Gary F. Peters

Gary F. Peters is the Senior Associate Dean and S. Robson Walton Endowed Professor of Accounting at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas. He has been a key academic and administrative leader since joining the university in 2003, previously serving as Department Chair (2016–2023) and Director of the Master of Accounting Program (2006–2016). His leadership includes overseeing faculty resources, strategic planning, AACSB accreditation, and major fundraising initiatives, including a $10 million gift to name the William Dillard Department of Accounting.

• PhD, University of Oregon
• MS, University of Missouri - Columbia
• BS in Accounting, Arkansas Tech University

His research centers on audit risk, corporate governance, accounting disclosure, and professionalism, with a focus on the roles of audit committees, internal and external auditors. His work bridges accounting with information systems and ethics, appearing in top journals like The Accounting Review, Journal of Accounting Research, MIS Quarterly, and Journal of Business Ethics. His recent publications explore sustainability reporting, SOX compliance, executive compensation, and the impact of IT on auditing.

Analysis of his recent articles reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research, particularly at the intersection of accounting, governance, and sustainability. His work increasingly examines non-financial disclosures, ESG assurance, and the role of technology in audit quality and compliance. Many studies involve large-scale empirical analyses using public firm data, often co-authored with leading scholars in governance and internal audit.

• Joseph A. Silvoso Faculty Merit Award
• University of Arkansas Honors College Distinguished Faculty Award
• S. Robson Walton Endowed Chair
• Southeastern Conference Academic Leadership Development Fellow
• Walton College Outstanding All-Around Faculty Member
• Glezen and D. Cook Endowed Chairs
• KPMG Research Grant
• Bank of America Research Fund
• Nolan E. Williams Lectureship

Gary Peters has led major curriculum and program development initiatives, including the creation of the Integrated Master’s path, the online undergraduate accounting degree, and the Master of Professional Accounting. He has been instrumental in securing endowed chairs, scholarships, and strategic funds. He advises on faculty policy, accreditation, and budgeting, and has expanded student experiences through programs like the Rome Accounting Program and enhanced analytics curriculum. His leadership extends to national service, including presidency of the Federation of Schools of Accounting and roles in AACSB accreditation committees.

He has played a central role in building the Department of Accounting’s research culture and strategic direction, leading multiple AACSB reviews and developing the department’s Strategic Focus Area document. His philanthropic efforts have established numerous scholarships and strategic use funds, and he has expanded advisory boards at both departmental and college levels.