Hall of Fame

J. Michael Peppers

J. Michael Peppers is Chief Audit Executive for The University of Texas System. He oversees the internal audit function of more than 100 professional staff for a university system that provides education, health care, and research at thirteen academic and health institutions. It has over 260,000 students, 60,000 employees, 2.1 million hospital days, 11.7 million outpatient visits, an annual operating budget of more than $33 billion, $4.8 billion total research, and a $79 billion endowment. Over a 35-year career that began in public accounting, Mike has led progressive internal audit activities at major not-for-profit organizations in higher education and health care. He has held numerous volunteer board and leadership positions. He was the chairman of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Global Board of directors in 2017-18, speaking to and engaging with internal audit colleagues on six continents. He was a board member of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and chairman of the IIA North American Board. Notably, he chaired the IIA International Internal Audit Standards Board during its historic revision of the Global Internal Audit Standards issued in 2024. Mike was an inaugural recipient of the IIA’s Global Internal Audit Legacy Award in 2025. He was inducted into the IIA American Hall of Distinguished Audit Practitioners and is a recipient of the IIA Victor Z. Brink Award for Distinguished Service and the Association of College and University Auditors Outstanding Professional Contributions Award. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accountancy from the University of South Florida.

Kevin Robinson

Kevin Robinson serves as the Vice President for Institutional Compliance and Security at Auburn University, where he oversees a broad portfolio of critical compliance and safety functions. His areas of responsibility include Campus Safety & Security, Emergency Management, Behavior Threat Assessment & Management, Institutional Compliance & Privacy, Equal Opportunity Compliance, and Internal Auditing. In this role, Kevin provides strategic leadership to ensure the university maintains a culture of integrity, preparedness, and accountability. In addition to his executive leadership duties, Kevin is an adjunct instructor in Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business. He teaches courses on ethical leadership to graduating seniors and Fraud Examination in the Master of Accountancy Program—bringing real‑world insight and decades of professional experience into the classroom. A recognized leader in the higher education community, Kevin is a past president of the Association of College and University Auditors. He is also the primary author of Case in Point, a widely circulated monthly newsletter focused on helping higher education institutions proactively identify and manage risks. Kevin holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Accountancy from Auburn University. He is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). A frequent speaker nationwide, Kevin presents on topics such as ethical leadership, influence, risk management, occupational fraud, internal controls, and compliance and security best practices. 

Patrick V. Reed

Patrick V. Reed, CPA, is the retired University Auditor for the University of California System and a former KPMG partner with nearly 40 years of audit and financial leadership experience. A graduate of Rockhurst College, he served the Association of College and University Auditors (ACUA) as President, Vice President, Treasurer, committee chair, and ACUA representative to NACUBO. Patrick has conducted Quality Assurance Reviews for numerous colleges and universities and has been a frequent conference speaker. His extensive nonprofit leadership includes service on multiple community boards, reflecting a lifelong commitment to professional excellence, governance, and public service. 

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.