Campaign Priorities
New Patterson School of Accountancy Building
When a school’s undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs are ranked among the nation’s best year after year, student interest is certain to soar. The Patterson School of Accountancy granted a record number of 588 degrees in 2020-2021 and strong enrollment and expanding programs are driving plans to construct a new home. The future Accountancy building will be in a prime “gateway to campus” location facing the Grove. It will be on the corner of University Avenue and Grove Loop where the Yerby Center is now located. We are finalizing renderings, with a project cost in the $60 million range for approximately 100,000 square feet. Naming opportunities for various gift levels are being established, including the naming of the building.
Student Success
Student quality is also increasing as the School’s population grows. As an example, the average ACT score of both the freshmen class (and the overall Accountancy student body) reached yet another all-time high in 2020-2021 and is on track for another record in Fall 2021. The commitment of alumni and friends to provide financial support through scholarships to deserving students has greatly enhanced the School’s ability to recruit top talent to the School, as well as provide scholarship support for students with financial need. Financial support for students and increasing the number of scholarship endowments is strategically important for the Patterson School. This will provide access for all students, including underrepresented groups, to benefit from our educational opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives and those of their future generations.
Faculty Support
The PSOA’s outstanding, dedicated faculty are committed to providing students with the finest educational experience. Our long-standing tradition of exceptional teaching and mentoring is key to our preeminent programs. For many semesters, the Patterson School has led the University in student credit hours generated per full-time faculty member. Our School continues to expand and the growth in our student body drives plans for our new building as well as a critical need for faculty support. We granted 588 degrees in the 2020-2021 fiscal year, another record high and as a comparison, more than double the 283 degrees granted just five years ago in 2015-2016. The 588 total degrees consisted of 335 BACCY degrees and 253 master’s degrees. Increases in faculty support endowments are strategically important for the Patterson School in order to attract and retain exceptional faculty so that we can maintain and enhance quality instruction.
