Nicholls State University recently received a generous donation of $1 million from First American Bank and Trust. This significant contribution has earned them the naming rights for the prestigious JB Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance, according to this news release from Nicholls. The University plans to utilize this monetary gift as seed money to construct a state-of-the-art facility that will house the esteemed College of Business Administration.

J.B. Falgoust, the namesake of the department, started his career as a humble clerk for the Bank of Vacherie. Through hard work and determination, he rose through the ranks to become the vice president, president, CEO, chairman of the board, and finally, the chairman emeritus of the now renowned First American Bank and Trust. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming the bank’s fortunes.

The bank’s assets witnessed impressive growth, soaring from a mere $2 million to an astounding $830 million. Not only that, but the bank expanded its presence from a single office in Vacherie to an impressive network of 24 branches across Southeast Louisiana. Moreover, the bank’s employee count skyrocketed from a mere 3 to over 200 dedicated professionals. Today, First American Bank and Trust boasts an impressive 25 branches and assets exceeding $1 billion.

Ronnie Falgoust is the President and CEO of First American Bank, and he said, “Mr. J.B. Falgoust understood the importance of Nicholls State University and the resources Nicholls provides to the business economy of Southern Louisiana. Graduates of Nicholls have played a vital role in the growth of First American Bank and Trust. The Bank is proud to honor Mr. J.B. Falgoust and support Nicholls State University.”

First American Bank and Trust is renowned for being a strong and independent community bank. It is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the communities it serves, forging strong connections with local businesses, organizations, and citizens. The bank’s board of directors consists of visionary leaders who hail from these local communities, making them uniquely positioned to understand and address the region’s needs while preserving its distinctive traditions.

Nicholls State University takes immense pride in its AACSB-accredited Accounting program, which plays a vital role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the region it serves. This program empowers students to meet the evolving workforce demands as highly educated, responsible, and engaged accounting professionals. By equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices, the program contributes significantly to the social and economic vitality of the program’s service area and beyond.

The finance and financial services marketing degrees offered by Nicholls also adhere to the stringent educational requirements established by AACSB for a bachelor’s degree in finance. These programs feature a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses senior-level courses in accounting and finance, in addition to other essential business subjects. The goal is to cultivate students’ communication, technological, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills, enabling them to excel in the competitive world of finance.

In conclusion, Nicholls State University is grateful for the remarkable $1 million donation from First American Bank and Trust  to the Department of Accounting and Finance.  This generous contribution will not only secure the naming rights for the JB Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance but also provide the necessary funding for the construction of a cutting-edge facility to house the esteemed College of Business Administration.

Through partnerships between educational institutions and businesses, students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their chosen fields. These collaborative efforts ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market while making positive contributions to their communities and beyond.

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