Theresa M. Gallion

Theresa M. Gallion, JD, of Austin, Texas, is an alumna of LSU, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1976 and a juris doctor in 1981. Gallion is a senior lawyer who both litigates and provides support to management via thoughtful leadership on workplace regulatory issues, equal employment opportunity policy, compliance, and strategic initiatives. She has over 35 years of experience representing diverse employers and has tried more than 40 successful jury trials in federal courts. Gallion is a noted national speaker on legal and business topics, including leadership effectiveness, management excellence, and compliance with labor and employment requirements. She is also the author of over 100 webinar presentations on various employment and workplace topics and is an experienced investigator of Title VII workplace and Title IX higher education claims.

Gallion has been listed by Chambers USA as one of America’s Leading Business Lawyers continuously since 2004. She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America© by Woodward/White, Inc., since 2006 in the categories of Employment Law-Management/Litigation-Labor & Employment. From 2007 through 2018, she was included in the category of Employment & Labor in the Florida Super Lawyers list published in Super Lawyers Magazine. Gallion is “AV” Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

 

What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
I can see myself in my mind's eye standing in front of Miller Hall after my parents helped me to move in as an incoming freshman in August of 1973. I recall how I felt when they drove away, a little disconnected from the life I knew before and a little uncertain, but thrilled with the prospect of a new life as a Tiger. So, I walked to the Parade Ground and took a good look at the place that would be my home for the next four years. I knew I was home and safe. I still feel that way today, bound in a unique and special way to so many people who have called LSU home.

What makes LSU unique?
LSU is like a second set of parents to me, nurturing me, preparing me for my future, giving me opportunities that are irreplaceable.

Why did you choose to attend LSU?
Several family members and friends had attended LSU.

Why do you support LSU?
I support LSU because I know higher education is a privilege and not a gift the state or some third party gives us. In the current environment, those who have received nurture from LSU have to give back to sustain the place we love and to ensure LSU is still standing for future generations.

If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
The place we love, from which we have received immeasurable gifts, needs us.

What is your vision for LSU, and how do you think philanthropy can drive that vision?
I believe LSU is the most important economic engine in the state, and the future of the state depends on the financial well-being of the university. I also have hope that LSU will continue to grow in popularity with out-of-state students who will bring their own contributions to the gumbo that is Louisiana.

What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation National Board?
I was motivated by the desire to give back to the place that shaped and molded me and toward which I owe a huge debt.

What most excited you about being part of the National Board?
I am excited about the opportunity to give back to an institution I love. It is a privilege to support LSU.