THIBODAUX, La. – Brandon Ruttley, Nicholls Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs, was among a select group of up-and-coming locals honored last Wednesday night at Envie Restaurant and Oyster Bar by Leadership Lafourche and the Lafourche and Thibodaux Chambers of Commerce.

The annual "Best of Lafourche: 40 Under 40" program showcases young leaders in the region. Ruttley, who heads Nicholls Athletics' fundraising and marketing efforts, has overseen remarkable growth in sponsorship and fundraising revenue during his tenure.

"This is a tremendous honor and I'm humbled to be included among such a great group of people," Ruttley said. "Nicholls has a huge impact on this region and it's wonderful when folks recognize how key our athletics program is to the university's mission.

He is heavily involved in campus and community efforts, serving on the committee for the Manning Passing Academy, Nicholls Athletics Hall of Fame and Nicholls State University Homecoming, along with the Lardarius Webb Camp. Ruttley also embraces his role as the Southland Conference fundraising liaison to the National Association of Athletic Development Directors. Ruttley is a member of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce, SCIA, the Nicholls Alumni Federation, Ellender Memorial High School Booster Club, Coastal Conservation Association and Quality Deer Management. 

A former basketball player for the Colonels, Ruttley was one of 25 Nicholls graduates among the 40 honored this week. The list also included Colonel radio broadcaster Brennan Matherne, along with Donny Rouse, managing partner of Rouses Supermarkets, and State Senator Norby Chabert. Both Rouse and Chabert are strong supporters of Colonels Athletics and Nicholls State University.