Speakers

Margaret H. Christ, PhD, CIA holds the J. M. Tull Chair in Accounting in the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. Her research focuses broadly on management control systems, including the effects of control systems and incentive compensation on employee behavior, the implementation of control systems in inter-organizational collaborations and internal audit practices. She has earned several research awards from the American Accounting Association, including the Accounting Horizons Best Paper award, outstanding paper awards from the Management Accounting Section, Information Systems Section and the ABO Section. Her research is published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Accounting Review, Contemporary Accounting Research, Accounting, Organizations and Society, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, Accounting Horizons and The Journal of Management Accounting Research. Dr. Christ currently serves as an editor for The Accounting Review and Accounting Horizons and has previously served as an editor for the Journal of Management Accounting Research. She serves on the editorial boards of Auditing: A Journal of Practice and Theory, Behavioral Research in Accounting, the Journal of Information Systems, the Journal of Management Accounting Research and Management Accounting Research. Dr. Christ’s research contributes to research and theory. As a result, she serves on the AAA COSO Committee, providing insights to the recent revisions of the COSO Internal Control Integrated Framework, and was recently named to the Institute of Internal Auditors Committee of Research and Education Advisors. The Institute of Internal Auditors, Institute of Management Accountants and Institute for Fraud Prevention have provided grants to support her research that addresses issues important to the profession. 

Dr. Christ teaches accounting analytics and has developed a case-based curriculum that focusing on the use of data analytics and data visualization techniques across all accounting domains. Dr. Christ has developed numerous teaching cases and curriculum materials in conjunction with the EY Academic Resource Center and has presented cases at the AAA Excellence in Auditing Education Workshop, the AAA Management Accounting Section Teaching Symposium and the AAA Accounting is Big Data conference. She and her co-authors won the 2020 Innovation in Accounting Education Award from the AAA for their collection of cases on the data analytics mindset.

In today’s organizations, accountants play a key role in strategic analysis, informed decision-making and guiding business innovation. We will explore how the integration of technology and accounting, particularly through data analytics, is revolutionizing the field and can transform your classroom. When accounting education is combined with cutting-edge technology, students are equipped with the tools to unlock valuable insights from data and contribute to data-driven decision-making. With this skillset, the career possibilities for our students are endless.

Richard Walstra is an accounting professor at Dominican University in River Forest, IL, a near-suburb of Chicago. His career began with several years in public accounting and private industry before transitioning into academia. Most of Richard’s 37 years in higher education were in a dual role as university controller and adjunct professor. After receiving his doctorate in 2015, he moved into a tenure-track faculty position. Richard’s recent research on UDL (with co-author Emilia Chukwuma), Inclusion of Disability Within the Spectrum of Diversity and the Implications for Accounting Education, was published in Issues in Accounting Education and won the 2023 Innovation in Research Award from the Diversity Section of the American Accounting Association.  

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework for teaching and learning that assists faculty in their proactive efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion. With a foundation in neuroscience, UDL focuses on the way students learn. UDL encourages active use of technology, including academic learning management systems. Through the use of UDL concepts, faculty can improve the learning environment and the success of all learners. This presentation will address both the "why" and the "how" of applying UDL within academic courses.

Laurie Burney, PhD, CMA, CSCA, CPA (TN-inactive) is an associate professor and J.E. Bush Professor of Accounting in the department of accounting and business law at Baylor University. She currently serves as IMA’s Professor in Residence. Laurie is a member of the IMA’s Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter, secretary of IMA’s Stuart Cameron McLeod Society, and associate editor of the IMA Educational Case Journal. In 2018, Laurie was recognized with the IMA R. Lee Brummet Distinguished Award for Educators and the Lean Enterprise Institute’s Excellence in Lean Accounting Faculty Award. In 2020, she received the Mark Chain/FSA Innovation in Graduate Teaching Award.

Integrating AI tools into the accounting classroom and research has the potential to revolutionize the way accounting is taught, practiced, and researched. By embracing AI technologies responsibly, educators can equip students and professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of accounting and contribute to its continued growth and innovation. Join Laurie and Kim to learn more about tools you can use to enhance your classroom.

Kimberly Church, PhD, is the Director and FORVIS Professor of Leadership for the school of accountancy at Missouri State University. She serves on the board for the IMA Heartland Council and Kansas City IMA chapter. She is the recipient of the 2018 Jim Bulloch Award in Innovations in Management Accounting Education, the 2019 national IMA Champion, the 2020 IMA Faculty Leadership Award and the 2021 R. Lee Brummet Distinguished Service Award for Educators.

