Scott Macdonald
A gift from Scott and Anne Macdonald to the University of Wyoming establishes the
Macdonald Professorship in Accounting, an endowed professorship that supports faculty
excellence in the Department of Accounting and Finance.
“I have always valued my education at UW and the foundation it gave me to have a successful
career,” says Scott Macdonald, a telecommunications executive. “Accounting is the
science of business, and now, more than ever, it is important to develop the next
generation of accounting professionals to help lead our country here in the 21st century.
Anne and I hope this professorship will contribute to that goal.”
The Macdonald Professorship in Accounting provides critical support for faculty and
enhances the university’s ability to deliver an exceptional education to Wyoming students
to prepare them for successful careers as accountants and finance professionals. This
endowed professorship is an important part of UW’s focus on faculty excellence.
“Endowed professorships provide important support for our faculty and reflect our
commitment to academic excellence,” says Anne Alexander, UW’s interim provost. “They
ensure that UW remains a place where faculty can build meaningful careers and make
lasting contributions to their fields. This investment strengthens the entire university
and benefits every student who walks through our doors. On behalf of the faculty,
I would like to thank the Macdonalds for their generosity.”
Scott Macdonald, a 1984 UW accounting graduate from Rock Springs, currently serves
as chief financial officer of Starz Entertainment Corp., a position he has held for
the last 13 years. His career began at the Big Four accounting firm KPMG back in the
1980s when it was known as Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. Before his time at Starz,
he worked at major telecommunications companies, including Tele-Communications Inc.
and Adelphia Communications.
His involvement with UW was rekindled in the early 2000s when then-College of Business
Dean Brent Hathaway invited him to lunch. That conversation sparked a meaningful relationship
between Macdonald and his alma mater, leading him to serve on the College of Business
Advisory Board and on the UW Foundation board, where he currently serves as vice chair.
Macdonald credits his student experience at UW as the driving force behind his commitment
to giving back. He values the university’s ideal size, which offers Division 1 athletics
and cutting-edge research while maintaining the accessibility of a smaller institution,
where students can develop meaningful relationships with faculty and take on leadership
roles.
“Scott and Anne’s investment will elevate our accounting program and have a lasting
impact on our students and the accounting profession,” says Scott Beaulier, the H.A.
“Dave” True Family Dean of the UW College of Business. “This endowed position enables
us to compete for the very best faculty talent and ensures our students receive exceptional
education and mentorship from leaders in the field. We are deeply grateful for the
Macdonalds’ vision and commitment to our students’ success.”
The UW Department of Accounting and Finance builds its program on high standards in
academics, hands-on experiences and career preparation, which help students stand
out in the competitive global marketplace. The department offers undergraduate and
graduate degrees that are led by faculty with real-world experience. Whether students
are aiming for Wall Street or Main Street, the department helps students build a foundation
for professional success.
UW is committed to faculty excellence, which means a commitment to exceptional teaching,
groundbreaking research and meaningful service to Wyoming. Faculty are dedicated to
inspiring students in the classroom and to advancing knowledge through scholarly inquiry
and creative work.
Faculty excellence is a major fundraising priority for UW, along with student success.
When universities invest in faculty excellence through competitive compensation, professional
development opportunities, research support and recognition programs, they create
an environment where talented educators and scholars can thrive. This nurtures the
educational experience for students and strengthens the university’s ability to fulfill
its mission of teaching, research and service.
“Scott Macdonald exemplifies the power of engaged alumni,” says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. “His journey from student to accomplished professional to dedicated volunteer leader demonstrates the enduring impact of a UW education. This professorship will strengthen our accounting program and benefit countless students for generations to come.”
