Professors at the University of Mississippi Patterson School of Accountancy (PSOA) know about numbers.
They especially recognize the impact that’s made when a great number of people unite behind one transformative effort, such as the construction of a new accountancy building. And that’s just what every PSOA faculty member has done.
All 27 accountancy professors, which includes several emeritus faculty, have reached deep into their own pockets to make either a financial gift or pledge to fund the construction of a new 100,000-square-foot School of Accountancy facility.
“I am very pleased that we have 100% participation of our Patterson School faculty in providing financial support for our new building,” said Mark Wilder, dean of the School of Accountancy.
Recognized as one of the best accountancy schools in the nation, the PSOA continues to have strong enrollment and sought-after accountancy programs that are expanding. These are some of the factors behind the campaign to construct the academic building that will serve as an impressive gateway to campus when it is built on the corner of University Avenue and Grove Loop.
“We are fortunate that our faculty are steadfastly committed to working together to pursue our formal vision of being the best accounting school in the nation,” Wilder said. “Our new building will definitely help us pursue this vision – and I am grateful for the unanimous financial support of our faculty.”
Brett Cantrell, a PSOA faculty member, said he and the other professors in the school were eager to personally invest in the “Building the Future” campaign that supports raising the financial resources needed for the new structure.
“All faculty members are committed to the Patterson School’s vision, and we know how valuable this new building is to that vision,” he said. “We are excited about the prospect of the new building and the way it will enhance our teaching and research capabilities.”
The planned four-story facility, estimated to cost $100 million, will feature tiered auditoriums and classrooms, study areas, conference rooms, administrative and faculty office suites, and outdoor balconies and terraces.
While the school’s students now attend accountancy classes all over campus, the new building will provide the space needed to bring all these classes under one roof.
“Our new building, which will be situated in the best remaining location on campus, will allow our faculty to work and teach in a state-of-the-art complex, rather than teaching all over campus,” said Morris Stocks, a professor and the Donald D. Jones Chair of Accountancy.
“Once completed, the new building will create an academic home that will provide a means for students to interact with faculty, staff and business professionals on a regular basis,” he said. “The technology-driven classrooms and laboratories will assist our efforts to prepare students for the data and information demands of an ever-changing profession.”
Wilder said that the new accountancy school facility will serve as a spectacular entrance to the Ole Miss campus and assist with the university’s continuing efforts to recruit the best faculty and students.
“We believe that our new building will provide unprecedented visibility for our school and give us an opportunity to successfully pursue our goal of having the top-ranked accounting school in the country,” he said.
To make a gift online, visit the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund. To learn about supporting the accountancy construction, contact Jason McCormick, executive director of development, at jason@olemiss.edu or 662-915-1757.
By Jonathan Scott/UM Development