Mary Pearson

Vice President/CFO, Division of Finance & Administration

  • Cedar City UT UNITED STATES

Specializing in entrepreneurship in rural communities, financial accounting reporting requirements, and the history of accounting principles

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Biography

Mary Pearson is the CFO and Vice President of Finance & Administration at Southern Utah University, where she oversees a variety of departments, including Accounting, Budget, Bookstore, Business Analytics, Dining Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Internal Audit, Post Office, Purchasing/Procurement, and Receiving. In addition, she is a Board member for State Bank of Southern Utah and operates her own financial firm in Cedar City, Utah, as a licensed CPA.

Mary has received numerous teaching and leadership accolades, including the UACPA Women to Watch Experienced Leader Award, the Cedar City Service Award, and the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Educator Award. With 16 years of international teaching experience, she deeply values cultural diversity and diverse perspectives.

Previously, Mary held the position of Dean of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business and served as Chairwoman of the Cedar City Planning and Zoning Commission. She has also been actively involved on various advisory boards at the city, county, and school levels. Holding a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in accounting.

Mary is also proud to be the wife of Alan Pearson, mother of four grown children, and grandmother to seven wonderful grandchildren.

Spotlight

1 min

SUU Celebrates a Decade of Major Accomplishments

Innovation and improving the student experience has led Southern Utah University through the past decade. The University has seen steady growth, surpassing 10k students in 2018, and record retention rates in both first and second-year students with a 15.6% increase in first-year retention rates over the past four years. As President Wyatt continues to challenge the status quo of higher education and improve the student experience through innovative programs, growth and reputation, the next decade is sure to be better than the last.  Here’s a look at Southern Utah University’s biggest stories over the past decade:  Over the past ten years, SUU has continued to build a reputation for excellence and has been at the forefront of undergraduate research, experiential education, and scholarship. SUU’s programs have consistently ranked among the top in the nation and the university is recognized for its value and excellence by The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and Colleges of Distinction. In 2019, SUU was among the top ten in the nation for student lowest debt and among the top 50 for affordable tuition. With a commitment to personalized student experiences and unique educational opportunities, SUU is gaining national attention, positioning SUU as a top university in the Intermountain West.

Mary Pearson

Industry Expertise

Writing and Editing
Accounting
Research
Education/Learning
Financial Services

Areas of Expertise

Leadership
Accounting and Profitability Analysis
Finanical Accounting Reporting Requirements
Accumulation and Flow of Managerial Accounting Information
Entrepreneurship in Rural Communities
Strategic & Business Planning
Business Administration
Financial Planning
Accounting
Enterpreneurship
Business Accounting
Education
Planning and Zoning in Rural Communities
Financial Analysis and Decision Making
Cost-Volume Profit Analysis
History of Accounting Principles
Accounting Ethics

Education

Northcentral University

Ph.D.

Business Administration, Specialization Advanced Accounting

Southern Utah University

M.A.

Accounting

Southern Utah University

B.S.

Accounting

Accomplishments

Woman to Watch Experienced Leader Award

Awarded by Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants, 2020

Outstanding Educator Beta Gamma Sigma

Awarded by Southern Utah University, 2017

Student Influencer Award

Southern Utah University, 2017

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Affiliations

  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Beta Gamma Sigma
  • Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Media Appearances

Pearson withdraws from Cedar City Council race, steps into new leadership role at SUU

ST. George News  online

2023-07-15

Pearson’s announcement came just one day after she was promoted to a vice presidential role at Southern Utah University.

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Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation Donates $75,000 to Women in Business

SUU News  online

2023-06-26

“I am thrilled at the opportunity the Ivory Women Student Success Initiative will provide to our students,” said Mary Pearson, dean of the SUU Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. “This program will further their personal and professional development and allow student participants to see their leadership potential. Great thanks to Clark and Christine Ivory for their generous support of this initiative.”

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Two New VPs Join Benson Administration

SUU News  online

2023-06-13

“I am excited to begin this new role at SUU,” Pearson said. “I have loved serving as the Dean of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business and have had the great privilege to work with amazing faculty, staff, students, and alumni. I look forward to working with a new group of dedicated employees in building a strong future for this wonderful institution.”

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Event Appearances

January Luncheon Speaker

January 2024 | BYU Management Society  St. George, UT

Community Reads with Mary Pearson, Dean of SUU School of Business

June 2023 | Community Connect–Learn from Home Series  Online

Entrepreneurial Mindset

December 2022 | SUU Entrepreneurship Speaker Series  

Courses

ACCT 2010 Accounting Principles

This course provides a thorough study of basic accounting principles. The accounting cycle is introduced using an appropriate mix of conceptual and procedural problems. A real-world problem using computer applications is also covered. This is a basic course, which aids in building a foundation for financial analysis and decision-making.

ACCT 2020 Managerial Accounting

A study of the accumulation and flow of managerial accounting information and its impact on decisions within a business entity. Emphasizes cost behavior, cost-volume profit analysis, and management’s use of quantitative tools for planning and control.

ACCT 3010 Financial Accounting I

Study of generally accepted accounting principles, the conceptual framework, and financial accounting reporting requirements. Includes in-depth conceptual analysis of the various financial statement elements.

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