Learn the Compelling Reasons This LSU Instructor Teaches Analytics as Problem Solving

Meet Laurene Hutchinson

Please tell us about yourself and your background.
I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. After completing my master’s degree in Information Systems and Decision Science, I began my career as an instructor in LSU’s ISDS department. Today, I teach in the Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics program and serve as the undergraduate advisor for the degree. In addition to teaching, I work as a consultant for State Police, where I extract, clean, and report Commercial Motor Vehicle data to a federal database.

What makes the online program unique?
While the online program closely mirrors the traditional version in terms of academic rigor and structure, the fully online format offers important flexibility—especially for working professionals. Students are able to immediately apply the skills they’re learning in coursework to real situations in their jobs, which reinforces both confidence and competence.

How do you ensure student success in an online environment?
Each course is designed to emphasize learning by doing rather than passive watching. We intentionally use a variety of technologies across courses and reinforce them through hands-on assignments and projects. Students gain experience with industry-standard tools such as Tableau, SQL, and JMP, and they also have opportunities to take analytics courses across different business disciplines through elective options. Exposure to multiple tools and applications helps prepare students to succeed in real workplace environments.

What is your favorite topic to teach, and why?
I really enjoy teaching Structured Query Language (SQL). It’s a great balance of logic and structure, and it’s not as intimidating as students often expect. SQL allows students to answer meaningful business questions fairly quickly, which can be very motivating. While there is syntax to learn, there are often multiple ways to write an effective query, which encourages problem solving rather than memorization.

How do you help students understand the real-world relevance of course materials in an online setting?
I frame SQL as a business problem-solving language, not just a technical skill. Students work with real datasets and are asked to answer real business questions. It’s important for students to realize that SQL is not just about writing queries but about asking better questions of data.

What advice do you have for learners who are considering this program?
Engage early and ask questions. The courses are designed so that weekly modules build on one another. If a concept from the first week isn’t clear, it can make later material more challenging. Students shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to instructors, peers, or even external resources to reinforce their understanding. Staying proactive makes a big difference.

Is there anything else you want us to know?
Before beginning this program, students need to understand that success in this field depends as much on your mindset and habits as on the technical skills you’ll build. Analytics is about problem solving, not just tools. You do not need to be a coding expert, but you do need persistence. Students may initially feel some discomfort with logic and syntax, but what matters most is the willingness to learn from mistakes and the comfort with not getting the right answers immediately. Keeping up with your work and actively engaging in the course will provide the best path for success.

Build Analytics Skills That Translate Beyond the Classroom

Faculty like Laurene Hutchinson exemplify the student-centered, practical approach behind the online business analytics program and other online business degrees from the LSU system. Through hands-on coursework, real-world tools, and instructors who actively connect theory to practice, students will gain skills they can use immediately while building habits that support long-term career growth.