The Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy exists to prepare accounting graduates for leadership roles in the accounting profession by offering high-quality, fully accredited academic programs, conduct research that advances the body of accounting knowledge and inevitably has implications for accounting practice, and provide service to local and state institutions, the accounting profession, the Gatton College of Business and Economics, and the University of Kentucky.

Through its continuous efforts to strengthen the personal and professional development of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other stakeholders, the Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy will fulfill its mission by

• Preparing its undergraduate students for graduate education or productive careers by establishing the foundation for lifelong learning,
• Preparing its master's level students for positions of leadership in the accounting profession,
• Preparing its doctoral students for successful careers in accounting education and research,
• Developing innovative and effective instructional methods that stimulate accounting learning,
• Providing significant intellectual contributions in basic and applied accounting scholarships, (Faculty primarily teaching in the doctoral program should emphasize basic research while those primarily teaching in the undergraduate and master's programs should emphasize applied research.)
• Providing significant service and leadership to the accounting profession, the college, the university, and to professional and academic organizations.
• Organizing and seeking advice from a formal advisory group made up primarily of prominent alumni of all accounting programs.

The Von Allmen School of Accountancy emphasizes strong analytic and communication skills. In 1997, the Von Allmen School of Accountancy faculty implemented the first major curriculum revisions in more than 20 years. The revisions emphasize accounting information and critical communication skills. While the traditional debit-and-credit pedagogy will still be taught, the focus has shifted to "user-oriented" instead of "preparer-oriented" accounting.

Approximately 15 percent of the University's students are pursuing degrees in the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Fully accredited by the AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the College offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The Gatton College is Kentucky's principal unit for research in all areas of business administration and economics.

The University received a substantial gift from alumnus Douglas J. Von Allmen and his wife, Linda. During the June 2000 Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved renaming the School of Accountancy the Douglas J. Von Allmen School of Accountancy.