$15 million donation to establish center for accounting at College’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business

Thursday, April 24, the College of William & Mary announced a $15 million gift from alumni Rob W. Estes ’74 and Jean Berger Estes ’75 and their family to establish the Estes Center for Excellence in Accounting at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business.

The gift, among the largest to the business school, aims to transform the perception of accounting and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving industry. The Estes family, long-time university supporters, owns Estes Express Lines, the largest privately owned freight carrier in North America.

“We want to bring accounting out of the back room and into the boardroom,” Rob Estes said. “The accountant should be guiding the conversation.”

The Estes Center will integrate analytics and emerging technologies while enhancing student experiences through hands-on learning, career mentorship and expanded networking opportunities. 

The initiative aligns with the College’s Vision 2026 Strategic Plan and its Career Initiative, which focuses on equipping students as lifelong learners in an era of rapid change. 

College President Katherine A. Rowe expressed her appreciation for the Estes family. 

“We are grateful for their latest gift to raise William & Mary’s global profile. Their message to aspiring leaders is clear: if you aim to sow prosperity in your organizations and communities, then William & Mary is the place for you,” Rowe wrote. 

The announcement follows national recognition of the College’s career outcomes. The Wall Street Journal recently named the university a top performer for preparing graduates for high-paying finance, consulting, and tech careers.