Dr. Kimberly Church, director of the School of Accountancy at Missouri State University, received the prestigious J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize from the American Accounting Association.  

About the prize 

The J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize is the highest national accounting educator award bestowed on a working academic. It is awarded to recognize an individual who consistently demonstrates the attributes of a superior teacher in accounting and of exceptional contributions to accounting education.  

It also celebrates educators who exhibit exemplary dedication, innovation and impact in shaping the future of the accounting profession through their teaching and mentorship. Notably, the award emphasizes achievements made during an academic’s active career.  

A momentous achievement  

Church has made history as the first-ever nominee from MSU to receive this prestigious honor.  

Her achievement contributes to the state of Missouri’s status as a beacon of excellence in accounting education, boasting five Cook prize winners across four campuses, the highest count among all states in the nation. 

“Honestly, I still can’t believe I’m reading my name on the announcement to the academy,” Church said.  

“My mother taught me from an early age that you are who you hang around with. Truly, it’s the outstanding educators I ‘hang around with’ who inspire me to try to be better in the classroom every day.”  

Church’s teaching philosophy and impact 

According to Church, when she teaches, she seeks engagement across the accounting pipeline with a balance of project-based knowledge, task application and terminology discussions using gamification and other experiential learning methods.  

“I emphasize knowledge collaboration to empower, excite and develop problem solvers necessary for an evolving career in the accounting profession,” Church said.  

She guides her students through a dynamic learning journey, navigating emerging technology and innovation within the accounting profession. 

She also collaborates with industry experts to ensure her teaching efforts are aligned with the latest accounting practices. Her aim is to cultivate in her students a genuine enthusiasm for accounting, fostering a pathway toward successful completion of the CPA exam. 

Learn more about the School of Accountancy