1908: The University changes from fixed four-year courses to organization into colleges. Due to limited funding, a College of Commerce was prevented and the course in commerce was merged with the College of Arts & Sciences.

June 11, 1928: College of Commerce established by University Board of Supervisors at its annual meeting. It was agreed that the college would be housed in Himes Hall with J.B. Trant presiding as the first dean. Prior to this, business courses were taught as part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum.

1931: College receives accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

1935: The University begins to offer the Master of Business Administration (MBA)

1957: William D. Ross named second dean.

1959: College reorganized and renamed College of Business Administration.

1977: Donald L. Woodland named third dean.

1978: College moves into the Center for Engineering and Business Administration (CEBA).

1984: James A. Richardson named acting dean.

Public Administration Institute established.

1985: James B. Henry named fourth dean.

Center for Internal Auditing established.

Real Estate Research Institute established.

1988: Louisiana Business & Technology Center established.

1995: John L. Glascock named interim dean.

1996: College renamed in honor of benefactor E. J. Ourso as the E. J. Ourso College of Business Administration.

MBA Program renamed in honor of James C. and Cherie H. Flores. It is to be referred to as the Flores MBA Program.

Department of Management renamed in honor of William W. and Catherine M. Rucks IV. It is to be referred to as the Rucks Department of Management.

Thomas D. Clark Jr. named fifth dean.

Hall of Distinction established to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have a strong association with the college of business and have distinguished themselves through their personal and civic achievements.

College reaccredited by AACSB.

1997: The Louisiana Institute for Entrepreneurial Education and Family Business Studies is established.

2002: William R. Lane named interim dean.

Securities Markets Analysis Research Trading (SMART) Lab established

April 2003: The Louisiana Institute for Entrepreneurial Education and Family Business Studies renamed the Entrepreneurship Institute.

July 1, 2003: Robert T. Sumichrast begins tenure as sixth dean.

2005: College name shortened to E. J. Ourso College of Business.

December 18, 2005: E. J. Ourso, the college’s namesake, passes away at the age of 82.

April 23, 2006: College reaccredited by AACSB.

February 23, 2007: The Stephenson Disaster Management Institute is established.

May 16, 2007: The Entrepreneurship Institute is renamed in honor of Emmet and Toni Stephenson. It is to be referred to as the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute.

July 1, 2007: William R. Lane named interim dean.

July 13, 2007: LSU Board of Supervisors approves renaming of CEBA to honor Patrick F. Taylor.

September 8, 2007: CEBA officially rededicated as Patrick F. Taylor Hall.

July 1, 2008: Eli Jones begins tenure as seventh dean.