Monroe - The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Construction Management (SOCM) held its spring awards luncheon on March 21. The event was organized by the SOCM Industry Advisory Council (IAC). Alumni awards were given to deserving candidates in four categories, including Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Minority Alumnus of the Year, Female Alumna of the Year, and Under-40 Alumnus of the Year. Additionally, there were two recipients of the Constructor of the Year award.
The award recipients are selected by a selection committee based on the value each candidate has brought to the ULM SOCM, the construction industry, construction organizations, and their overall impact and service to their communities.
Among the recipients were Constructors of the Year: Robert “Popie” Billeaud and Stuart Billeaud. With a career spanning nearly five decades, Robert “Popie” Billeaud is a cornerstone of the Louisiana construction industry and a leader in pre-construction and estimating services. As the Chief Estimator at J.B. Mouton, LLC, Popie has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s reputation for accuracy, efficiency, and quality in both the public and private sectors.
Popie is a 1975 graduate of the NLU School of Building Construction (now the ULM School of Construction Management.) Since 1976, Popie has been at the forefront of pre-construction planning, providing expert guidance on cost estimating, constructability, procurement strategies, and value engineering.
Beyond his technical expertise, Popie is known for his mentorship, leadership, and dedication to the industry. He has been involved in numerous community and outreach organizations, most notably as the 2002-2004 President of the Association of General Contractors and founding member of the Advisors to School of Construction at ULM.
Stuart Billeaud is the son of Robert “Popie” Billeaud and is the current CEO and President of J.B. Mouton, LLC, representing the fifth generation of J.B. Mouton as the greatgreat- grandson of the founder. Stuart earned a B.S. in Construction Management from Auburn University and an MBA from the University of New Orleans.
A dedicated professional with a deep-rooted passion for construction, Stuart Billeaud has spent his career shaping the built environment with integrity, A dedicated professional with a deep-rooted passion for construction, Stuart Billeaud has spent his career shaping the built environment with integrity, precision, and innovation. He is known for his strong work ethic, leadership, and commitment to mentorship. He is dedicated to making the world a better place to live and do business through active leadership and community engagement. He serves as the President of the Fatima School Foundation, Secretary of One Acadiana/ Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and Board Member of the Association of General Contractors.
The ULM School of Construction Management, founded in 1966, is the oldest school of its kind in the state and is committed to being the premier institution of construction education in Louisiana.
