The spring 2026 LSU College of Art & Design commencement ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. in the LSU Maddox Field House.

About the Commencement Speaker

Scott Ballard is the owner of Ballard Brands, LLC, the Louisiana-based hospitality company behind PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, WOW American Eats and several other nationally recognized restaurant concepts. He currently serves as Immediate Past Chair of the LSU Board of Supervisors and is Chairman of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), while also serving on several educational, economic development, and civic boards across the state. Scott has earned numerous honors for his leadership in business, higher education, and economic development throughout Louisiana. A Tulane University graduate, Scott is passionate about education, leadership, innovation, and supporting the next generation of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs.