University of Florida, Warrington College
UF Warrington Appoints Gary McGill As Interim Dean
The Warrington College of Business is stepping into a new era with a leader that’s been part of the college’s DNA for four decades. The University of Florida just announced that Gary McGill will become Interim Dean on August 1st this year following the six-year tenure of Dean Saby Mitra.
Mitra is now heading to Emory University’s Goizueta Business School to become its next dean. “Serving as dean of Warrington is an extraordinary privilege… I know the college will continue to thrive and remain well positioned for continued success with Gary at the helm,” Mirta says.
Under Mitra, Warrington became a national leader in AI business education. This was a critical move for the school, because as Eileen McAuliffe, AACSB’s EVP says, “Artificial intelligence is no longer on the margins of business education.”
The Warrington College also maintained top national rankings for its online programs.
THE RIGHT LEADER FOR THIS NEW CHAPTER
McGill is uniquely positioned to carry the school forward in many departments. As Senior Associate Dean and one of the nation’s most respected accounting educators, he brings loads of institutional knowledge.
“Gary has devoted four decades to advancing Warrington’s mission,” Mitra says.
McGill joined the Fisher School of Accounting in 1986, later becoming its longest-serving director. He’s published more than 65 scholarly works, co-authored six books, chaired over 30 dissertation committees, and even provided invited testimony to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee during the Enron hearings. He is the definition of someone who understands the intersection of academia, policy, and practice.
As Interim Dean, McGill will serve a three-year term with plans to strengthen the student experience, especially for undergrads. “We have some of the best students, faculty and staff in the world,” he says. “Building on our strong foundations and history is a challenge that we enthusiastically accept.”
WHY ACCOUNTING NEEDS STRONG LEADERSHIP NOW
McGill’s professional background is also a real asset at the moment. He currently serves as the President of the American Accounting Association and has held roles across major accounting organizations, accreditation committees and state boards. He was a CPA in Dallas before earning his Ph.D. at Texas Tech.
Why is this a critical moment? “Graduate education in accounting, like the public accounting profession, is at a crossroads,” says AACSB’s Ryan Wilson.
The accounting profession is facing a shrinking talent pipeline as senior accountants retire and fewer students are entering the field. In response, nearly 20 states have already moved to ease the 150‑hour CPA rule. This allows candidates to substitute an extra year of work experience for additional coursework. It’s likely what most states will adopt by 2027, says Wilson with AACSB.
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