Bryan Hanks’ extensive knowledge and background in the oil and gas industry are exceeded only by his passion for his alma mater, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and his tireless work in advancing the University’s reputation through excellence in research, academics, athletics, and economic development.

Hanks was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana and graduated from then University of Southwestern Louisiana, now UL Lafayette, in 1981. He is a Certified Professional Landman with over 41 years of experience in the energy industry. As President of BETA Land Services, he has managed hundreds of projects and has led over 120 corporate acquisitions and mergers totaling over $40 billion since 2010. 

Hanks is a nationally recognized industry leader in energy transition, pioneering developments in such areas as carbon sequestration, solar, wind, LNG and hydrogen in over 39 states in the US, as well as Canada. Hanks is involved in several state, national and international professional landmen organizations. Additionally, he serves such organizations as the Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA), Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI), Oyster Lease Damage Evaluation Board, Gulf Coast Prospect Exposition, and the American Petroleum Institute (API), among several others, in various roles as a member of the Board of Directors, member of Executive Committee, and Chairman. In addition to these experiences in the energy sector, Hanks recently served as the chairman and is now on the Executive Committee of the Board of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. 

He brings the wealth of these diverse industry experiences, relationships, and business acumen to his various service roles at UL Lafayette, particularly advancing the University’s growth in athletics, energy, healthcare, and economic development.  

Last year, he served UL Lafayette as the chairman of the board of the Ragin’ Cajuns Athletic Foundation (RCAF) and is now a member of its Executive Committee. In these capacities, he continues to lead advocacy to help the University enhance its athletic facilities and programs. During his tenure as chairman, he led efforts to raise over $60 million in funds - through private and public sources - to support the renovation of Cajun Field, now Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium. The growth in externally generated funds resulted in unprecedented competitive successes for Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics across the board. 

Hanks worked tirelessly in supporting University administrators during the legislative session of FY 2022 that generated over $100M to strengthen the foundations on which UL Lafayette will continue its growth as a Carnegie R1 Top-Tier Research University - a designation enjoyed by only 3% of universities in the US. He is currently the vice chairman and will be the incoming UL Lafayette Foundation Board of Trustees chairman. In these roles, he will continue to directly support President Savoie’s Together Campaign and its goal of raising $500M by the year 2028 to support the academic and research missions of the University. 

Hanks continues to leverage his reputation and network as an energy industry leader to help expand the University’s R&D capacities and impact its economic development mission. He is currently supporting University and community leaders in recruiting a major renewable energy manufacturing company with the potential for $1.2 billion in investment that will add over 1000 jobs to the Acadiana region. 

A true Ragin’ Cajun, Hanks continues to translate his passion for his alma mater into purposeful actions that will have transformational impacts on the University for generations to come.

And the best thing is Bryan is just getting started!