Integrating AI tools into the accounting classroom and research has the potential to revolutionize the way accounting is taught, practiced, and researched. By embracing AI technologies responsibly, educators can equip students and professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of accounting and contribute to its continued growth and innovation. Join Laurie and Kim to learn more about tools you can use to enhance your classroom.

Kyle Goodin has been an accounting instructor at Missouri State University for 2 years. He teaches Introduction to Financial Accounting, Honors Accounting, Professionalism in Accountancy and Government/Not-for-Profit Accounting. Kyle’s career started in revenue reporting, data management and financial statement analysis in healthcare before moving to government fraud audits. After presenting to several classes, he fell in love with the classroom and became a full-time instructor. As an instructor, Kyle has been instrumental in increasing the pipeline of accounting majors at Missouri State by getting students engaged and excited about accounting and using real world tools and data analytics early in the introductory financial accounting course.

In this informative session, discover engaging, gamified techniques that transform the learning experience for your students. Unleash the power of hands-on activities to make numbers and concepts come alive, resulting in increased student comprehension and enthusiasm in your introductory accounting courses. Learn about how Missouri State University has dramatically increased accounting recruitment and retention. 

This is an empowering session that demonstrates how technology is reshaping the landscape of accounting education. Discover innovative digital tools and strategies to engage, motivate, and prepare students for the workforce, making learning more interactive and enjoyable. Join us in this session to stay at the forefront of accounting education innovation and equip your students for success in the competitive realm of finance and accounting.

This session is an extention of Kyle Goodin's morning session and is a dynamic opportunity for educators teaching introductory courses to revitalize their teaching approach. In this interactive session, discover engaging, gamified techniques that transform the learning experience for your students. Unleash the power of hands-on activities to make numbers and concepts come alive, resulting in increased student comprehension and enthusiasm in your introductory accounting courses.

Steve Robbins is the VP of Student Services at the Institute of Internal Auditors

Learn more about the internal audit awareness program, the internal auditing education partnership (IAEP) program and the assistance provided by the Institute of Internal Auditors to colleges and universities interested in promoting internal audit awareness and education. Speakers include the VP of Student Services at the Kansas City Chapter of the IIA and the program coordinator of a local IAEP university.  They will share their experiences, lessons learned, and ways educators can partner with the IIA and provide even more opportunities to current and future students. 

Dr. Gail Yarick is an Associate Professor of Accounting in the Kelce College of Business at Pittsburg State University and she has obtained CPA and CIA certifications.  Dr. Yarick earned her PhD in accounting from Northcentral University and her MBA and BBA from Pittsburg State University. She has professional experience in internal audit, public accounting (audit and tax), corporate accounting and non-profit accounting. Dr. Yarick has taught full-time at PSU since 2009 and her primary teaching areas currently include financial accounting, internal auditing, external auditing and financial statement analysis. Dr. Yarick is the coordinator of the Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) and faculty advisor for the Institute of Internal Auditors Student Chapter and the Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter at PSU.   Dr. Yarick received the PSU Outstanding Faculty Award in 2017 and the Kelce College of Business Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023.  

Learn more about the internal audit awareness program, the internal auditing education partnership (IAEP) program and the assistance provided by the Institute of Internal Auditors to colleges and universities interested in promoting internal audit awareness and education. Speakers include the VP of Student Services at the Kansas City Chapter of the IIA and the program coordinator of a local IAEP university.  They will share their experiences, lessons learned, and ways educators can partner with the IIA and provide even more opportunities to current and future students. 

Dr. Lineros currently teaches AIS, ERP, IT Audit and Internal Audit at the University of North Texas. He previously taught MIS and computer science at UTD, TAMU-Commerce and Brookhaven.  He holds a PhD in Higher Education: Educational Psychology, a Masters in Telecommunications from the University of Dallas, and a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington. His credentials include a CISA, CPA, CIA, CFE, CRISC, CSX and is a Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. He has published numerous articles in journals such as the Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting, ISACA Journal, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, Learning and Performance Quarterly and the Global eLearning Journal. Additionally, he has lectured frequently on blockchain, mobile device security, Wi-Fi architecture vulnerabilities and their business implications. He has contributed IT Audit expertise on an ERP textbook and is the current president of ISACA (Information Systems and Control Association) North Texas. He currently serves as the DFW IIA Professor of Internal Audit.

In the era of artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) like Chat GPT-4.0 and Bard have revolutionized our interaction with machines, offering unprecedented capabilities in natural language processing. However, like all software-driven systems, they are not immune to vulnerabilities. This presentation will delve into the potential avenues through which LLMs can be exploited or corrupted.

