LSU Education Doctoral Student and Einstein Charter Schools CEO Nicholas Bijou Named to Gambit’s 2026 “40 Under 40”
August 03, 2026
BATON ROUGE, LA – Nicholas Bijou, LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education doctoral student and chief executive officer of Einstein Charter Schools, was named to Gambit’s 2026
“40 Under 40” list, an annual recognition honoring emerging leaders who are making
a significant impact throughout the Greater New Orleans region. 
Bijou, who is pursuing a PhD in PK-12 Educational Leadership at LSU while serving as CEO of Einstein Charter Schools, is being recognized for his visionary leadership, commitment to educational excellence and dedication to improving opportunities for students and families. Since assuming the role of CEO, he has guided the organization through a transformative period while advancing initiatives that integrate academic achievement, innovation, and social-emotional learning.
In addition to his executive leadership, Bijou has distinguished himself as an emerging scholar. Throughout his doctoral studies at LSU, he has presented his research at numerous national and regional education conferences and has contributed to scholarly publications, demonstrating his commitment to advancing educational leadership through both research and practice. His work exemplifies the practitioner-scholar model by connecting rigorous academic inquiry with meaningful improvements in schools and communities. Bijou is a prime example of how a leader translates research into practice.
“Nick exemplifies the kind of educational leader we strive to develop in the Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education,” Henderson Lewis, Jr., PhD, assistant professor in the PK-12 Educational Leadership Program, said. “He leads with integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for children. Equally impressive is his commitment to scholarship, where he continually seeks to deepen his understanding of leadership while contributing to the broader educational community. His selection as a Gambit ‘40 Under 40’ honoree is a well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments and his bright future.”
Faculty members have witnessed Bijou’s ability to bridge research and practice, bringing the realities of school leadership into the doctoral classroom while applying evidence-based approaches to improve organizational outcomes.
Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, PhD, who coordinates the PK-12 Educational Leadership program added, “Nick is a member of the program’s inaugural Superintendent and Leadership Cohort and a prime example of how faculty are expanding the program’s footprint across the state; he is innovative, student-centered, and a leader who advocates for the teachers who comprise his faculty. His recognition is richly deserved.”
Bijou's recognition by Gambit reflects a career defined by service, innovation, and a commitment to educational excellence. As both a school system leader and doctoral scholar, he continues to bridge research and practice to strengthen schools and improve outcomes for students.
About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education
A school of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, the Lutrill & Pearl Payne
School of Education (SOE) offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue
a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher or acquire dual certification
in both traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE
offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate
programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing
highly qualified teachers but also in preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies
scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals,
school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes scholarly
expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.