LSU Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management Marks Leadership Transition as Dr. Glenn Sumners Concludes Distinguished Career

BATON ROUGE - The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business announces the retirement of Glenn E. Sumners, DBA, CIA, CFE, CRMA, who has served as director of the LSU Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management (LSUCIA&CRM) since its inception more than four decades ago. Under his guidance, the program became an internationally recognized model for internal audit education.

Sumners charted new territory when he established LSU's internal audit program in 1985. Under his leadership, more than 4,100 students have completed the program, many of whom have gone on to successful careers and quickly advanced to top management roles. His numerous awards include the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Educator of the Year Award, the LSU Rainmaker Award and induction into the IIA American Hall of Distinguished Audit Practitioners. The IIA's Dr. Glenn E. Sumners Award, given to the student with the highest CIA exam score globally, honors his lasting impact on the field.  
 
"Dr. Sumners is a trailblazer, launching the world's first university-based internal audit program here at LSU," said T. Russell Crook, dean of the E. J. Ourso College of Business. "His influence extends well beyond our campus. He trained leading practitioners and shares his wisdom with internal audit educators worldwide. His vision and leadership will shape the field for decades to come." 

With Sumners' retirement in January 2026, Jared S. Soileau has been appointed as LSUCIA&CRM's new director. Soileau, an associate professor in the LSU Department of Accounting, teaches accounting and audit analytics—his research centers on auditing, corporate governance, and enterprise risk management. An LSU alumnus, he brings professional experience from Ernst & Young, Alcatel, Avery Dennison and FedEx. Soileau completed the internal audit program while earning his undergraduate degree in accounting.   

Joining Soileau in program leadership are Lydia M. Lafleur and Wesley Ladd. Lafleur is a distinguished instructor in the Department of Accounting, who will continue to serve as assistant director, a role she has held since 2005. Ladd, an expert in cloud security and governance, will join the team in January as an associate director focusing on cybersecurity risk management. Both Lafleur and Ladd are LSUCIA&CRM alumni. 

"As an alumnus of the Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management, I've experienced the opportunities that Dr. Sumners and this program have created for students firsthand," said Soileau. "I'm deeply humbled and honored by this opportunity to follow in Dr. Sumners' footsteps. I look forward to working with Lydia, Wes, other faculty, industry partners,  alumni, and students to continue the legacy that Dr. Sumners has established for internal auditing education." 
 
"I am excited about the program's future," said Crook. "Dr. Soileau and the entire team are in a wonderful position to not only build on the strong foundation but also elevate the program further." 
  
"Leaving something you've built is never easy," Sumners said. "However, I am confident that Jared, Lydia, and Wes will uphold our high standards."  

About the LSU Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management 
Established in 1985, the LSU Center for Internal Auditing was the world's first university-based internal auditing training program and has served as the gold-standard model for numerous programs worldwide. In 2023, the program was renamed the LSU Center for Internal Auditing & Cybersecurity Risk Management (LSUCIA&CRM) to reflect its increasing emphasis on cybersecurity and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. LSUCIA&CRM offers a concentration and a minor that are open to any on-campus LSU student.