Interim dean, KPMG Professor selected to lead Patterson School

 

Mark Wilder was named dean of the Patterson School of Accountancy at The University of Mississippi in June.

Wilder, who is also KPMG Professor, joined the UM faculty in 1993 after completing doctoral studies in accountancy at Florida State University. He was named interim dean of accountancy last year, replacing Morris Stocks, who was appointed to a newly created senior vice chancellor post, later moving to provost.

“In Dr. Wilder’s 15 years at The University of Mississippi, he has demonstrated his commitment to the teaching, research and service missions of the school,” Stocks said. “The future of the Patterson School of Accountancy is bright because of his leadership.”

Wilder said he is honored to lead the Patterson School. His plans for the school include CPA exam results that are among the best in the SEC and increased faculty publications in the elite accounting journals.

“A key priority is for us to improve in these areas while in no way sacrificing our top strengths,” he said. “We have a decades-old tradition of recruiting good students into accounting, being a very student-oriented faculty, staying closely connected with our alumni and helping our students get placed in good professional positions. I am firmly committed to making sure we continue to strengthen and build on this tradition.”

A native of Jacksonville, Ala., Wilder is married to the former Denise “Dede” English of Pensacola, Fla. Their children are Sam and Zach.

Wilder’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.