Congratulations to Brent Bankston, a veteran team doctor at LSU, on his induction as a 2025 LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction Honoree!

In a year already filled with pride and tradition for Louisiana State University, one of its most respected medical professionals and proudest alumni has taken center stage in the spotlight. Dr. Brent Bankston, a name synonymous with care, commitment, and Tiger pride, has been officially inducted as a 2025 LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction Honoree.

For over three decades, Bankston has dedicated his expertise and compassion to the athletes and broader LSU community as a team physician. His influence has gone far beyond the sidelines of Tiger Stadium or the hardwood of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Bankston’s legacy is one of healing, mentorship, and unwavering support for LSU’s student-athletes and the values the university stands for.

This recognition marks not just a career milestone for Bankston but a celebration of the enduring impact one individual can have on a university, a state, and generations of athletes.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Brent Bankston was practically destined to be a Tiger. From a young age, he was immersed in LSU culture, attending games with his family and dreaming of one day contributing to the university that had given so much to his community. After graduating from Catholic High School, Bankston enrolled at LSU, earning his undergraduate degree in microbiology before attending LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, where he earned his medical degree.

Even as a student, Bankston stood out. Professors recall him as an inquisitive and diligent learner—someone who didn’t just seek the right answers but also wanted to understand the people behind the problems he was solving. His empathy and work ethic distinguished him, and it was clear early on that medicine was not just a career for Bankston—it was a calling.

Following his medical training, including a residency in orthopedic surgery and a fellowship in sports medicine, Bankston returned to Baton Rouge. It was during the late 1980s that he began working more closely with LSU Athletics, gradually establishing himself as a reliable and skilled physician for the Tigers.

By the early 1990s, Bankston had become a fixture on LSU’s sidelines, treating everything from minor sprains to career-threatening injuries. Over time, his reputation grew—not just for his medical skill but for the relationships he built with players, coaches, and fellow medical professionals. He wasn’t just a doctor; he was a trusted advisor, a mentor, and a stabilizing force during chaotic moments.

Former LSU linebacker Kelvin Sheppard, now a coach in the NFL, recalls Bankston’s calming presence vividly. “He was always there,” Sheppard said. “In the locker room, on the sideline, in the hospital—Dr. Bankston never made you feel like just another patient. He made you feel like family. He cared about your recovery, but also your future beyond football.”

That care has become the hallmark of his tenure.

One of Bankston’s greatest contributions has been his mentorship of aspiring sports medicine professionals. Through his work with LSU’s athletic training programs and pre-medical students, Bankston has helped guide countless future doctors, trainers, and healthcare workers.

“He’s the ultimate role model,” said Dr. Aimee Breaux, an LSU alumna and now orthopedic surgeon who interned under Bankston. “He taught me not just how to diagnose and treat injuries, but how to communicate with athletes, how to earn their trust, and how to be present even when things are tough. That’s a kind of leadership you can’t teach in a classroom.”

Bankston’s mentorship extended far beyond formal teaching roles. Students, interns, and even young athletes remember his open-door policy—whether it was for medical advice, career guidance, or just a life chat.

Few figures in the world of sports medicine have remained so steady and effective across multiple coaching regimes and administrative changes. From the days of Coach Gerry DiNardo to Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, and Brian Kelly, Bankston has been the common thread—providing consistent, high-level medical care regardless of the scoreboard or headlines.

He has also played a critical role during some of LSU’s most challenging moments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bankston was a key figure in guiding LSU Athletics through protocols, player safety measures, and long-term health monitoring. His input helped ensure that LSU remained both competitive and compliant while prioritizing the health of its athletes and staff.

“He was indispensable,” said then-athletic director Scott Woodward. “Dr. Bankston provided clarity and assurance when there were more questions than answers. His leadership during the pandemic is part of why we were able to keep our programs functioning responsibly.”

Behind every game, there are stories of resilience and heartbreak. Few understand this better than Bankston, who has seen his share of both triumph and tragedy. From ACL tears that ended careers to concussions that reshaped futures, he has walked alongside athletes through moments that changed their lives.

But Bankston’s emotional intelligence—his ability to connect, to comfort, and to coach through pain—is what has truly made him a beloved figure. Former LSU gymnast Ashleigh Clare-Kearney, now a coach, recalls suffering a major injury during her competitive years and how Bankston stayed with her family late into the night post-surgery.

“He was there, in the waiting room, long after the procedure,” she said. “He didn’t have to be. But he wanted to make sure I was okay—not just physically, but mentally. That’s who he is.”

While his LSU career has been widely celebrated, those closest to Bankston describe a humble man grounded in family, faith, and service. He and his wife, Donna, have raised three children, all of whom have pursued their own paths with the same values of discipline and empathy. His dedication to the community has extended beyond the LSU campus as well—Bankston has volunteered extensively, working with local youth leagues, church groups, and non-profits focused on wellness and healthcare access.

He is also known for his strong Christian faith, which he says has guided him through both the highs and lows of his career. “I’ve always believed that medicine is a form of ministry,” Bankston said during a recent address to LSU medical students. “Every person who comes through your clinic door is an opportunity—not just to heal, but to love.”

The LSU Alumni Association Hall of Distinction is among the university’s highest honors, bestowed upon graduates who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and the university itself. Bankston’s inclusion in the 2025 class is a testament to decades of tireless work and quiet leadership.

“The Hall of Distinction recognizes extraordinary Tigers,” said Cliff Vannoy, president and CEO of the LSU Alumni Association. “Dr. Brent Bankston exemplifies that spirit. His work has impacted thousands of lives—on and off the field—and we are honored to recognize his contributions.”

The induction ceremony, held at the Lod Cook Alumni Center, was a celebration of everything Bankston has stood for. In his acceptance speech, Bankston humbly shifted the spotlight away from himself, instead thanking the university, his colleagues, his family, and—most importantly—the athletes who trusted him with their care.

“This is about them,” he said. “Every young man and woman I’ve had the privilege to help. Every LSU Tiger who put their trust in me—I share this honor with you. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey.”

As LSU moves forward, Brent Bankston’s name will remain etched in its history—not just in awards or accolades, but in the lives he’s touched and the values he’s upheld. His story is not only about medicine or sports—it’s about service, humility, and a deep love for a university that has long been part of his identity.

In an era when headlines often chase flash over substance, Brent Bankston reminds us that true greatness lies in consistency, care, and compassion.

As the LSU fight song roared through the room during the closing moments of the induction ceremony, one thing was certain: Brent Bankston has always been, and will always be, a Tiger through and through.