Accountancy Faculty Member Receives National Award

The American Accounting Association presented its Outstanding Accounting Educator Award for 2024 to Dale Flesher, associate dean and professor emeritus in the university's Patterson School of Accountancy The presentation came at the group's annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Flesher's 56-year career includes 42 years as an Ole Miss faculty member. He previously held positions at Appalachian State University and Ball State University. He has taught more than 10,000 students at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels and also has served on 56 dissertation committees.

"I have been fortunate to work at a school where the faculty and administration have supported me," Flesher said. "It takes a group – some would say a village – to accomplish great things.

"For instance, with respect to my publication record, I have coauthored with more than 20 Ole Miss faculty members."

Throughout his career, Flesher has been honored for his teaching and research. He received UM's campuswide awards for outstanding faculty member and outstanding researcher of the year, the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Educator Award, the Institute of Internal Auditors educator award and the national educator award given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The Southeastern Conference recognized Flesher in 2017 with its Faculty Achievement Award. He remains the only accounting faculty member in the SEC to receive the award.

A prolific scholar, Flesher has authored and co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and some 50 books. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Academy of Accounting Historians Hourglass Award for Lifetime Achievement in Research.

Although retired from teaching, Flesher continues his scholarly work at the university and remains active in academic and professional organizations.

Flesher's wife, Tonya, served as dean of the Ole Miss accounting school and is the first female dean ever at UM. In 2020, the Fleshers were inducted together into the school's Hall of Fame.

"Dr. Flesher has made a tremendous impact on the academy through training virtually every accounting doctoral student at Ole Miss since 1977," Dean Mark Wilder said. "In addition, Dr. Flesher's work with the AICPA was instrumental in the selection of UM as home to the organization's library collection, which is now known as the National Library of the Accounting Profession.

"Along with others, Dr. Flesher is a key reason that the Patterson School enjoys so many successes today."

Top: Dale Flesher, associate dean and professor emeritus of accountancy, speaks at the 2019 honors banquet for the Patterson School of Accountancy. The American Accounting Association has named Flesher as its outstanding educator for 2024. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services