With a strong belief that a professional education division would benefit the rapidly expanding reputation of the business college at the University of North Texas (UNT), Dr. Marvin Berkeley, then Dean of the College of Business Administration, founded the Professional Development Institute (PDI) in 1973.
PDI initially operated as a department within the university's College of Business. Eleven years later, in March 1984, PDI was incorporated as a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation. Dr. Berkeley's vision regarding professional education led him to form an executive board in 1980, linking successful business people with PDI in an advisory capacity.
With the board's help, the Institute's first director - and president - Dr. Paden Neeley, guided the organization to a national reputation as a leading provider of education for accountants. In 1999, the popular accounting division was sold to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). PDI then refocused its energies to deliver corporate on-site, public and energy-related training.
PDI has established a strong presence for training and education in niche markets such as oil & gas accounting, paralegal, financial planning and most recently, private investigations.
PDI and UNT have historically maintained a mutually beneficial partnership. PDI works with faculty at UNT as well as experienced industry professional to create practical, applicable training and education for professionals world-wide, and subsequently returns profits beyond operating expenses to the University. Over the years, PDI has contributed more than $13.1 million to the university, funding endowments, professorships, special events, and items such as College of Business Administration computer lab equipment.