Louisiana Tech University announced on May 18 that alumnus Billy McConnell will serve as the keynote speaker for the university’s Spring Commencement ceremonies, scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at the Thomas Assembly Center on the Ruston campus.
McConnell graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1970 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He will address graduates from the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education and Human Sciences during a ceremony at 9:30 a.m., and those from the College of Engineering and Science and College of Liberal Arts at a second ceremony at 2:30 p.m.
After earning his diploma from Louisiana Tech, McConnell attended night school to obtain his law degree while working full time for Exxon. In 1997, he co-founded LaSalle Correctional and managed all aspects of its operations. Currently, he describes himself as a “mentor and cheerleader” for his family’s local business, which includes his sons Clay and Wes.
McConnell is originally from Rayville but has lived in Baytown, Texas; Jackson, Mississippi; and moved to Ruston in 1988. His career has spanned several industries such as energy, construction, real estate, healthcare, and logistics before founding LaSalle Correctional.
He continues to hold executive management roles across various enterprises but remains committed to supporting effective re-entry programs aimed at helping inmates transition back into society. McConnell has been married to his wife Millicent for 55 years. They are members of Ruston’s Trinity Methodist Church where he serves in leadership positions. Both are also part of Tech’s Aillet Society and support university athletics.
