A pair of brothers has established an endowment in Troy University’s Sorrell College of Business.

Thomas (’81) and Stephen (’83) Bedsole have created the Bedsole Endowed School of Accountancy Fund to support activities that advance the School of Accountancy.

“Stephen and Thomas, and their CPA firms, are long supporters of our accounting program and our students. The establishment of this endowment further demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the Sorrell College of Business and the School of Accountancy,” said Dr. Steve Grice, director of the School of Accountancy. “The funds will continue the excellence they expect as we educate our students to become significant members of the accounting profession.”

Both men earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting. While a student, Stephen served in the Student Government Association and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha social fraternity. Thomas, also a Lambda Chi Alpha member, was Most Outstanding Accounting Student in 1980-1981.

Stephen’s 35-year professional career has been with the regional accounting firm of Draffin & Tucker, LLP.   He served multiple years as chairman of the firm’s executive committee and is currently the managing partner of the Atlanta office.  He has concentrated in the healthcare industry.  He is a CPA licensed to practice in the states of Alabama and Georgia.  Stephen also earned an Executive MBA from Auburn University.

Thomas’s professional career began with Jackson Thornton & Co., P.C. where he was one of the initial employees of the firm’s Dothan office.  He was admitted as a partner in the firm in 1989 and currently is vice president of Jackson Thornton Asset Management, LLC. Thomas is a licensed CPA and holds the Personal Financial Specialist designation of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  He also passed the NASD Series 65 Examination to become an Investment Advisor.

Both are founding members of the Trojan Shield Society.  Stephen currently serves on the Accounting Advisory Council for the School of Accountancy. In addition, both are previous inductees into the Troy University Accounting Hall of Honor in recognition of their successes and long-term contributions to the accounting profession.