The new 100,000-square-foot home for the Patterson School of Accountancy, projected to cost more than $120 million, is planned for the intersection of University Avenue and Grove Loop and overlook the university's iconic Grove.
Donor pays tribute by naming spaces in school’s new home
by Tina H. Hahn
An anonymous donor has contributed $200,000 to the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund to honor two longtime University of Mississippi leaders, Mark Wilder, dean of the accounting school, and professor Morris Stocks, with a named space in the school’s new home.
The gift pays tribute to the faculty members’ impact on the UM graduate’s life and career.
“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 amazing leaders who genuinely care about their students.
“They went above and beyond for me, not only in my accounting classes but also by supporting and showing interest in me personally.”
The new 100,000-square-foot home for the school, projected to cost more than $120 million, is planned for the intersection of University Avenue and Grove Loop and overlook the university’s iconic Grove. The four-story facility will centralize classes into one building and feature auditoriums and classrooms, study areas, conference rooms, and administrative and faculty office suites.
Wilder, the KPMG Chair of Accountancy, joined the faculty in 1993 and has served as dean since 2006. With expertise in financial accounting, he teaches two intermediate accounting courses and a doctoral seminar on the subject. He also has been instrumental in developing the school’s successful internship program.
Stocks, the Donald D. Jones Chair of Accountancy, joined the faculty in 1991 and teaches financial accounting. He also has served as the university’s interim chancellor and as provost, vice chancellor for academic affairs and accountancy dean.
Wilder said he finds news of this gift humbling and uplifting.
“To have a former student make a gift acknowledging the impact of Dr. Stocks and me with a named space for us in our new building is such a wonderful honor,” he said. “Having an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students is very rewarding. So many of them over the years have enjoyed outstanding careers and made us proud. I feel fortunate to have landed at Ole Miss and the Patterson School back in 1993.”
Stocks said he also feels honored by the gift.
“The Patterson School family is close, and our alumni and friends are exceptionally loyal,” he said. “The tradition of support and engagement they have built is a major reason for our extraordinary success.
“It continues to be such a privilege to teach and mentor students. To have a former student remember Dean Wilder and me in this way means so much and validates what I strive to accomplish in my career in higher education.”
The donor said he was led to support the school’s building fund to show appreciation for his experience at Ole Miss and to support the school’s continued growth and national reputation. It is ranked as the No. 1 accounting program in the SEC and No. 8 in the nation.
“My accountancy degrees gave me the building blocks I needed for my business career,” the donor said. “I have been fortunate to be involved in several entrepreneurial business startups and real estate ventures.
“Knowing how to read and understand financial statements and pro formas has been crucial to my success. I would highly recommend the Patterson School to anyone wanting to pursue a business entrepreneurial career as well.”
To support the Patterson School of Accountancy Building Fund, click here or send a check with the fund’s name noted on the memo line, to the University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Ave., Oxford, MS 38655. To learn more, contact Jason McCormick, executive director for development, at jason@olemiss.edu or 662-915-1757.
