The director of the Professional Land & Resource Management Program in the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been named the 2025–2026 Accredited University Program Director of the Year by the American Association of Professional Landmen.
Oliver J. “Buster” LeBlanc III has been part of UL Lafayette’s Professional Land & Resource Management Program for more than 20 years and has served as director for 14 years.
During that time, he has connected classroom instruction with industry experience while strengthening relationships between the University and professional organizations, including AAPL and the Lafayette Association of Professional Landmen. He is a graduate of the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now UL Lafayette, and holds a law degree from Tulane University.
The national award recognizes directors of accredited university programs who demonstrate exceptional leadership, mentorship and commitment to preparing students for careers in the energy and land management industries.
Under LeBlanc’s leadership, students have participated in hands-on learning opportunities tied to a 96-acre property in the New Iberia Oil Field donated to the University by Chevron. Students negotiate surface, mineral and leasing agreements while evaluating potential future uses for the site as part of their coursework.
In recognizing LeBlanc, AAPL cited his professional experience, student mentorship and longstanding commitment to the program. The organization provides curriculum guidance and support for 15 accredited energy management and petroleum land management programs across the United States.
He will be recognized during AAPL’s 72nd Annual Meeting in June in Salt Lake City.
Photo caption: Oliver J. “Buster” LeBlanc III, center, is surrounded by graduates from UL Lafayette’s Professional Land & Resource Management Program. (Courtesy photo)