Business and Government Student Life General Education

Stambaugh, Patton leaving a legacy at Dillard College

Andy Newberry
16 May 2025
6 min read

Every spring semester always comes with some tough “good-byes” and for the Dillard College of Business Administration that is definitely the case as students and faculty bid farewell to retiring professors Jeff Stambaugh and Terry Patton.

Stambaugh will retire from MSU Texas this summer, where he has provided leadership and guidance to the college and university as the Dillard College of Business Administration dean since 2017. Stambaugh oversaw numerous initiatives, including growth in the MBA program, creation of the STANG Mentorship program, and, most recently, the extension of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business reaccreditation, which was officially ratified by the AACSB Board of Directors in March 2025.

Patton, professor and chair of accounting, was the Hardin Professor for 2024. He is the Robert Madera Distinguished Professor of Accounting. Patton also previously served as dean of Dillard College and serves as a board member on the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, which establishes the financial reporting standards for the U.S. government.

Several MSU Texas students shared testimonies on how these two men helped them tremendously in their educational journey.

Samantha Wilson met Patton as her professor in her first accounting class, Financial Accounting. She appreciated his humor and his ability to discern the pace the students needed at that moment. “He ALWAYS took the time to learn every name, not just the accounting majors,” Wilson said. “I distinctly remember that everything he taught came from a deep personal and professional knowledge from his having worked in the field in high circles. Also, I loved how detailed he gave breakdowns of the distributions for his exams.”

Sonia White, the director of the Center for Nonprofit Management & Leadership, credits Stambaugh for “opening up a whole new world of opportunity” for her. “He has been a staunch supporter of the Nonprofit Management Leadership program, which includes the Center for Nonprofit Management & Leadership and the nonprofit management minor. He also encouraged and advocated for me professionally when I decided to pursue my Ph.D. four years ago. He removed barriers and provided support in order for me to complete this endeavor. He truly cares for his staff, faculty, and students, and he demonstrates this care in many ways. For example, he and his wife regularly host the Dillard staff at his home to celebrate their service and hard work. He has elevated the Dillard college by supporting and driving its rigorous, ongoing AACSB certification process.”

Professor of Economics John Martinez saw both Patton and Stambaugh work “tirelessly, as well as effectively, in helping the Dillard College achieve AACSB reaccreditation. There is a plaque outside the southeast side of the Dillard building commemorating the college’s achievement of AACSB accreditation. These two individuals deserve a major plaque in their honor next to that plaque. Not only did they help Dillard College achieve reaccreditation, they did it with the highest degree of integrity and without the need for adulation on their part. I view their stewardship of Dillard as a personal blessing, a feeling I am sure is the same for other members of the Dillard faculty as well.”

Management Systems instructor John Vowell echoed Martinez’s thoughts. “They are two of the finest individuals I have had the opportunity to work with. I consider it a blessing to be part of their team and their accomplishments.”

Jeff Stambaugh in front of Dillard College of Business Administration sign and brick building — Jeff Stambaugh served as the dean of the Dillard College of Business Administration from 2017-2025. In top feature photo, Terry Patton teaches a class at DCOBA. (Photos by Logan Spikes/MSU Texas)

Student Lula Nolen appreciated Patton’s ability and availability. It was Patton who convinced her to change her major to accounting. “Dr. Patton has always taken care of his students and is always there to help. He became my adviser and has, without a doubt, been the most supportive professor I have ever come across,” Nolen said. “He wants his students to succeed and makes sure we know he is in our corner. He is by far the greatest professor I have had, and I am so grateful to have learned from him.”

Wilson didn’t have a class with Stambaugh, but met him at “Donuts with the Dean.” She found him to be “genuine in his appreciation and encouragement. Wilson joined the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and served on that for more than three years. “Every meeting, Dr. Stambaugh was professional and direct on all goals, matters of importance, and discussion topics,” she said. “He implemented suggested changes and valued our input. He has always reached out with any and all opportunities for success, be it awards, jobs, scholarships, or service opportunities. Something I appreciate about Dr. Stambaugh is that he speaks in a professional, businesslike manner to all people without treating them like they do not belong based on status or age.”

William McAlister was a transfer student from the University of Arkansas who was switching majors. Patton helped him find his path in business.

“Dr. Patton never failed to bring enthusiasm and excitement to class to make any subject enjoyable,” McAlister said. “He is incredibly knowledgeable and able to approach any topic in a variety of ways to help all students understand topics from different perspectives, all while being authentically himself and showing passion for the courses he taught. Dr. Patton was an incredible professor and an incredible man, and he made a positive impact on many students, including me. I am thankful I was able to have the opportunity to learn from Dr. Patton."

Angel Perez said it was great to have Patton as his professor, especially during his early years of adulthood. "He can be a great figure to look up to and follow for direction. Life gives you many influences, but there are only a few who are the best to be influenced by.”

With Patton, Wilson said she appreciated how unapologetic he is about his faith. “He never pushed it. He didn't preach or evangelize, but you could tell that he was a deeply faithful man who lived his life with love for all. He is open to sharing his joy, love, and life with all of his students. He genuinely cares about all of his students, coworkers, friends, and family.”

White said it was her privilege to call Patton a friend. “He is a fantastic colleague, and I have very much enjoyed our hallway discussions regarding raising cows, Texas Ranger baseball, and country living! I am sad that our tenure together is being cut short with his retirement. Terry is so kind and always helps out his colleagues with encouragement and advice.”

Stambaugh and Patton are leaving a legacy after making it their business to help many others succeed in business and life.