Mort O’Sullivan, III

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BA Accounting, 1973

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I attended my first two years of college at Washington and Lee University. After those years, I realized that a change would be good for me, and having a University located in my hometown made sense to me.

What were your goals as a student?
By the time I transferred to UWF, my goals were first to find the best suitable major that would lead to a good career, and second to graduate with respectable grades that would ensure a successful job after graduation.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
Dr. Tom Committee and Dr. Jim Potts taking me under their wings and encouraging me to be the best that I could be.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
I would have to say Jim Potts because of his down-home nature. He was one of the smarter people I have known, and taught with a practical approach that I could understand.

What do you do now?
I am the managing partner of the accounting and consulting firm O’Sullivan Creel. I was an original partner in a predecessor firm, O'Sullivan Patton Jacobi, which we formed in 1981. I currently focus on consulting and management advisory services to clients, while continuing to offer expertise in litigation support, business valuations, and mergers and acquisitions. I am also a registered investment advisor.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
My degree from UWF allowed me to enter the accounting profession with as much opportunity to succeed as any school would have. The educational foundation that I received at UWF was on par with comparable program anywhere.

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
My number one passion these days is the Community Maritime Park project in Pensacola. Our city needs individuals who are willing to push for some change and I am willing to be one of those. I feel that the Community Maritime Park project is vital to our future and the linchpin to unlocking our community’s potential.

As for hobbies, I enjoy spending time with grandchildren, playing golf, and riding my Harley.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
Just this January (2007) I took a masters level tax course at UWF taught by Dr. Jim Hasselback. I also really enjoy participating in the teacher-for-a-day program by speaking to accounting classes and to the Beta Alpha Psi club.

In the past I served on the UWF Foundation Board of Trustees as well as being on the latest Presidential search committee.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Take advantage of opportunities that are presented during your college years. Search deep for how much you are willing to invest for a future return because your rewards in life will be proportionate to the efforts put forth.

I would also add, don’t forget to have fun because boring people don’t go far. The world is looking for well balanced leaders.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
The smaller size of the University allows for more personal attention as a student. I also think that UWF’s location in the panhandle doesn’t hurt in attracting our quality faculty.

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