LSU’s influence reaches beyond Louisiana, sometimes showing up in the most unexpected places. For Katie Le, the journey started with a simple hallway moment and a conversation sparked by a coworker’s school pride.
Because of his contagious excitement about his alma mater, Katie Le was encouraged to research LSU and found the perfect program for her career ambitions. Through the online LSU Flores MBA, Katie gained a clear path toward advancing her career, expanding her skillset, and joining a community she hadn’t even realized she was looking for. A passing interaction turned into a decision that would shape both her personal and professional future.
Meet Katie Le
What program and school did you graduate from, and what initially made you apply to your program?
I chose the online Flores MBA program with the Graduate Certificate in Analytics because it offered the perfect blend of leadership development and technical depth. My interest in LSU actually started in the most unexpected way. At work, different teams share the same floor, and one day I walked past an office with a big LSU banner hanging proudly on the wall. Naturally, I had to stop and ask about it. That’s how I met Ham Homan, who happened to be the Southern California Alumni President at the time. His energy, pride, and genuine love for LSU were contagious. He talked about the culture, football, and the community of the school with so much enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but look into it myself. The more I researched, the more I realized LSU offered exactly what I was looking for: an MBA paired with a Graduate Certificate in Analytics that aligned perfectly with where I wanted to grow as a leader. When I was accepted, Ham celebrated with me like I had just been drafted into the LSU family. He even handed me an LSU cup and pen so I could start showing my school spirit right away. It was such a small gesture, but it made the whole experience feel personal and meaningful. That moment confirmed that I had chosen the right place.
What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge during the program was balancing the MBA workload with being a full‑time corporate professional and a mom of two. The coursework itself wasn’t the hard part. The real challenge was figuring out how to stretch myself across work, school, and family without burning out. There were weeks when everything hit at once, and I had to be very intentional about how I used my time. I worked through it by building a consistent routine, planning ahead, and being more disciplined about what needed my attention first. I set aside dedicated study blocks, used the times of day when I’m naturally most productive, and communicated with my family so they knew when I needed uninterrupted time.
What was your favorite course or topic? Why?
My favorite course was BADM 7070, Organizational Behavior. In a time when Artificial Intelligence and automation are transforming the workplace, people skills matter more than ever. This course really drove that home. Dr. Smith reframed leadership in a way that stuck with me. I loved learning how personality, motivation, and communication shape team dynamics, and how leaders can create environments where people feel inspired to do their best work. The TED Talk project and the ethnography assignment made the concepts real and practical. This class strengthened my belief that technical skills are important, but the ability to understand and lead people is what truly sets great leaders apart.
What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services?
Throughout my MBA journey at LSU, I always felt supported by the staff. Even though I wasn’t an in‑person student, I never felt like I was on my own. Leah Whitmire from Enrollment & Academic Services and Gabrielle Jeter, my student success coach, were incredible. They were responsive, encouraging, and always willing to help me navigate whatever came up. Their support made the experience feel personal, and it truly felt like I was part of the LSU community from day one.
How has the program impacted your personal and professional life?
The program has had a meaningful impact on both my personal and professional life. On a personal level, becoming the first in my family to earn a master’s degree is something I’m incredibly proud of. It represents years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination, and it’s a milestone that means a lot not just to me, but to my family as well. I also genuinely loved the culture and school spirit at LSU. Even as an online student, I felt connected to the energy, pride, and community that LSU is known for.
Professionally, the MBA and Graduate Certificate in Analytics have already expanded my opportunities for advancement. The combination of leadership development and technical depth has positioned me for roles with greater responsibility and given me a broader toolkit to lead effectively in a rapidly changing, data‑driven environment. Overall, the program has helped me grow as a person, as a leader, and as a professional, and I’m grateful for the experience.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program?
My advice to prospective students is simple: If you’re considering the program, take the leap. The LSU Online MBA program is designed for people with busy lives, and the faculty truly want to see you succeed. They are supportive, accessible, and invested in helping you grow. Even as an online student, the school's pride and sense of community are energizing. The experience, the network, and the LSU spirit make it absolutely worth it.
What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your journey?
The most valuable skills I gained were the combination of strategic leadership and data analytics. The program strengthened my ability to make decisions using both data and intuition, which has been essential in my corporate roles. Understanding analytics at a deeper level has helped me communicate more effectively with technical teams, while the leadership coursework sharpened my ability to motivate and influence people and manage change.
Are there any special stories you can share from your experience?
Funny enough, one of the unexpected selling points for me was discovering that the Southern California LSU Alumni chapter hosts an annual crawfish boil. I absolutely love a good crawfish boil. There’s something about rolling up your sleeves, digging in, and just enjoying the moment that feels like pure joy. When I realized LSU had that kind of spirit and community all the way out here in California, it made me feel instantly connected. Delicious food and great school pride… How could I resist?
Join the LSU Family from Anywhere with LSU Online
The right program does more than fit your schedule. It connects with your goals, your growth, and even your sense of belonging. The online Flores MBA from LSU is designed for professionals who want to build leadership confidence while strengthening technical expertise in areas like analytics, all without stepping away from their careers.
Whether you're looking to move your career forward, pivot, or simply challenge yourself, this program provides the ultimate flexibility and skills you can apply right away. And along the way, you might just find what Katie did—a community, a network, and a sense of pride that stays with you long after graduation.
Learn more about the program, and apply today!
Flores MBA