Commemoration of Greatness and
Hope for the Future

For the past 35 years, Accounting Professor Bill Stephens has been an active member of the College of Business Administration’s (COBA) community.  Not only is he respected as a colleague, professor and mentor, but he is also greatly appreciated for his commitment as faculty advisor to the Delta Gamma Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the international accounting fraternity.  Faculty, students, staff and alumni will all be disappointed to see him retire, but those who will fret most are the members of Beta Alpha Psi.  Because of his dedication, the chapter has attained outstanding recognition consistently for three decades.
                                                                         

COBA’s Delta Gamma Chapter is the only Beta Alpha Psi chapter in the United States to have achieved superior status - the highest level of recognition awarded by the organization – for the past 31 consecutive years. COBA’s School of Accountancy installed a showcase to display 30 awards and trophies that the fraternity has won during Stephens’ tenure as advisor. “He’s done such an amazing job as faculty advisor,” says Jennifer Mattlock, Beta Alpha Psi member and MAcc Class of 2006. “His door is always open… he’s been there for us unconditionally, to give guidance, lend support, and instill confidence. We will miss him so much.”
 

Stephens’ face lights up when he talks about Beta Alpha Psi. “It has been so rewarding to see the success of the students,” he says. Stephens hopes the next faculty advisor will be someone who will also view the position as “an unbelievable experience – not just a requirement – and a great opportunity to create friendships that will last a lifetime.” He’s confident the chapter will continue to strive for excellence.
                                                                                                                                                     

To honor Stephens’ commitment to students and his dedication to the chapter, alumni and friends have established an endowed teaching professorship in his name. A fundraising campaign has begun, with a goal of $300,000 in individual contributions. The Florida State Matching Program will contribute an additional $150,000, bringing the total to $450,000. Alumni, the corporate community and friends of Stephens have already donated generously to the professorship. Ann Ruble, COBA’s Executive Director of Development, says, “We’ve been very pleased with the response and enthusiasm for this campaign. It is a pleasure to recognize Bill’s accomplishments over the years.”
 

“This professorship is important because we would like to honor Bill. Being able to assist a future faculty advisor in his name recognizes his longstanding service and helps nurture the Beta Alpha Psi fraternity,” explains USF Foundation Trustee Tina Johnson, a previous officer in Beta Alpha Psi and Class of 1980. “Whenever I think of the University, the first thing that comes to my mind is my experience with Bill Stephens. Because of his tireless efforts with Beta Alpha Psi, students are not only better prepared to be successful when joining the business community, but they also develop a special connection to the University because of their rewarding experience.”
 

The professorship is not only an honor, but also a symbol of Stephen’s long-term dedication. As Neil Walters, Class of 1979 confirms, “This professorship will produce long-term benefits to the students and the community, just as Bill has done over the years. Hopefully the professorship will remain in perpetuity and Bill’s story of commitment will be recognized and appreciated for future generations.”

“There is no doubt that the next faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi has huge shoes to fill,” suggests Ruble. “That individual will also have a great opportunity to make a difference in the community.”
 

If you would like more information about
the Stephens Professorship, please
contact Ann Ruble: (813) 974-7843.

USF’s Beta Alpha Psi members win an award for
1st place. Practices in Strategic Planning at the
Southwest Regional Conference, held in Nashville, TN.
It’s one of many awards on display in their showcase.