Dedication of Pugh Classroom Celebrated in Haslam Business Building
Friends, family and colleagues of Will Pugh recently celebrated the naming of The Will J. Pugh Classroom in the College of Business Administration’s new James A. Haslam II Business Building. Pugh founded Pugh & Company, P.C. in 1969, one of the area’s largest and most successful accounting firms.
“This classroom honors Will’s many years of unselfish service to his profession and community and gives students, faculty, and others the opportunity to learn from his example,” said Larry Elmore, president of Pugh & Company. “Will has dedicated his life to improving accounting education and the accounting profession. He has ‘bled orange’ since his 1961 graduation from the College of Business Administration.”
Pugh & Company officers and friends of the firm donated over $165,000, including $82,500 from the officers of the firm, to name a third-floor classroom in Pugh’s honor.
Spearheading the community effort was Dr. Joe Johnson, president emeritus of the University of Tennessee and lifetime member of the college’s Advisory Council to the Dean. Knowing Pugh for over 30 years, Johnson said that the advice, counsel, and support that Pugh has given to the university has added untold value to its fundraising efforts.
“Raising money for this classroom was a very easy undertaking because of the high regard that the community has for Will as a person, professional, and volunteer,” said Johnson. “This lasting tribute will continue to signify Will’s contributions to the profession of accounting.”
The fundraising efforts were done without Pugh’s knowledge.
“I am so grateful to my colleagues and community for honoring me in this way,” said Pugh. "The Haslam Business Building is the most incredible educational facility I have ever seen. It should attract the best and brightest to the college. The education I received at UT formed the foundation for my success, and I’m delighted to be associated with such a great institution.”
The money raised in support of the naming will go toward enhancing technology in the Will J. Pugh Classroom and fund the Pugh Excellence in Accounting Endowment. This endowment, in addition to other endowments previously established by the firm, will support undergraduate scholarships; graduate fellowships and teaching assistantships; outstanding faculty awards for teaching/research efforts; technology; and other functions related to the Department of Accounting and Information Management’s mission and operation.
