Dr. Duane Brandon was appointed as Director of the School of Accountancy on March 1, 2019.

Dr. Brandon, who has served on the faculty of the School of Accountancy since 2003, and as the Harbert College of Business Director of Quality Assurance for the past three years, succeeds  Jennifer Mueller-Phillips , who became Associate Dean for Academic Affairs on Feb. 4.

We asked Dr. Brandon a few "get to know you" questions, and his answers are below.

Name: Dr. Duane Brandon

Hometown:  Auburn, AL (raised in Glasgow, WV and Chesapeake, VA)

University Alma Mater(s):  Christopher Newport University (BS) & Virginia Tech (MAcc, PhD)

Courses I Currently Teach & Recently Taught:  Principles of Financial & Managerial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I, Auditing & Assurance Services, Advanced Auditing and Assurance Services (MAcc), and Corporate Fraud (EMBA), Cost Analysis & Systems (PEMBA).

Research Focus: Audit Quality

Teaching Awards: Lowder Teaching Award in the HCOB, the McCartney Award in the HCOB (twice), Outstanding MAcc Teacher Award (2010), Outstanding Teaching Award in the School of Accountancy (twice) and Camp War Eagle Faculty Honoree (twice).

Life before coming to work at AU: I’ve been at Auburn for almost 16 years. Before moving here, I was a PhD student at Virginia Tech for four years where I taught Principles of Financial Accounting, Principles of Managerial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, Auditing I, and Auditing II. Prior to the PhD program, I worked as an auditor for Witt, Mares & Co. based in Newport News, Virginia, where my primary focus was financial institutions. I also did some light tax work.

When I am not at work, you can find me:  Usually, with my family. My wife, Stacey, and I have a son (David) and a daughter (Kirby). We are huge Auburn Tiger fans (especially my girls, Kirby bleeds orange and blue). I enjoy playing old-time music, I play “clawhammer” banjo, and also golf, fishing, and Hapkido.

Why Auburn ACCT students are lucky:  Auburn is special for many reasons. What makes the School of Accountancy special is the faculty. The Auburn accounting faculty, in addition to being great friends and colleagues, are among the best teachers I am aware of. They are also great people who deeply care about the success of their students.

Career/recruiting advice for accounting students: Of course, take advantage of the resources provided by the School of Accountancy that focus on your academic success and initial job placement. The support you receive here in the SOA is unparalleled. I’ll add that you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of networking during your time at Auburn. Get to know the faculty and your fellow accounting students. Be professional in your interaction with the faculty; they are your initial and future references. Your network of fellow Auburn alum are equally valuable and can pay enormous dividends as your career progresses.  

Read the full Auburn news article about Dr. Brandon's new position here.