A Trifecta of Excellence: Honoring Outstanding Contributions in Teaching, Research, and Service in Our Accounting Department

We are thrilled to announce that our Accounting Department has achieved an unprecedented level of recognition this year, underscoring our commitment to quality education, groundbreaking research, and dedicated service to the community. Our faculty have been recognized with awards for Outstanding Teaching, Research, and Service—a trifecta of honors that truly sets us apart!

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?? Leon P. Hermsen Outstanding Teaching Award - Dr. Brian Huels

In a department renowned for educational excellence, Dr. Huels sets himself apart with consistently outstanding teaching evaluations. Remarkably, these evaluations come despite his rigorous academic standards, as reflected in his course GPA summaries. Students consistently express admiration for Dr. Huels' enthusiasm, dedication, and availability, reinforcing his ability to build an extraordinary rapport with them.

His impact on the student body is so profound that he has been repeatedly mentioned in the “Hired Before Graduation” campaign, signifying the tangible outcomes of his teaching methods. In addition to winning three University of Wisconsin Whitewater (UWW) student government teaching awards, Dr. Huels was also honored as the 2019 College of Business and Economics (CoBE) online instructor of the year.

One of his most notable courses is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) course, an experiential learning program where students prepare tax returns for the community. This real-world application of accounting principles enriches the educational experience and directly benefits our local community.

Dr. Huels is also expanding his teaching influence by leading courses at the UWW Rock County campus and introducing high school students to accounting through the Partners in Education (PIE) program online.

This award is a testament to Dr. Huels' remarkable abilities as an educator, recognizing his tireless commitment to academic excellence and student success.

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?? Outstanding Research Award - Dr. Avishek Bhandari

Dr. Bhandari has earned a reputation for outstanding research in financial accounting and auditing. His work is consistently featured in top-tier, A* rated academic journals. Covering a range of vital issues, his research addresses everything from firm-level stock repurchase behavior to the impact of psychological capital and institutional investors on the quality of financial reporting.

But Dr. Bhandari's influence doesn't stop at academic acclaim. His research also has significant real-world applications. For instance, it enriches the curriculum of our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program by providing students with essential research skills.

In addition to his own research, Dr. Bhandari is a sought-after collaborator, working with respected academics across the nation. He also serves the field as a reviewer for an impressive list of prestigious journals, including the Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, Journal of Corporate Finance, Journal of Business Ethics, Research Policy, Managerial Auditing Journal, Issues in Accounting Education, Journal of Accounting Education, Corporate Governance: An International Review, and Managerial Finance.

This award stands as well-deserved recognition of Dr. Bhandari's exemplary contributions to the field of accounting, showcasing both the academic rigor and the practical relevance of his research.

?? Robert Gruber Outstanding Service Award - Dr. Jodi Gissel

Dr. Gissel's commitment to service is unparalleled, serving as the guiding light for our primary student organization, Beta Alpha Psi. She also founded the Accounting Society this year to engage younger students, introducing innovative events like "Meet Your Professor" and "Accounting Jeopardy."

Her involvement doesn't stop there. Dr. Gissel is an integral part of multiple department committees, including leading the student tutoring lab and contributing to the fundraising/publicity committee. She even crafts the Weekly Account Newsletter, showcasing her attention to both overarching and detailed aspects of departmental life.

?Beyond our department, she serves on various college and university committees and contributes to the DBA program as a dissertation chair or committee member.

Outside of our institution, Dr. Gissel serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Accounting Education, exemplifying a level of professional service beyond what is usually expected for an assistant professor.

This award is a fitting tribute to Dr. Gissel, whose extraordinary service enriches both our academic community and the broader profession.

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?? Congratulations to Dr. Brian Huels , Dr. Avishek Bhandari, Ph.D., CPA , and Dr. Jodi Gissel !

These honors are not just individual achievements but also reflect the collective efforts of our entire department. They spotlight the level of expertise, commitment, and excellence you can expect when you engage with us—whether as a student, a research partner, or a community collaborator.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey. We are immensely proud of our team and excited to continue leading the way in accounting education, research, and service!