Thompson-Hill Chair of Excellence Professor and Director of the Crews School of Accountancy (CSOA)

The Fogelman College of Business and Economics (FCBE) at the University of Memphis invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for the position of Thompson-Hill Chair of Excellence Professor and Director of the Crews School of Accountancy (CSOA) with anticipated start in August 2027.

The Crews School of Accountancy is a dynamic academic unit within a Carnegie R1 research university, with a faculty of research-active scholars spanning all major areas of accounting. The School offers BBA, MS, and PhD degrees and maintains full AACSB accreditation. The curriculum has recently been updated to align with evolving CPA licensure requirements.

This search is an exceptional opportunity to recruit a nationally prominent leader in accountancy research and education who can guide the continued advancement of the School's academic reputation, research productivity, doctoral education, and external engagement. The University will leverage resources associated with the vacant Thompson-Hill Chair of Excellence in Accountancy to support recruitment of a well-established scholar-leader whose record of research, doctoral mentorship, and academic leadership will further elevate the national standing of the Crews School of Accountancy.

The Thompson-Hill Chair of Excellence in Accountancy and Director will serve as the academic and administrative leader of the Crews School of Accountancy and is responsible for developing and implementing a strategic vision that advances the School's teaching, research, and service missions.

Responsibilities include:

Faculty recruitment, development, evaluation, and mentorship

Strengthening and elevating the School's research profile

Curriculum leadership across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs

Budgeting, scheduling, and administrative oversight

Building strong relationships with the accounting profession and business community

Advancing the School's visibility and reputation nationally and internationally

Sustaining scholarly productivity as a Chair of Excellence

The Director will teach one course per semester and serve on the College's Executive Council. The successful candidate will be expected to foster a culture of professionalism, collegiality, accountability, and mutual respect while building a high-functioning and collaborative academic environment.

Candidates must possess:

An earned doctorate in accounting or a closely related discipline

Tenure at the rank of Full Professor with a distinguished and sustained record of scholarly achievement and national visibility

Demonstrated leadership ability in academic or professional settings

Strong interpersonal, administrative, and communication skills

Experience with, or familiarity with, AACSB accreditation standards and processes

Rank and Appointment

Candidates must possess tenure at the rank of Full Professor with credentials and accomplishments sufficient to warrant appointment at the rank of Full Professor with tenure upon hire at the University of Memphis. Given the position includes appointment as Thompson-Hill Chair of Excellence in Accountancy, candidates must demonstrate scholarly distinction, national or international prominence, and academic leadership consistent with expectations for a Chair of Excellence-supported appointment.

Compensation and Support

The Director position is an academic-year appointment with additional summer compensation.

A competitive compensation package will be offered, including administrative support, professional development resources, and research support appropriate for a senior academic leader at a Carnegie R1 institution. The University is committed to providing the resources necessary to enable the successful candidate to advance the national and international reputation of the Crews School of Accountancy.

The College

The Fogelman College of Business and Economics is a leading business school in the Southeast, offering BBA, MBA, MA/MS, and PhD programs. The College is AACSB accredited and serves more than 3,000 students with approximately 90 faculty members recognized for impactful scholarship and high-quality teaching.

The University

The University of Memphis is a Carnegie R1 research institution with more than 20,000 students. Founded in 1912, it is one of Tennessee's two comprehensive doctoral-granting public universities and offers a broad range of academic programs across disciplines.

The Community

Located in southwestern Tennessee on the banks of the Mississippi River, Memphis is one of the South's most vibrant metropolitan areas. Home to major corporations including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper, Memphis offers a dynamic business environment, rich cultural traditions, world-renowned music, outstanding restaurants and museums, a mild climate, and one of the lowest costs of living among major metropolitan areas in the United States.

Application Process

Applications should include:

Cover letter outlining interest and qualifications

Curriculum vitae

Statement of administrative and leadership philosophy

Unofficial transcript of doctoral degree

Names and contact information for three professional references

Applications must be submitted online at: http://workforum.memphis.edu

Screening of applications will begin on Friday 10/16/2026 and continue until the position is filled. If you have questions, please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Tom Stafford ( tstaffor@memphis.edu ).

The University of Memphis is a leading, student-centered, urban public R1 research institution. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, on 1,160 acres. The University serves a population of nearly 20,000 students and 2,500 employees, including more than 1,000 full-time faculty members. The University offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 230 areas of study, master’s degrees in more than 50 subjects and doctoral degrees in 26 disciplines; supported an institutional record of more than $100 million in research awards for FY24; and has an operating budget of close to $500 million.