Tribute and Transformation

The reception area and the newly-named Dora Rose Herring Accountancy Suite as a whole were designed with the feel of a modern professional accounting office.

Photo by Megan Bean

Tribute and Transformation

By Kirsten Shaw

The late Dr. Dora Herring was a forward thinker. The former Professor and Director of Mississippi State accounting always looked beyond the status quo, in her own career and for her students, university and profession.

When she enrolled as an undergraduate in the early 1960s, she did so as MSU’s first female accounting student, and she would go on to break the gender barrier as the first woman to serve on the business faculty and as President of the Mississippi Society of CPAs. Dora Herring was the first person in the state to hold a CPA and a doctorate in accounting.

A true Bulldog, she continually sought ways to improve Mississippi State and its accounting program. Early on, she recognized the impact computers would have and became the first faculty member to specialize in what is now accounting information systems. She worked to transform the Department of Accountancy to a School of Accountancy – now the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy – and served on the building committee for McCool Hall. She helped plan seminal events, from the first Super Bulldog Weekend to the MSU Centennial. Even after retiring, she remained involved with Mississippi State’s progress.

Most importantly, Dora Herring always sought to keep her students moving forward. She encouraged them in their studies, took them to American Accounting Association meetings and provided other opportunities to expand their experience and later even endowed a graduate assistantship. Once her students graduated, she invited them to remain involved and support those who followed.

It is no surprise that when she passed away in the spring of 2018, there were many who wanted to honor her memory. It was decided that a fitting tribute would be to renovate and name the accountancy suite for her: the Dora Rose Herring Accountancy Suite in the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy (ASAC).

“The naming of the accountancy suite as the ‘Dora Rose Herring Accountancy Suite’ is a very exciting and deserving recognition and honor bestowed upon my mom,” states Dr. Clyde Herring, Associate Clinical Professor of Accountancy. “She was an outstanding accounting professor for many years, and her contributions to the School, College, University and state significantly added to the growth and value of the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy. The impact she had on this School will be forever remembered because of this momentous event. Our family greatly appreciates the School recognizing Mom in this special way!”

Many members of the Herring family – children, grandchildren and siblings – contributed to the renovation. They are named on a plaque in what is now the Herring Family Conference Room.

Also paying tribute was school namesake Richard C. Adkerson, a former student of Dr. Herring’s, who provided a lead gift.

Dr. Herring’s support and encouragement for students extended to endowing the Dora Herring Graduate Assistantship. Here, she is shown with 2018 recipient Morgan Stegall.

Photo courtesy of the Adkerson School of Accountancy

Dora Herring was special in my life in many ways,” says Adkerson, the Vice Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of FreeportMcMoRan Inc. “First, she was an excellent and demanding teacher. We were fortunate to have her as a key member of the outstanding faculty when I was a student. Yet, she was much more than a great teacher. Her special interest in students like me inspired us to strive for success in our careers – a huge benefit for me personally in my career. After graduation until the end of her life, we maintained a close and mutually supportive relationship which I valued immensely. Dora was indeed a special person who loved Mississippi State, the Starkville community and especially her students.

With contributions from well over 100 members of the MSU accounting family, plans were soon underway for a renovation of ASAC’s headquarters.

“Funding for the renovation was entirely self-generated,” says ASAC Director Dr. Shawn Mauldin. “We reached out to all our alumni, and the Herring family has also provided funds. We received more than enough in cash and pledges to complete the renovation.”

The cost of the renovation was $400,000, and funds raised above that amount will provide for the maintenance of the suite.

“A renovation of this scope hasn’t been done before for accounting,” notes Mauldin. “We wanted it to feel like a modern professional office setting. It will be a nice showcase for the University, for students who are considering accounting as a career.”

Contained within the suite are the Director’s office, the Academic Coordinator’s office, a conference room, faculty and staff offices, a graduate assistant office and a tutoring lab.

Construction began March 1, after many months of planning and work with the University’s architect and facility designers. Every aspect of design was worked out, from removal of walls to flooring choices, from color selections to artwork. Looking to the long term, consideration was put into developing a timeless look and choosing durable materials that would retain their beauty over years of use.

The suite’s new overall look is open and light. The reception area has been enlarged, and the ceiling has been raised. White wainscoting covers the lower portion of the walls, with light grey paint above. A grey-toned wood covers the floors. The wood-framed glass walls and door that welcome people into the suite are reminiscent of the entrance to the Dean’s suite, bringing visual continuity with the College of Business at large. Glass-walled student areas and conference room contribute to the sense of spaciousness. Faculty offices also have new flooring, shelving and paint that tie into the overall look.

Art throughout the suite is upbeat and MSU-focused. Reflecting various aspects of campus life, it is grouped by theme, such as athletics or Mississippi State symbols.

“It’s a student-friendly space, with a new office for our graduate assistants along with other student areas, like a tutoring lab,” observes Mauldin. “It will also appeal to potential students and parents when they visit the school, enhancing our competitiveness with other schools of accountancy.”

The glass walls of the graduate assistant office and tutoring lab contribute to a sense of spaciousness.

Photo by Megan Bean

Much attention was given to detail in conceiving the upscale, professional design. Granite accents beautify the reception area. Individual gallery lights enhance the artwork. Bronze lettering on the main reception wall imparts a rich, understated tone.

Several of the individual spaces within the suite will bear the names of donors who have contributed to the renovation. In addition to the Herring Family Conference Room, there are the Linda Garrett Accounting Tutoring Lab, the David & Paula Hopkins Academic Coordinator Office, the Allen & Denise Poole Director’s Suite and the John D. Scott Graduate Assistant Lab.

Wood-framed walls and doors bring visual continuity with the Dean’s suite.

Photo by Megan Bean

“We are grateful to all who have contributed toward the Dora Rose Herring Accountancy Suite,” states Mauldin. “Their gifts will work to advance Mississippi State accounting, continuing the inspirational legacy of an educator who was always looking – and moving – forward.” Additional naming opportunities within the Dora Rose Herring Accountancy Suite are still available.

Those desiring to contribute may contact Zack Harrington, COB Director of Development, zharrington@development. msstate.edu, 662-617-0942.