(from left) MSU President Mark Keenum, Dr. Mike Truelson and College of Business Dean Scott Grawe at the ceremony in which Truelson was named KPMG Professor.

Assistant Professor Dr. Mike Truelson has become the first faculty member to hold the KPMG Professorship at Mississippi State. The endowed faculty position was conferred at a November 4 ceremony, with a medallion being presented to Truelson by MSU President Mark Keenum.

“Earning this professorship is a deeply meaningful milestone in my career, and I am both honored and humbled by this recognition,” says Truelson. “It represents the culmination of years of commitment to advancing research in the audit profession, supporting students and contributing to the academic community. For me, it symbolizes an opportunity to amplify my impact – whether through scholarly contributions, innovative teaching or mentorship. This honor inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to explore new ways to make a difference in our field and beyond.”

Truelson joined the Adkerson School of Accountancy in the fall of 2021 after completing his PhD at Virginia Tech. A licensed CPA in Mississippi and Texas, he had previously worked in the assurance practices at EY and KPMG where he specialized in financial statement audits for public and private clients.

“Mike is a prolific researcher and publisher in the area of public accounting,” observes alumnus David Hopkins, retired KPMG Audit Partner and ASAC Advisory Council member. “He’s young and engaged and very well respected.”

The professorship was established by KPMG through the leadership of Hopkins, who at the time was also the company’s primary MSU liaison for recruiting.

“I helped organize the campaign within KPMG, talking to graduates in the firm and with retired partners,” he says, noting the company has a longstanding scholarship endowment at MSU as well. “KPMG has a matching program. Payroll deductions are made to the KPMG Foundation and matched 100 percent.”

Several years ago, when the School identified endowed professorships as a goal to aid in attracting and retaining highly qualified faculty, alumnus Richard Adkerson offered to match funds given toward that aim.

Notes Hopkins, “Our push was to leverage that, so one dollar given by an employee became three when matched by KPMG and Richard Adkerson.”

Endowed professorships enable Mississippi State to offer competitive salaries and resources for research and professional development and to recognize excellence.

“The KPMG Professorship provides financial support to advance my research and offers the flexibility to focus on what is best for students,” sums up Truelson. “It also enhances the Adkerson School of Accountancy’s reputation in the academic community.”

Mike Truelson is clearly committed to advancing his profession through both research and education – a deserving first holder of the KPMG Professorship.