The B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration began as the Department of Business in 1902. For more than a century, Moody Business has developed ethically responsible professionals and scholars who make a positive impact on Acadiana, Louisiana, and the global community. More than 23,000 alumni worldwide have earned their business degree from UL Lafayette.
Our Namesake: Braxton "B.I." Moody III
A longtime business and community leader, B.I. Moody III has been a dedicated supporter of his alma mater.
Moody graduated from Rayne High School and attended Auburn University until his studies were interrupted by service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served in the Pacific aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. After the war, he enrolled at Southwestern Louisiana Institute, now UL Lafayette, and earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 1949.
After graduation, Moody became a founding partner in the CPA firm of Moody, Broussard, Poché and Guidry, with offices in Crowley and Lafayette. He later served as president and CEO of Chart House, Inc., a public company that operated Burger King restaurants in five states, along with Chart House, Cork & Cleaver, and Luther's Barbeque restaurants.
Moody also served as chairman of the board of First National Bank of Lafayette, The Moody Company, and Louisiana State Newspapers. He served on the boards of directors of many companies, including First Commerce Bank of New Orleans, Riviana Foods, Inc., Celeron Oil Company, Inc., Quantum Restaurants, Inc., Rayne State Bank & Trust Company, First National Bank of Crowley, Acadia Savings & Loan Association, and Coastal Chemical Company, Inc. In his community, he served as president of the Greater Crowley Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the United Givers Fund of Acadia Parish.
His honors include recognition from the UL Lafayette Alumni Association in 2006 for his commitment to the University and service to the community, induction into the Louisiana Political Museum's Hall of Fame in 2016, and an honorary doctorate from UL Lafayette in 2017.
Moody and his wife, the former Thelma Hebert of Rayne, raised nine children at their lifelong home in Crowley. Their family continues a legacy of corporate and civic service in Acadiana and beyond.
Moody Hall
UL Lafayette broke ground on Moody Hall in August 2003. The $9.24 million, three-story building houses the college's classrooms, computer labs, auditorium, and faculty offices. Plaques inside the building recognize Moody's contributions to the University, which total more than $8.2 million. Explore Moody Hall and other college spaces.