Klimek Named MSCPA Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year

By Mike Greife, January 26, 2016

WARRENSBURG, MO – Janice Klimek, Ph.D., CPA, professor of accountancy in the School of Accountancy and Computer Information Systems in the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies at the University of Central Missouri, has been named the recipient of the Impact Award from the Missouri Society of CPAs. The society named her Missouri’s 2015 Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year. Klimek received award at the MSCPA’s Awards Celebration Nov. 12, 2015, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The award honors the contributions of accounting professors who demonstrate a dedication to lifelong learning, involvement in curriculum development, research and publication, contributions to the CPA profession, and commitment to effective development of incoming professionals.

Klimek received her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources degree from the University of Nebraska Kearney and Master of Professional Accountancy degree and Ph.D. in Accountancy from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Prior to joining the UCM faculty in 2001, she served on the faculty of Missouri Western State University and maintained an accountancy practice in both public and private settings. In addition to her work in higher education, she maintains a small private tax accounting practice.

Klimek was recognized for her commitment to student development and her ongoing work to ensure the School of Accountancy curriculum is efficient and relevant, revising four tax classes in the last 10 years. She revived the school’s 150-hour program and now serves as advisor for all UCM accounting graduate students. In addition, she was part of the team that secured the school’s AACSB reaccreditation in fall 2015, including the recruiting of three additional faculty members to meet staffing requirements. She remains an active researcher in taxation and pedagogy, studying student performance.

She has served as advisor to UCM’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, also serving on the Beta Alpha Psi national leadership team, mentoring advisors across the nation. She oversees VITA, UCM’s volunteer income tax assistance program, which provides students with firsthand experience as they assist with tax preparation. She recently completed a three-year term on the MSCPA board of directors.