Louisiana Christian University welcomes Dr. Marcia Hardy as its new dean of the Young School of Business and Martin MBA program.
Hardy is the dean of the Ray and Dorothy Young School of Business.
She earned a Ph.D. from the University of California-Los Angeles, specializing in management from the Anderson School of Management and research and evaluation from the Graduate School of Education. Her original research explored the success factors of entrepreneurship. She also received Ph.D. certification from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, studying organizational leadership, strategic management and planning.
She holds an M.S. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a B.S. from Loyola University in New Orleans. Hardy is certified in Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategies Program from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additional national certifications of hers are extensive, including in Quality Matters, Google Analytics, and negotiation and leadership from Harvard Law School.
Hardy has decades of experience in academia, most recently at Northwestern State University as a tenured full professor in business administration and management.
Hardy said her first priority at LCU will be to listen, learn and build trust.
“I want to understand the strengths of our graduate and undergraduate programs, hear from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and industry partners, and gain a clear understanding of where we are thriving and where we have opportunities to grow,” Hardy said.
“Looking forward, I see incredible opportunities to strengthen enrollment, enhance experiential learning, and deepen partnerships with the business community. I am excited about expanding internships, applied projects, and mentoring prospects, and will focus on ensuring our undergraduate business majors succeed and our master’s in business administration (MBA) and master’s in strategic leadership (MSL) graduates continue to add value for working professionals.”
She said she also sees an opportunity to more clearly voice the distinct values of a Christian business education-graduates who are not only skilled and competent, but ethical, insightful, and purpose-driven leaders.
She said she chose to come to LCU because the mission of the university aligns deeply with both her professional calling and her personal values.
“I believe higher education, especially business education, should develop the whole person: intellectually, ethically, and spiritually,” Hardy said. “This institution is committed not only to academic excellence, but to shaping future leaders of character who understand business as a career and a means of service.”
LCU President Dr. Mark Johnson said Louisiana Christian University is entering a new chapter in graduate studies, one that redefines workforce development as the formation of people, not simply the placement of graduates.
“Dr. Marcia Hardy’s appointment reflects that vision,” Johnson said. “She brings an exceptional blend of academic scholarship and real-world industry experience. Her work in entrepreneurship, organizational leadership and emerging technologies positions LCU to expand graduate education for Louisiana’s workforce.”
Hardy’s publications include a book EDI: A Guide To Electronic Data Interchange and Electronic Commerce Applications, 1995, and dozens of journal articles. Her professional presentations have been at local, state and national venues. She holds awards for teaching, service to cities and businesses, and has a legislative award from the United States Department of Defense for leadership and dedication, presented by the Joint Electronic Commerce Program Office.
Dr. Hardy currently serves as the international president-elect for the Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars with over 200 established chapters.
In addition to her academic background, Hardy has also been an active member of the community.
“My experience as a business owner and community leader allows me to bring practical, real-world perspectives to business education,” she said. “I know what employers are seeking, how organizations operate, and how theory translates into practice. This combination enables me to bridge academia and industry, ensuring our programs remain relevant, credible, and impactful.
“Together, these experiences allow me to lead with understanding, clarity and purpose, honoring Louisiana Christian University’s mission while preparing students to lead faithfully, courageously, and successfully in the business world.”
She has been co-founder and president of McLure, Moynihan Inc. of California and CEO/owner of The Nest Wellness Spa & Wellness Center. She served recently as chairman of the United Way of Central Louisiana. She is also active at Calvary Baptist Church in Alexandria.
“Without question, Dr. Hardy is among the best new faculty to join LCU,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Henry Robertson. “Her business acumen and scholarship place the Young School and its Martin MBA program in the forefront of the mission-devoted business schools in America. I could not be more pleased to welcome her to the faculty and for her strong commitment to our students and their academic advancement in business, economics, management, and marketing.”
Note: Dr. Marcia Hardy was a former professor in the College of Business and Technology and former faculty Senate President at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
