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Nicholls Alumni

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Nat Bhanthumachinda (BS ’07, MBA ’08)

What did your time at Nicholls State University mean to you?  

“When I reflect back on my time at Nicholls State University, it brings me back to a time when I was unsure about what I wanted to accomplish in life. Freshman year, especially, was intimidating, but I always had this hunger and drive for more. No matter what I chose to do in life, I always aspired to be the best at it.  This is something my parents instilled in me at a young age.  Whether it was in the classroom, on the golf course, or hanging out at Calecus Residence Hall, I learned how to work hard and be committed, how to be a good teammate and friend, how to manage my time wisely, and how to have fun. Nicholls gave me lots of opportunities to grow both mentally and physically. It gave me a chance to be myself and excel in what I was going after.”

What is your favorite memory from Nicholls? 

“My favorite memory at Nicholls was teeing it up every week and representing the Nicholls Men’s Golf Team for 4 years on an athletic scholarship.”

What made you choose Nicholls?

 “I chose Nicholls because it allowed me to pursue my dream of playing collegiate golf while becoming part of a great family, culture, and team. I would personally like to thank Coach James Schilling, Nicholls State Men’s Golf Coach, for helping me with my journey.”

What would be your advice to current students of Nicholls? 

“My advice to current students would be to enjoy every day because it goes by very fast. Also, if you ever get the opportunity to study abroad, go for it!”

What do you do now and how did Nicholls help you? 

“Aside from my career at Shell Oil, I own and operate a sports performance and consulting business called Body By Nat LLC.  During my MBA at Nicholls, I was the Assistant Golf Coach for two years and found a passion for coaching and training athletes to reach their highest potential. Having great professors, mentors, and coaches during my time at Nicholls gave me the foundation and confidence to start my own business. I loved sports so much I even married a professional golfer, Chirapat Jao-Javanil, who won the Individual NCAA Championship in 2012!”

What does it mean to be the Project Materials Management Lead at Shell in Brunei?

“Being the Shell Project Materials Management Lead in Brunei has a very unique meaning to me. When I accepted this role in 2020,  it was not only a promotion but a chance to become fully immersed in a completely different working dynamic and culture. Being able to deliver complex projects while coaching and developing the local talent has always been something I wanted to experience in life, and now, I have the opportunity to do it in a great country. It’s one of those proud feelings that when you look back at where you started, you realize all the people, hard work, sacrifice, and planning it took to get here. I am honored to be representing Nicholls and the great state of Louisiana, and my family here in Brunei! Colonel Pride!”

 

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