Dr. Julie Petherbridge, who has served as interim dean of Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business since June 13, 2019, has had the interim removed from her title, Provost Dr. D. Scott Davis announced today.

“Throughout her tenure at Mercer, Dr. Petherbridge has demonstrated that she is wholly dedicated to the success of the School of Business and the University,” said Dr. Davis. “She has provided outstanding leadership as interim dean of the School, and I am confident that in the years ahead students, faculty and alumni will continue to benefit from her vision, tenacity and relationships in the business community.”

Dr. Petherbridge also serves as associate professor of accountancy. Prior to her appointment as interim dean, she served as associate dean of graduate programs in the School of Business.

“I am honored to be the next dean of Mercer’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business,” Dr. Petherbridge said. “Mercer is very well positioned to lead in business education with its great research faculty, highly collaborative spirit and focus on student success through experiential learning, innovation and entrepreneurship. We will continue to provide more innovative, forward-thinking programs into the future. I am especially looking forward to continuing to develop and nurture meaningful relationships with the business community and Mercer alumni, connecting students to vital pathways for career success.”

Dr. Petherbridge earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Clayton State University in 1993 and has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Georgia since 1995. She worked full-time in public accounting until 2001, when she decided to transition to academia while continuing to practice.

She earned her Master of Professional Accountancy in 2002 and Ph.D. in accounting in 2010, both from Georgia State University. Her dissertation topic involved auditor’s behavior in the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board inspection process.

Dr. Petherbridge’s current research interests focus on public policy of accounting regulations, internal auditing, nonprofit organizations and professional biases.

Her work has been published in the Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Southern Business and Economic Journal, Academy of Accounting and Financial Studies Journal and others, and she continues to stay connected with the accounting profession through several professional organizations.

Dr. Petherbridge and her husband, Scott, have two children, Colin, a current Mercer engineering student, and Jessica Smith; a son-in-law, Bradly Smith; and three grandchildren.