Meet the Experts Behind LSU's Flores MBA Program

When choosing an MBA program, the quality of the faculty can make all the difference. In the Flores MBA Program from LSU, students benefit from a notable group of instructors who blend academic excellence, industry experience, and a passion for education. These faculty members mentor, inspire, and equip students with the skills to thrive in today's fast-paced, data-driven business environment. 

The LSU Flores MBA instructors are a driving force behind its reputation for excellence. Learn about the faculty and their contributions to creating the next generation of business leaders.  

Published Scholars at the Forefront of the Industry 

Many faculty members within the Flores MBA Program are thought leaders whose research influences both academia and their industries. Their work is published in various journals. For example: 

• Dr. Helmut Schneider has published over 50 research articles in peer-reviewed journals, including international publications.  
• Dr. Clifford Stephens has published work in the Journal of Finance and the Journal of Banking and Finance, two respected journals in the finance field. 

For students, access to research-driven insights means learning the latest industry trends and theories directly from the experts. It also ensures that classroom discussions remain current, relevant, and forward-thinking. 

Real-World Experience that Brings Theory to Life 

Theory and practice go hand-in-hand — which is why the Flores MBA Program faculty boasts professors who have firsthand experience working at some of the world's leading companies. These instructors bring real-world knowledge directly into the classroom, bridging the gap between education and application.

• James Fargason has over 20 years of experience working with major corporations like IBM, Microsoft, and Aramco, as well as with government entities such as the Federal Reserve Bank. His career insights feed directly into his teaching. 
• Thomas Karam is an expert in personal branding and sports marketing. He has worked directly with elite athletes, including Shaquille O'Neal. 

These insights are invaluable for MBA students who want to stay ahead of emerging business trends. Learning from professionals who have seen the industry's inner workings, students gain the confidence and skills to solve modern business challenges. 

Leadership in Business Education 

In addition to industry and research experience, many Flores MBA Program faculty members hold distinguished professorships that recognize their contributions to business education. These titles signify excellence in research, teaching, and service.  

• Dr. Andrew Schwarz is the Francis M. "Dud" Coates Professor of Humanities. This prestigious title underscores his commitment to business education.  
• Dr. Faik Koray holds the title of Bell South Business Partnership Professor, a distinction that recognizes his outstanding contributions to business education and research.  

This high level of recognition demonstrates the quality of education students receive. Flores MBA Program faculty are academic leaders who elevate the reputation of the entire program. 

A Focus on Practical Application 

A modern MBA program should equip students with the career-facing skills they need to make an impact in their fields. The Flores MBA Program faculty prioritizes applied learning so students can use their new skills immediately in the workplace. 

This practical experience makes graduates more marketable. They leave the program with tangible skills in project management, leadership, business analysis, and strategic planning — all highly valued by employers. 

STEM-Designated Curriculum  

The Flores MBA Program is STEM-designated, meaning the curriculum integrates concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This designation positions students to thrive in a data-driven business environment where data analysis, quantitative reasoning, and technical problem-solving skills are in high demand. 

With the rise of data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies, this STEM focus makes Flores MBA graduates more attractive to employers in consulting, tech, finance, and other high-growth sectors. 

National Recognition  

The Flores MBA Program is one of the nation's most highly ranked online MBA programs, largely thanks to its outstanding faculty. National publications like Poets & Quants and U.S. News & World Report regularly recognize the program as one of the top MBA offerings in the U.S. 

These rankings matter. When employers see that a candidate graduated from a nationally ranked MBA program, they associate it with rigor, quality, and real-world relevance. The high rankings reflect the caliber of the faculty, curriculum, and overall student experience. 

About the Online Flores MBA from LSU 

At the heart of the Flores MBA Program is its exceptional faculty. Online Flores MBA students learn from the same dynamic mix of published scholars, industry experts, and experienced business leaders who teach at LSU. 

However, in addition to the instructors, the Online Flores MBA from LSU offers a personalized, flexible pathway for ambitious professionals aiming to advance their careers. Unlike a "one-size-fits-all" approach, this program allows students to tailor their degree to their unique career goals by combining required core courses, a customized core, and elective options. It also includes four in-demand specialization options. This flexibility enables students to design a program that aligns with their specific career goals—no matter if those goals include advancing in their current role, pivoting to a new industry, or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. 

Through a 100% online format, the Online Flores MBA allows working professionals to balance their education with other responsibilities. The program's STEM-designated curriculum focuses on building in-demand skills that prepare graduates to lead in industries like finance, consulting, technology, and beyond. 

Overall, the Flores MBA Program from LSU offers the mentorship, customization, and hands-on learning you need to achieve your goals. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about the program and its specializations and apply today. Or, check out all the amazing Flores MBA faculty!