by Hannah Robison
As Homecoming 2026 weekend commenced, the Paul R. Carter College of Business celebrated two milestones to impact generations of students in their pursuit of excellence in business.
On Nov. 6, the Forvis Mazars Center of Accountancy was dedicated within the Mabee Business Building, and the Dr. Phil Brown Distinguished Endowed Chair for Accountancy was introduced, an opportunity that will provide a permanent source of annual funding to strengthen teaching and enrich the student experience.
Those who shared remarks at the event included Karen Corker, associate professor and chair of the accounting and finance department, President Mike Williams, Tom Watson (’92), CEO of Forvis Mazars, Emily Roberts, major gifts officer with the University advancement team, and Dr. Bob Churchman, professor and co-chair of accounting and finance.
The Center of Accountancy has been made possible by the generosity of Forvis Mazars, a top 10 global accounting and advisory services firm, as well as its partners and Harding University alumni, including Watson and his wife, Leigh Anne (’92). The couple are dedicated graduates whose leadership and generosity continue to strengthen the Carter College of Business.
The new suite provides an area of collaboration, complete with a conference room, offices and interactive elements, providing a professional setting for students to learn and prepare for their careers.
A leader in the Forvis Mazars organization, Bert Purdy (’00), serves as an audit partner in St. Louis, Missouri, and credits much of his career success to the relationships he established during his time as a student. Most importantly, he attributes the University with the guidance he received to lead in business as a Christian. “It’s not something to shy away from,” he said. “It’s something to make you different, and showing your Christianity actually increases respect.” Purdy also explained that Brown was the reason he committed to major in accounting and was instrumental in both his college and professional career.
Brown has helped shape the accounting program as a teacher, mentor and administrator for 40 years. He serves as dean of the Carter College of Business and established the college's first internship program and honors accounting course. His teaching earned two Harding Teacher Achievement Awards and four College of Business Faculty of the Year honors.
During her first visit to campus, Allie Nixon met Brown and determined her major would be accounting thanks to his support and following in the footsteps of two of her siblings who completed the program. She said Brown is not just a teacher but also a friend and mentor. “He is always available and eager to answer anyone’s questions and to help out.”
Through the Center of Accountancy and Dr. Phil Brown Distinguished Endowed Chair for Accountancy, the Carter College of Business is equipped to prepare students with both academic and real-world experiences that will set them up for success as leaders in faith and in business.
Information for 
