The Office of Undergraduate Education provides information about Freeman courses and academic programs, one-on-one academic advising, enrollment support and information about Freeman's undergraduate student organizations. For general assistance, email business@tulane.edu.
Myke Yest, PhD, CFA
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
In addition to serving as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Myke Yest is on the faculty of the Freeman School and is a Senior Professor of Practice, holding the Peter Ricchiuti Professorship in Finance. He also co-directs the Altman Program in International Studies and Business and has worked within the financial industry for 30 years. In his capacity as Associate Dean, he monitors the quality of the Freeman undergraduate student experience and reviews students’ academic progress.
Academic Counselors
BSM Academic Counselors assist students with selecting a major, understanding degree requirements and monitoring progress toward graduation. In addition, each declared business student must also meet with their counselor in the Academic Advising Center to ensure appropriate progress toward their degree.
Charlotte Battiest
Director of Undergraduate Student Experience
Altman, Athletes, Transfer Students
(504) 314-7014
Email Charlotte
Make an Appointment with Charlotte
Charlotte Battiest joined the Office of Undergraduate Education in fall 2019 as the senior academic counselor. She has been with the university since 2007, previously with the Academic Services Center for Student-Athletes. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans. She has 20 years of experience in higher education. She enjoys serving and providing quality advising services to all students!
Lauren Gauthier
Academic Counselor
Advises Last Names Ro-Z
(504) 314-2245
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Make an Appointment with Lauren
Lauren A. Gauthier has been with Tulane University since fall of 2021 and joined Freeman's Office of Undergraduate Education during the summer of 2024. She holds a BA in English Literature from Georgia Southwestern State University and an MA in Educational Technology from LSU. She is a mom of 3 cats and lives by the wise words of Hannah Montana, "Life's what you make it, so let's make it rock."
Shira Hussain
Director of Undergraduate Advising
Advises Last Names A-C
(504) 862-8097
Email Shira
Make an Appointment with Shira
Shira Hussain holds an undergraduate degree in communication studies and sociology from Loyola University New Orleans, then she advanced in her academic pursuits with a master’s degree in leadership studies from Augsburg University. She is a firm believer that students can grow into greatness with the right support and is happy to be a part of the Tulane family.
Arthur Ponson
Academic Counselor
Advises Last Names D-Ki
(504) 865-5433
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Make an Appointment with Arthur
Arthur Ponson attended the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he majored in Sports Management. Arthur joined the Office of Undergraduate Education in Fall 2023. Prior to joining Tulane, he was a Career advisor for Clover and a Testing Coordinator at Delgado Community College. He enjoys working with his students and helping them achieve their goals while providing a personalized advising experience to each of them.
Megan St. Pierre
Academic Counselor
Advises Last Names Kl-Ri
(504) 862-8035
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Make an Appointment with Megan
Prior to joining Tulane and the Freeman School, Megan was a secondary education teacher for 13 years teaching social studies, English and special education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in education administration, both from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans, and a Master of Science in human resource education from Louisiana State University.
Support Staff
Julie Gomez
Senior Program Coordinator
(504) 865-5322
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Julie Gomez provides administrative support and oversees all classroom reservations.
Zhané Nelson
Senior Program Coordinator
(504) 865-5452
Email Zhané
Zhané Nelson manages all undergraduate programs and the day-to-day activities of the office.
Study Abroad & Exchange
The Freeman Study Abroad & Exchange team members are here to answer questions, offer advice, and help you make the most of your international experience - whether that's as an outgoing study abroad student or an incoming international exchange student. For general assistance, email freemanabroad@tulane.edu or stop by during Study Abroad & Exchange in-person drop in hours.
Mary Hicks
Associate Director
(504) 865-5436
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Make an Appointment with Mary
A Louisiana native, Mary Hicks has worked in international education for over 25 years. She holds an M.Ed. in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette. She lived and worked in Japan shortly after her undergraduate career, and since then has held several job descriptions in international higher education. She directed a program that offered less-commonly-taught languages, led short-term study abroad programs in Japan and the Czech Republic, advised exchange students going to and coming from countries around the world, and assisted with numerous other endeavors all in the spirit of making sure students from all walks of life can have educational opportunities around the world. Mary enjoys learning from everyone around her as well as each and every new experience (including a pandemic). “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” -Mahatma Gandhi
Michelle Falgoust
Senior Executive Secretary
(504) 865-5663
Email Michelle
Michelle Falgoust provides administrative support to the Study Abroad & Exchange office and monitors the daily activities of the office. She also oversees the Study Abroad student workers and assists with events centered on international students.
Lauren Bix
Senior Program Coordinator
Exchange (Incoming) Student Advisor
(504) 314-7067
Email Lauren
Make an Appointment with Lauren
Lauren Bix is a Senior Program Coordinator for A.B. Freeman School of Business Study Abroad & Exchange. She received two Master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky in French and Francophone studies and International Diplomacy. Having studied abroad in Normandy, France and worked in higher education and international offices, Lauren brings a passion for global education and language learning everywhere she goes. She is eager to encourage business students to study abroad and welcome exchange students to the Freeman School.
Aaron C. Forbes
Senior Program Coordinator
Study Abroad (Outgoing) Student Advising
(504) 314-7077
Email Aaron
Make an Appointment with Aaron
A Senior Program Coordinator, Aaron Forbes has worked in international education in New Orleans and abroad for over 20 years. He holds a B.A. in International Studies from the University of New Orleans and an M.A. in the Spanish Language from Middlebury College. He has lived, studied, and worked in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, and Benin. From 2010-2022, he served as the Founding World Languages Department Chair and Spanish Educator at a New Orleans K-12 International Baccalaureate public school where he filled various leadership roles, including directing student travel programming. He is excited to help Freeman students grow as global citizens through international academic exchanges!
