Hall of Fame

Richard Dawson

J. Richard “Dick” Dawson devoted more than 35 years to advancing higher education auditing. Beginning his career with the University of Texas System in 1981, he later served as Chief Audit Executive at the University of Texas at San Antonio until his retirement in 2017. Within ACUA, Dick held nearly every leadership role, including President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, and Board Member-at-Large. He also co-chaired the Risk Dictionary Committee, supported “ACUA Leads!,” and served as Faculty and Ambassador. His legacy is one of mentorship, service, and lasting impact on both ACUA and the profession.

Kim Turner

Kimberly Turner has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening the profession of internal auditing. As Chief Audit Executive for the Texas Tech University System, she expanded audit services across four cities, built a robust IT and construction audit program, and supported a $3.5 billion system serving 63,000 students. A past president of ACUA and co-developer of the Risk Dictionary, she has also been a faculty member, mentor, and strategic planning leader. Her service has been recognized with ACUA’s Outstanding Professional Contributions Award and Excellence in Service Award. Beyond her institution, Kim has been a peer reviewer, national speaker, and active community leader across Texas.

Toni Stephens

With 40 years of experience, Toni Stephens has made lasting contributions to both ACUA and the University of Texas at Dallas. Since 1992, she has served as Chief Audit Executive at UT Dallas, supporting the institution’s growth into a Tier 1 research university. Her ACUA service includes roles as President, Board Member, Professional Education Chair, Annual Conference Director, Chair of the Recognition Committee, and now Historian. She has mentored students through the Center for Internal Auditing Excellence for more than 22 years and authored resources to support audit professionals. Widely respected as a teacher, writer, and leader, Toni has also conducted annual quality assurance reviews across universities for over three decades.

Patti Snopkowski

Patti Snopkowski has built a distinguished career spanning higher education, government, and industry. She has held executive audit and compliance leadership positions at Oregon State University, the Oregon University System, the University of Washington, Cornell University, SAFECO, and the Pennsylvania Auditor General’s Office. Patti is a past president of ACUA and has contributed as a presenter, author, and committee leader, earning the Outstanding Professional Contributions Award. She is also active in professional organizations including the Institute of Internal Auditors and NACUBO. A CPA, CIA, CCEP, and CITP, Patti’s expertise in enterprise risk, compliance, and IT has left a lasting mark on institutions nationwide.

Mary Barnett

Mary Barnett spent 39 years advancing the internal audit profession, most recently serving as Director of Internal Audit for the Virginia Community College System. She previously held leadership and consulting roles with the University of Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, MeadWestvaco, and the Virginia Department of Corrections. Over the course of her career, Mary contributed across nearly every aspect of auditing—finance, operations, IT, fraud, academics, and workforce development—while serving on countless committees. A CPA and CISA with degrees from William & Mary and VCU, she retired in 2025. Above all, she is most proud of earning the trust and respect of her colleagues throughout higher education.

Vijay Patel

Vijay Patel has nearly 40 years of experience in higher education auditing and governance. For three decades, he led the University of Southern Mississippi’s Internal Audit Department, building a program recognized for transparency and operational excellence. Later, as Chief Audit Executive for the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning, he oversaw audit and compliance functions across all of the state’s public universities. Vijay’s credentials include CPA, CISA, and CFE, supported by dual bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science/Statistics and Accounting. Known for his collaborative leadership and mentorship, he continues to be a trusted advisor and voice within the higher education community.