Jon Shulkin, an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin and co-president of Valor Equity Partners, has made a significant donation to the McCombs School of Business. The gift will result in the naming of the Jonathan K. Shulkin Department of Accounting.
The accounting programs at McCombs have consistently been recognized among the top two in national rankings by U.S. News & World Report for two decades. Shulkin said his education at McCombs provided him with essential business skills that influenced his career path.
“If I had to choose one primary objective I hope this gift enables, it’s to broaden the aperture for accounting students in terms of what they can do with their degree,” Shulkin said. “The landscape has changed, and there’s a massive need for experts able to deploy accounting as an operational skill set to help companies measure, identify and improve return on invested capital, throughput, cost and cash flow in a way that is enabled by a world-class accounting education.”
Steven Kachelmeier, chair of the McCombs Accounting Department, highlighted how Shulkin’s career demonstrates the impact such support can have. “Mr. Shulkin’s evolution from his UT Austin accounting roots to co-president of a top operational growth investment firm reinforces the sense that accounting can open new and exciting doors to success,” Kachelmeier said. “This gift enables us to embrace the challenges posed by new technologies, new regulations and new career paths.”
Lillian Mills, dean of McCombs School and an accounting professor, described how this contribution will benefit both students and faculty. “This transformational gift will elevate our thought leadership through research support, sponsored conferences, and faculty development, and enable us to invest in cutting edge accounting education into our second century of excellence,” Mills said.
Shulkin grew up in Chicago and attended UT Austin on an academic scholarship. He participated actively in campus life as a member of Pi Lambda Phi and Zeta Beta Tau fraternities and served as president of the Interfraternity Council.
He began his professional journey at Bain & Company before joining Valor Equity Partners in 1998 under Antonio Gracias. In addition to leading Valor Siren Ventures—which invests in technology companies—Shulkin oversees operational support teams working with firms like SpaceX and xAI.
Reflecting on his experience at Texas McCombs, Shulkin said: “I think a technical accounting education is one of the best ways to learn how to understand and analyze a business. Whether making journal entries, running financial analysis, operating a business, or understanding cash flow, the education I received from the best accounting school in the U.S. proved foundational to what I do today.”
Mills added: “McCombs’ accounting program has always blazed trails, but Jon’s munificent gift has us poised to shape the industry — and the lives of our students — in ways we couldn’t have imagined. We are beyond grateful.”
Shulkin recently joined the McCombs Dean’s Advisory Council. He previously established a scholarship for students in 2018 and contributed toward building James J. and Miriam B. Mulva Hall—the future home for undergraduate education at McCombs.
“An accounting degree from McCombs gives students the tools to add significant value in environments where purpose and innovation matter,” Shulkin said. “I hope McCombs accounting graduates expand their conception of career opportunities, enabling them to have a great life and give back to UT.”
