Lillian Mills serves as dean of the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, a leading business school in one of the largest public research institutions in the United States. She is recognized as a top-ranked scholar whose policy-relevant research influences accounting, economics, and law; an inspiring and committed strategic leader; and an award-winning educator and champion for instructional innovation.

In her role, Mills is responsible for the development and execution of long-range strategic planning for Texas McCombs, launching comprehensive rebranding, facility expansion, and operational oversight; innovating curriculum; and engaging the business community for faculty thought leadership and student experiential learning. Mills became dean at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she led the successful transition of McCombs’ 600 faculty and staff members and 6,000 students to online learning, followed by a safe return to in-person education. She oversees a more than $170 million budget and has raised significant funds to endow critical facilities, scholarships, and programs. Prior to becoming dean, she served as chair of the school’s accounting department for four years, continuing its decades-long rank at No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report.

Mills has an extensive background in accounting, with a specialization in earnings management, corporate governance, income shifting, tax risk, and disclosure. She meets the criteria of the Securities and Exchange Commission as a designated financial expert. In addition, she brings deep experience in public and private institutional management, leadership, and a passion for education and employee development.

Mills earned a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. She holds an M.S. and B.S. in accounting from the University of Florida.