DENTON (UNT), Texas - The G. Brint Ryan College of Business at the University of North Texas is proud to announce the renaming and endowment of its esteemed Accounting Scholars Program (ASP), now known as the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program. This transformation comes alongside a significant endowment fund of over $2,000,000 generously provided by Don and Donna Millican, marking a new era for the program, its students, and the Department of Accounting.
Originally established to support exceptional incoming freshmen and transfer students (transferring in 45 semester hours or less) pursuing degrees in accounting, the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program will continue to uphold its goals of fostering academic excellence, professional development, and leadership within the field of accounting. Through mentorship and priority considerations, students will gain the skills and insights necessary to graduate with a bright future, beginning early on in their college career.
"Don and Donna Millican's transformative gift exemplifies their belief in the power of education to shape lives and drive positive change," Dr. Marilyn Wiley, Dean of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business said. "This endowment ensures generations of students will benefit from opportunities for learning and professional growth in the field of accounting."
This program was initiated by Department of Accounting Chair Dr. Ananth Seetharaman, PhD, CPA in 2017, with Professor Madhuri Bandla, CPA, CFE as the founding faculty advisor. The first alumni group graduated in 2021. In 2022, Dr. Peggy Jimenez joined as co-faculty advisor. Today, the program has grown to over 100 scholars, both active and alumni.
“We are deeply thankful to Don and Donna Millican for their gift and faith in our student potential,” Dr. Seetharaman said. “Their generous donation will have the ripple effect of fulfilling the dreams and career aspirations of our students.”
More information about the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program can be found here.