Donor pays tribute to the school by naming rooms in the new building
by Tina H. Hahn
An anonymous donor donated $200,000 to the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund in honor of two long-standing University of Mississippi Management, Mark WilderDean of the Accounting Schooland Professor Morris shareswith a designated place in the school’s new home.
The gift recognizes the influence of faculty members on the life and career of the UM graduate.
“I was very fortunate to have Dr. Stocks and Dean Wilder as professors during my time at Ole Miss,” the donor said. “They are gifted teachers and great leaders who truly care about their students.”
“They have made an extraordinary effort for me, not only in the accounting courses, but also by supporting me personally and showing interest in me.”
The school’s new 100,000-square-foot building, expected to cost more than $120 million, is planned for the intersection of University Avenue and Grove Loop, overlooking the university’s iconic Grove. The four-story facility will centralize instruction in one building and include auditoriums and classrooms, study areas, conference rooms, and office suites for administration and faculty.
Wilder, the KPMG Chair of Accountingjoined the faculty in 1993 and has been dean since 2006. An expert in financial accounting, he teaches two advanced accounting courses and a doctoral seminar on the subject. He was also instrumental in developing the school’s successful internship program.
Shares that Donald D. Jones Chair of Accountingjoined the faculty in 1991 and teaches financial accounting. He has also served as interim chancellor of the university, as well as provost, vice chancellor for academic affairs, and dean of accounting.
Wilder said the news of the gift humbled and uplifted him.
“It is a wonderful honor to have a former student honor the impact of Dr. Stocks and me with a room named after him in our new building,” he said. “Having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students is very rewarding. So many of them have gone on to have outstanding careers over the years and made us proud. I feel fortunate to have landed at Ole Miss and the Patterson School in 1993.”
Stocks said he too felt honored by the gift.
“The Patterson School family is tight-knit and our alumni and friends are exceptionally loyal,” he said. “The tradition of support and commitment they have built is a key reason for our extraordinary success.”
“It continues to be a privilege to teach and mentor students. To have a former student remember Dean Wilder and me in this way means a lot to me and affirms what I want to achieve in my career in higher education.”
The donor said he supported the school’s building fund to express his appreciation for his experience at Ole Miss and to support the school’s continued growth and national reputation, which is the SEC’s top accounting program and the eighth-best in the nation.
“My accounting degree laid the foundation for my professional career,” said the donor. “I was fortunate to be involved in several business startups and real estate projects.”
“Being able to read and understand Annual financial statements And Pro Formas was critical to my success. I highly recommend the Patterson School to anyone pursuing an entrepreneurial career.”
To support the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund, click here or send a check with the fund name in the memo line to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. For more information, please contact Jason McCormickExecutive Director of Development, at [email protected] or 662-915-1757.
