In the area of research, he is the author of fifteen books and texts. The 22nd edition of STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT: QUEST FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE, co-authored with Dr. Art Thompson, Margaret Peteraf, and Dr. John Gamble and published by McGraw-Hill, is the best selling text in the world in the field of Strategic Management. His books are currently being used at over 950 universities and by 250,000 students worldwide. In the thirty-plus years of writing in the area of Strategic Management more than 2.5 million students have used his books. His management simulations, TEMPOMATIC IV, and MICROMATIC are also considered to be premier in the market.

Lonnie serves on many Boards of Directors of listed and non-listed companies. He has participated in taking two companies to the NYSE.

Recent recognition was his being named the most influential professor among all professors at The University of Alabama according to a recent survey of graduating seniors. Other awards for him include the highest award given by The University of Alabama the Algernon Sidney Sullivan Award, the Outstanding Professor Award for the Graduate School of Business, many Professor of the Year awards from the EMBA, and an award in which he takes particular pride, recipient of the Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award for The University of Alabama. He is a member of various honor leadership societies; Mortar Board, Order of Omega, Beta Gamma Sigma, Omicron Delta Kappa, Jasons, and XXXI. He is past National President of Pi Kappa Phi social fraternity.