ST. PETERSBURG — Mike Sinclair, a senior instructor in the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, has been named National Chapter Advisor of the Year by Delta Sigma Pi, the nation’s largest co-ed professional business fraternity.
Sinclair, who advises the Rho Psi Chapter at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, received the award during the fraternity’s Grand Chapter Congress in Palm Springs in early August.
He is the only advisor nationwide to be recognized this year.
“Being selected as Delta Sigma Pi’s National Chapter Advisor of the Year is incredibly meaningful to me,” Sinclair said. “Personally, it affirms my commitment to helping students grow both professionally and personally. For our chapter, it highlights the dedication and energy of our students at USF St. Petersburg. Their hard work in recruiting, service, academics, and campus engagement truly made this recognition possible, it’s as much their award as it is mine.”
The award recognizes chapters for achievements in recruiting, service, academics, and campus relations. Advisors are nominated by their chapters, and Rho Psi’s letter highlighted Sinclair’s impact on both the organization and its members.
“Professor Sinclair leverages his roles with the local DSP Alumni Chapter, the USF Alumni Society, and other service organizations to advocate for internships and career opportunities for DSP brothers,” the nomination letter stated. It also cited his frequent coordination with businesses to host professional events, as well as his willingness to write letters of recommendation or connect students directly with his professional network.
The letter described his mentorship as extending well beyond academics, offering “practical career development and lifelong support.” His emphasis on diversity and inclusion was also noted as a defining strength. According to the chapter, Sinclair’s recruitment speeches regularly underscore the fraternity’s values of welcoming all students and building a community that reflects those commitments.
“What I enjoy most is watching students step into leadership roles and grow in confidence,” Sinclair said of his role as faculty advisor. “My approach to mentoring is to listen first, guide when needed, and encourage students to take ownership of their experiences.”
Delta Sigma Pi has more than 224 active collegiate chapters and over 300,000 initiated members nationwide. Its mission is to help business students build leadership skills, professional networks and a commitment to service.
“My approach to mentoring is to listen first, guide when needed, and encourage students to take ownership of their experiences,” — Mike Sinclair
Sinclair has taught at USF since 2013, offering courses in auditing, taxation and financial accounting. He previously worked in public and corporate accounting, co-founded a sales and marketing consulting firm and served as a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service until his retirement in 2023. He is a licensed CPA and a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.
His dual role as instructor and advisor, he said, allows him to see students apply lessons from the classroom in real-world settings.
“In the classroom, I provide students with technical knowledge in accounting and taxation,” Sinclair said. “As an advisor, I see students apply those skills in practical, leadership-based situations. Both roles complement each other, my teaching informs my advising, and my advising allows me to connect classroom learning to real-world application.”
Looking ahead, Sinclair said he hopes students carry forward a commitment to professionalism, service and lifelong learning.
“The friendships, leadership lessons and service mindset they build in Delta Sigma Pi will serve them well in both their careers and personal lives,” he said.