Building Opportunity

David and Linda Anderson Invest in the Future of Accounting at UofL

For David and Linda Anderson, supporting the University of Louisville isn’t a new chapter. It’s a lifelong commitment.

The couple recently made a $2.5 million gift to establish the Anderson Chair of Accounting in the College of Business, creating a permanently endowed faculty position that will strengthen accounting education, research and student mentorship for generations to come.

For the Andersons, the gift is about much more than a title or a position. It’s about gratitude and about paying forward the opportunities that shaped their own lives.

“Linda and I have been enthusiastic supporters of the University since our tenure as students,” David said. “We have enjoyed watching the University grow and thrive. We are grateful for an education that gave us the foundation for successful careers,” he said.

A Cardinal Beginning

Linda Raymer Anderson (BSBA ’70, MED ‘78) remembers her undergraduate years not only for the classes she took, but for the work that helped define her professional path. As a participant in UofL’s Work Study Program, she was assigned to the Admissions and Registrar’s Office. After graduation, she joined the staff full time and remained there for 13 years, ultimately serving as Assistant Director of Admissions.

She later earned her master’s degree in counseling and personnel services from the College of Education and Human Development in 1978 — another example of how UofL remained central to her professional growth.

David Anderson (BA ’69, MBA ’73) charted a path that began in political science before leading him into business and finance. After earning his MBA from the College of Business, he began his career in banking and later transitioned into the healthcare industry, working for Humana and Hospital Corporation of America. Over a distinguished 38-year career, he rose to become Senior Vice President of Finance and Treasurer at HCA.

Today, he continues his connection to UofL through service on the University of Louisville Foundation Board of Directors.

Investing in Faculty, Investing in Students

When it came time to consider how they wanted to give back, the Andersons were thoughtful and intentional.

“We considered many ways to give back to the UofL community and concluded that endowing a chair in the College of Business Accounting Department would be the most impactful,” David said.

An endowed chair is one of the highest academic honors a university can offer. It provides dedicated, permanent funding to support a distinguished faculty member, enhancing teaching, advancing research and expanding mentorship opportunities for students.

The Anderson Chair of Accounting will help the College of Business recruit and retain exceptional faculty while strengthening connections between the classroom and the accounting profession. 

“Endowed chairs are one of the most powerful ways we invest in student success and faculty leadership,” said Amy Henley, Dean of the College of Business. “This gift will help us advance accounting education while preparing students for a rapidly evolving profession.”

The flexibility of endowed support allows for innovation in curriculum development, growth in industry partnerships and expanded experiential learning opportunities.

“The Andersons hope is that this gift will strengthen an already impressive faculty and elevate the University’s position in a competitive academic marketplace”.

A Vision for the Future

The Andersons believe that faculty excellence and accessibility go hand in hand.

“We believe this, combined with the University’s reasonable tuition structure, will enhance the University’s appeal to outstanding faculty and students,” David said. “The expected result is enriched opportunities for students and more successful and supportive alumni.”

For them, the gift represents confidence in the university’s direction and leadership — and optimism about what lies ahead.

“It is an exciting time to be a Cardinal fan,” David said. “We are proud to support those leading the University into the future.”

Through the Anderson Chair of Accounting, David and Linda Anderson are ensuring that future generations of business students benefit from the same strong foundation that shaped their own lives - a legacy of opportunity rooted in education, leadership and enduring Cardinal pride.

About the UofL College of Business:  

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.  

Connect with the CoB by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, or by visiting our website.