to developing a strong foundation in the field. Through academic work and applied HR experience, Beaugh built skills in employee relations, compliance and organizational support. She plans to advance her career in human resources and contribute to building safe, supportive and equitable workplaces.
Britton LeBlanc is pursuing a bachelor's in business management with a concentration in strategic leadership. LeBlanc operates his own company, LeBlanc's Lawncare and Landscaping LLC, balancing daily business responsibilities with a full academic schedule. His coursework and applied experience have strengthened his skills in leadership, operations and client management. After graduation, LeBlanc will use the skills gained through the Rucks Department of Management to expand his business. Outside of academics and work, LeBlanc enjoys spending time outdoors with his friends and family, and mentoring the next generation through his church's youth group.
Maia Leonard is a Roger Hadfield Ogden Honors College student pursuing a bachelor's in management with a concentration in strategic leadership. A passion for leadership, organizational development and healthcare management drives her academic and professional pursuits. Her honors thesis focuses on a business plan for a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic, integrating her interests in management, healthcare and community impact. Leonard gained experience through roles as a student worker in University College, a project management intern and a leader within Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. With skills in organizational development, strategic planning and project coordination, she plans to continue strengthening her leadership experience.
Claire Nickels is pursuing a bachelor's in management with a concentration in human resource management. Nickels transferred to LSU to continue her studies and immerse herself in academic and leadership opportunities. She currently works as a corporate compliance intern at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, where she supports efforts related to ethical integrity, regulatory compliance and operational standards. She is a member of Women in Business and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at LSU. As captain, she led her team to a runner-up finish in the Louisiana State SHRM Case Competition. Nickels is also a member of the LSU Equestrian Team, where she serves as regional president assistant for the Southern Region, Zone Five. Her academic and professional experiences have strengthened her skills in HR, leadership and compliance.
Matthew Rotolo is pursuing a bachelor's in management with a concentration in human resource management and a minor in psychology. He completed a summer internship with the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in the Department of Equity and Belonging, where he developed retention and job satisfaction strategies for multiple employee groups. He also helped establish a partnership with G.R.O.W.T.H., a nonprofit focused on creating training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged and disabled youth. Through his experiences, he discovered a strong passion for advancing equity, fostering inclusion, and creating sustainable opportunities for success. After graduation, Rotolo plans to return to the equity and belonging team and start the LSU Flores MBA Program, building on his experience in inclusion, workforce development and organizational support.
About the Rucks Fellows Program
Thanks to a generous gift from William W. and Catherine M. Rucks, 10 graduating management majors are recognized each year as Rucks Fellows. Announcements will be made in the fall and spring semesters. To enrich their development as future business leaders, Rucks Fellows will receive opportunities to interact with faculty and business leaders; special recognition during graduation; and the right to identify themselves as Rucks Fellows. Upon graduation, Rucks Fellows also receive a one-time award of $2,500, which is generously funded by the Rucks family.
About the Rucks Department of Management
The Rucks Department of Management at LSU's E. J. Ourso College of Business creates and disseminates knowledge about the effective and ethical management of organizations. Management faculty pursue diverse research agendas to improve understanding of strategic management, the behavior of individuals and groups within organizations and the management of human resources. The department incorporates the latest knowledge about these topics into undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare the next generation of leaders in business, government and academia.