Preston Curless is an accelerated Master of Accountancy Student. He works as a graduate assistant for the School of Accountancy at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. He has also served as a mentor for many undergraduate accounting classes and is the President of Missouri State University’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter. Preston started his college career as an engineering student and switched to accounting after taking several engineering project management and planning courses. Preston will graduate in May 2025 and go on to work as an auditor at The Whitlock Company, a firm located in Springfield, Missouri. There, he will focus on local non-profits in the area.

This session is an extention of Kyle Goodin's morning session and is a dynamic opportunity for educators teaching introductory courses to revitalize their teaching approach. In this interactive session, discover engaging, gamified techniques that transform the learning experience for your students. Unleash the power of hands-on activities to make numbers and concepts come alive, resulting in increased student comprehension and enthusiasm in your introductory accounting courses.

David Vicknair, D.B.A., is a long-time teacher with more 25 years of experience educating Rockhurst University students. Currently, Vicknair is an associate professor of accounting and the director of curriculum management and assessment for the Helzberg School of Management.

Vicknair has held faculty positions at Louisiana State University, where he saw Shaquille O'Neil play, and at Gonzaga University, in his words, "after John Stockton but before it became a basketball powerhouse."

Vicknair's teaching focus includes intermediate accounting, advanced accounting and not-for-profit accounting. He also teaches accounting and finance to Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine students enrolled in the Healthcare Leadership MBA program. He has authored or co-authored articles in healthcare, accounting and finance, some of which have appeared in leading education journals.

He grew up in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but now resides in Overland Park, Kansas, with his wife Betsy, son David Michael, and dog Bungie, who loves to chase squirrels. A dedicated family man at heart and in practice, Vicknair demonstrates many of the core values that Rockhurst is committed to and is an excellent role model who has influenced many students.

The key to successful AoL strategies is the alignment of program learning outcomes with accreditation standards, the use of varied assessment methods, and a commitment to continuous improvement based on assessment results. Accreditation standards can vary depending on the accrediting body or organization, but AoL strategies generally aim to demonstrate that students have achieved specific learning outcomes. Attend this round table session to share your program innovations to meet industry standards, while also sharing best practices for demonstrating compliance with accreditation standards. Let's think outside the box! 

Dr. Bruce Runyan is an associate teaching professor of accounting at the University of Missouri - Columbia. He teaches primarily in the areas of financial and managerial accounting with an emphasis on emerging technologies. After a career in public accounting and software development, he taught his first accounting class in 1995 and has been in academic since completing coursework at Texas A&M University in 2003. Dr. Runyan started accounting conferences in east Texas, western North Carolina, and north Texas. He has been advisor to the Professional Accountants Student Society (PASS) and Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). He is active in the Institute of Management Accountants and regularly organizes student attendance at the IMA Student Leadership Conference.

Employers and accounting education accreditation standards require that our graduates have technology agility, but many of our departments lack the faculty expertise to deliver the coursework.  We are all working at or above capacity, so how do we get up to speed and deliver a quality course?  How do we give our students tech tools to be career ready?  This session answers that question.  This session will provide you with resources and contacts so that you can deliver a course even if you are not 100% comfortable with your tech skills.  Even if you are not there yet,  it’s not about you – it’s about your students.  The desired outcome of this session is that you will have the resources to insure that your students are tech ready.   We will specifically discuss artificial intelligence, data analytics, Power BI, Alteryx, Blockchain, cybersecurity, Excel, and Robotic Process Automation.

Kristen Thornton is an Instructor at Missouri State University (MSU) and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy degree from MSU as well. Kristen is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). She joined the MSU School of Accountancy in 2017 after spending almost 3 years in the industry as a Financial Analyst at Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. in Springfield, MO. Kristen primarily teaches in the managerial accounting track with Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Cost Accounting II, and Managerial Accounting in the Executive MBA program as her main courses taught. She has enhanced her position in MSU’s School of Accountancy by also becoming a co-faculty advisor for the Accounting Club/Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Student Chapter. Being a Springfieldian through and through, she lives there with her husband, Craig, and daughter, Jessie. 

In this informative session, discover engaging, gamified techniques that transform the learning experience for your students. Unleash the power of hands-on activities to make numbers and concepts come alive, resulting in increased student comprehension and enthusiasm in your introductory accounting courses. Learn about how Missouri State University has dramatically increased accounting recruitment and retention. 

Stephanie DeRosa is an Associate Portfolio Manager at McGraw Hill Education.  She oversees upper level accounting products, including Auditing, Advanced, Cost Accounting, Government and Not-for-Profit,  and Financial Statement Analysis. In this role, she works with authors to strategize and develop content, and partners with marketing and sales to support customers.  Prior to joining McGraw Hill, Stephanie was a Development Editor working on academic digital content. A born and raised New Yorker, Stephanie graduated from Binghamton University and currently lives in Philadelphia.