For most of his decades-long career in academia, William W. Holder had never considered entering administration. Now, after 13 years serving as dean of the Leventhal School of Accounting, Holder is retiring, and many can’t imagine the dean’s office without him. He leaves behind a legacy of success, service, and dedication to his students, faculty, and staff.
From the first time he stepped into the dean’s office in the Leventhal building back in 2011, Holder hoped to grow the school into an world-class accounting program, offering a comprehensive education that covered the depth and breadth of the profession while still increasing accessibility for students.
“If we were going to be offering degrees in accounting, it was my position that we should strive to exhibit educational excellence in all of the major domains of the profession,” Holder said.
Holder’s tenure exceeded those goals. During his time as dean, Leventhal added more than 30 student scholarships and six endowed chairs and professorships, established new joint and progressive degrees, and maintained the school’s standing as a top 10 accounting program.
Holder’s success, however, reaches beyond a laundry list of accomplishments. His integrity, leadership, and humanity are well-known within the Marshall and Leventhal communities. He persevered through a 2018 heart valve operation and the COVID-19 pandemic, ever eager to face the challenges set before him and his colleagues.
“It has been a privilege to get to know Bill and work closely with him since my arrival in 2020,” said Marshall Dean Geoff Garrett. “His resourcefulness, commitment, and compassion have led Leventhal to the cutting edge of accounting education and transformed the lives of thousands of students, faculty, staff, and alumni. His legacy of exemplary leadership and dedicated service to USC has shone through in his excellent tenure.”
Holder’s impact ripples across generations of Leventhal students. With a deep sense of satisfaction, he often recalls alumni returning years later to wish him well, reminisce about their time at Leventhal, and express their gratitude. For Holder, who will return to the faculty next year, teaching has always been at the forefront.
“It’s always great to get back in the classroom. Our students are terrific. I enjoy [teaching] more than anything,” Holder said. “It’s just wonderful to see that professional growth and that increase in knowledge, skill, and abilities that develop in these people.”
One of these alums, Joe Ucuzoglu ’97, Deloitte Global CEO, recalls the effect Holder and Leventhal left on him nearly 30 years ago.
“Leventhal has been foundational to my entire career, providing an unrivaled education and instilling a mindset of curiosity and life-long learning,” said Ucuzoglu. “It is my great privilege and honor not only to have studied under Bill Holder, but also to call him a mentor and dear friend. As dean, he has navigated Leventhal through a time of significant complexity and transformation. It is wonderful that in his transition back to the classroom, students will continue to benefit from his knowledge and passion for teaching. I am confident that he will continue to help shape the bright minds of the future of this wonderful profession for years to come.”
