News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Angey Saucier Date: 4/1/03   Click on image for publication quality photo SIMPSON APPOINTED HEAD OF SOUTHEASTERN ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT        HAMMOND -- William “Rick” Simpson has been appointed the head of Southeastern Louisiana University’s accounting department in the College of Business and Technology.       A member of the accounting department since 1996, Simpson has served as interim department head since July 2001, when then head John Crain was appointed provost and vice president for academic affairs. Previously, Simpson had held positions in the department as assistant and associate professor teaching graduate and undergraduate courses.       “Dr. Simpson is a noted scholar and a quality administrator who had the full support of his faculty in his seeking the position of department head,” said Michael Budden, dean of the College of Business and Technology. “He is a leading example of the outstanding faculty who have advanced our academic programs through ongoing development in both research and professional activities.”       Simpson’s intellectual contributions include numerous refereed journal articles, presentations and publications. A graduate of Baylor University and the University of Houston, Simpson has traveled nationally in giving presentations on topics ranging from tax relief for disaster victims to tax laws and double jeopardy. Simpson’s most recent article on an undergraduate auditing method will be featured in “Advances in Accounting Education.” His research on the tax reform act of 1986 and the housing affordability crisis is currently under review by the “Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal.”       Simpson is a member of the American Accounting Association, American Taxation Association, Beta Gamma Sigma, the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, and Beta Alpha Psi.       The Department of Accounting is nationally accredited by the Association for International Management Education. The department has recently completed a substantial part of the process for reaffirmation of accreditation and will receive final notification in April.  Return to News Releases