Director's Welcome

Akinloye Akindayomi, Ph. D. School of Accountancy Director

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the School of Accountancy (SOA) at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship—a dynamic learning community dedicated to shaping the future of accounting education. As the financial world continues to evolve with technological advancements, we are committed to preparing students for the next era of accounting, where data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation play an increasingly critical role. In your academic pursuit, we are excited to embark on a journey of learning, growth, and innovation together.

At the School of Accountancy, we foster a culture of lifelong learning, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to thrive in an evolving accounting profession driven by technology, data analytics, and global financial advancements. To this end, we provide a rigorous and forward-focused curriculum that integrates traditional accounting principles with emerging technologies. Our students gain the technical and analytical skills necessary to navigate today’s complex financial environment, allowing them to make data-driven decisions and leverage AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and strategic insights. 

Our exceptional faculty consists of experienced educators, scholars, and industry professionals who are passionate about teaching, research, and societal impact. They bring expertise in financial reporting, assurance, forensic accounting, data analytics, AI applications, and business intelligence, ensuring that students receive the most up-to-date knowledge to stay ahead in our evolving accounting profession. 

Beyond the classroom, we are deeply committed to community engagement and fostering meaningful industry connections. Through internships, service-learning projects, mentorship programs, academic advising, career counseling, professional workshops, and student-led initiatives, we anticipate that our graduates will apply their knowledge in ways that positively impact businesses and society.

Accounting is no longer just about numbers—it is about reporting transparency, leveraging technology, and driving innovation. As a student at the School of Accountancy, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in data-driven decision-making, develop relevant technological fluency, and position yourself as a leader in the future of accounting and business. Our partnerships with accounting firms (local and beyond), nonprofit organizations, and professional associations provide students with opportunities to contribute to the field while strengthening relationships within the broader accounting community. 

I encourage all students to be actively engaged, participate in student organizations, take advantage of professional development initiatives, and embrace the transformative opportunities available. Together, we will elevate the impact of accounting education, harness the power of technology, and strengthen our ties to the communities we serve.

SOA VISION STATEMENT

The School of Accountancy at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship will be a leader in accounting education through excellent programs, relevant academic and professional scholarship, and community engagement to positively impact the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

SOA MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the School of Accountancy at the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship is:

• to advance accounting scholarship by creating, disseminating, and applying accounting knowledge, expertise, and competencies to benefit our students, the business community, and society at large;
• to offer academic programs focused on student success with state-of-the-art teaching informed by high-quality research, and rigorous curricula that provide the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for current and future accounting professionals in public accounting, industry, and the public sector ;
• to make a positive impact in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond, by leveraging our core competencies to establish and support programs and initiatives for the common good of our community.

We achieve our mission by providing a supportive learning environment and by exemplifying ethical conduct, integrity, and professionalism.