B.I. Moody III College of Business has a change in administration 

Authors: Jenna Kimball, Kayla Woods-Crane 

Dr. Linda Nichols has retired as dean of B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration after five years in the role. 

Nichols got her bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of New Orleans. She then attended Louisiana State University for her Ph.D. in accounting and a minor in finance. 

She worked as dean of the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa before joining the Ragin’ Cajun community in 2020 at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

As a public accountant, Nichols won eight awards, published over 85 finance related articles and published a portfolio series titled “Oil and Gas Accounting: Upstream Operations.” 

The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration quarterly newsletter stated, “During her tenure, Dean Nichols guided the College through two successful Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) re-accreditation reviews, ensuring that Moody remains among the most distinguished business schools in the world. Her vision and commitment to excellence strengthened our academic reputation and set a strong foundation for the future.” 

The newsletter also wrote, “Under her leadership, the College celebrated record-breaking support from alumni and community partners, securing millions in new donations and scholarships that will continue to transform student opportunities for years to come.” 

Dr. Brian Bolton, the new interim dean for the college, explained that he specifically appreciated Nichols’ ability to maintain donor and alumni relationships.“She was just really good behind the scenes at establishing relationships and talking about the programs and talking about the needs with donors, alumni, industry partners within the community.” 

Nichols commented about her first years at UL Lafayette during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that it was hard for her to work as the dean of a college without really knowing her colleagues or students. “So it’s very odd to come in as a dean and not meet your people working in the college, or most of them until the second and some of them the third year,” she said. 

Student success and support was very important for Nichols, so she was glad to have them back on campus after the pandemic. 

Through revitalizing business organizations, creating new programs for student entrepreneurship and nurturing donor relations, Nichols made student opportunities a priority during her time at the University. “So I feel like… the accomplishments I’m most proud of have been in affecting… students’ lives positively,” she explained. 

Bolton described how Nichols’ leadership, after high turnover of deans of the college, provided him a great foundation to begin his tenure as interim dean. 

“She was a wonderful leader, a rock… She was here for five years and was just a rock and steady visionary. She got us through two accreditation cycles. You know, that structured, professional, accounting, taking care of business approach was exactly what we needed. She left the college in great shape, and for me, it’s an honor to succeed her.” 

He continued, saying, “She was just perfect… up until the end, and super helpful for me as I transition into the seat. You know…the college is better [after]… her five years and I’m certainly most appreciative.” 

On the topic of the timing of her retirement. Nichols explained that now is a good time because of the end of the re-accreditation cycle for the college, making it feel like a natural finish. 

“…This is a good time for me. So looking forward… to retirement, I still am going to stay… somewhat active, because I have to keep my mind occupied, and I don’t want to become obsolete.” Nichols plans to continue writing and research. 

Spending time with her family is most important during this time. “I especially feel like last year, with accreditation, I didn’t really get to spend much with them. Spending time with grandchildren is a big thing. Having more family time…” 

Bolton attended the University of Colorado at Boulder to earn his Ph.D. in finance and economics. 

He also received an MBA in finance and strategy from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University. 

Before joining the staff at UL Lafayette, Bolton worked in the finance faculty in the School of Business at Portland State University and then as the associate director in the Global Board Center at the International Institute for Management Development Business School in Switzerland. 

During his time at the University, he has not only won the inaugural Lagniappe Award for Leadership and Collaboration, he also founded the Louisiana Impact Research Awards Program.