College of Business
Accounting Magazine
DECEMBER 2024 / ISSUE 9
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Message from the Chair
Dr. Oksana Kim
Dear Students, Alumni, and Friends of the Accounting Program,
MESSAGE FROM MACC DIRECTOR
STUDENT DEVELOPMENT, RECRUITMENT, ENGAGEMENT & ACHIEVEMENTS
Another semester has passed quickly, and we are approaching the holidays with limited snow in sight (again). This fall we welcomed a new Assistant Professor of Accounting, Jidong Zhang, Ph.D., who joined us from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Professor Zhang’s specialty is in information systems and accounting analytics, and we are very excited that he chose Minnesota State Mankato as his new home. Jidong is a scholarly academic professor who has published extensively in reputable journals. You will find more information regarding his experience and aspirations in this issue. In September, we hosted another successful Advisory Council meeting, and our signature Meet the Firms event on campus. Both of these events are instrumental to the success of our program and our accounting students. We greatly appreciate the support of the public accounting firms, private businesses, and governmental agencies that joined us this year. Most importantly, our undergraduate accounting program saw increased student enrollment for the second year in a row, while our Master of Accounting program continued its impressive growth. Overall, the Fall 2024 semester has been a story of success for our faculty, students, and partners.
I would like to inform you that I have decided to transition out of the department chair role when my current term ends in December of 2024. My term started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and every year has since brought additional challenges in the form of economic and political uncertainty, higher education funding concerns and budget cuts, and declining enrollment in accounting programs reported nationwide. Regardless of these obstacles, over the past 4.5 years of my leadership, our department demonstrated strong positions in enrollment, student placement, external partnerships, and alumni relations, to name a few areas where we succeeded—despite the pandemic and downward trends. I believe the department and our programs are better positioned, and my successor will have a strong foundation to continue this positive trajectory. I look into the future with great optimism and hope for even more achievements from our students and faculty. My future plans include teaching Intermediate Accounting I and Corporate Governance in Spring 2025 and taking a sabbatical in the 2025-2026 academic year to focus on research. As they say, everything happens for a reason; we should live it and learn from it. I am excited to turn this page and to start a new one.
I am grateful for the work every faculty member of the department has done during this challenging time. Additionally, I appreciate the support that all of you have provided over the years to me personally and to our faculty group, and I hope to see you again in the future. Happy Holidays!
Best wishes,
Oksana Kim, Ph.D., FCCA Chair, Department of Accounting & Business Law
New Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Jidong Zhang worked in many fields in various industries, across many countries, with accounting being the cornerstone of his career. He believes accounting broadens his perspective, sharpens his mind, and enhances his skills, finding it applicable to many aspects of his life. His favorite aspect of teaching is seeing students grow and build confidence, where he helps students discover their potential and develop skills for their careers.
Dr. Zhang’s favorite aspect of Minnesota State Mankato is its supportive and diverse community, which fosters a nurturing environment for students and faculty. He believes students should choose the accounting program for its emphasis on student-centered learning, which provides them with a significant competitive advantage. Professor Zhang says, “We not only prepare students to pursue degrees and certifications but also equip them to become effective, ethical, and innovative professionals.”
Outside of teaching, Dr. Zhang enjoys being active through sports like soccer, table tennis, and badminton. He is passionate about learning new technologies and enthusiastic about exploring the latest innovations and IT products. He commits to making a difference through volunteering in his community. Professor Zhang is actively involved with several boards for education and CPA associations and currently serves as a commissioner on Rochester, Minnesota’s Sustainability Committee.
Dates to Remember
• Spring Semester begins January 13
• Accounting Golf Event
May 16
Message from the MAcc Director
Dr. Byron Pike
This fall semester was a whirlwind filled with many successes from the students and faculty at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Our unusually warm weather created the impression that the term transitioned abruptly from summer to its conclusion. Despite the many urges to get outside before the weather changed, this edition of the accounting magazine features numerous amazing stories and accomplishments from the semester. From a programmatic standpoint, we continue to defy many national trends and are experiencing continued accounting enrollment growth. At the graduate level, this includes a 20 percent growth in our Master of Accounting (MAcc) enrollment and preMAcc pathway, which is now tied to our new Accelerated Accounting Certificate credential. This success is not due to happenstance. Rather, it is a result of sustained efforts by the faculty and staff at Minnesota State Mankato. As you will read in this edition, we are actively recruiting individuals into accounting from local high schools, introductory business classes, and adult learners looking to change career paths. Once in our program, we strive to support our students through providing a world class education, fostering career development, and creating a culture of care. Our partnerships with businesses have yielded many amazing employment, scholarship, and touchpoints for our students. This fall term included the engagement activities of our Meet the Firms career fair, Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting and Finance Club networking, classroom visits, partner panels, and firm visits to name a few.
I want to offer my sincere gratitude to everyone who contributes to the collective effort that makes our accounting program exceptional. This includes the faculty and staff that go above and beyond to ensure our students are supported and have opportunities for success. Our alumni and business partners not only provide incredible internship and employment opportunities but also give their time to mentor and develop our students. Donors are critically
important, as our students typically juggle many obligations while pursuing their education. I want to provide specific recognition and a big thank you to our MAcc Graduate Assistants (GAs). Each year, we are fortunate to have 3-4 GAs that are vital to the undergraduate program. These individuals are the ambassadors of our program. They provide tutoring services, teach an accounting cycles course, provide mentorship, help recruit new accounting students, and engage in many projects to assist us. Many thanks to Audrey Kamps, Faith Milton, Lauren Reuter, and Lexi Scharlemann for everything you did this fall semester.
Finally, as discussed in her message, Dr. Oksana Kim is completing her term as department chair. Dr. Kim took over as chair during a difficult time, as we navigated our way through the COVID-19 pandemic. In my role, I work very closely with the department chair. I saw firsthand the passion that Dr. Kim has for our students and the many contributions she made to the department. She was an integral part of the success that we have been able to achieve. While it wasn’t always easy as we had to navigate several challenges, Dr. Kim’s leadership was instrumental and much appreciated. Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your service!
As you can see, YOUR support is a big reason why our accounting program is truly special. Please feel free to reach out to me directly (byron.pike@mnsu.edu) if you are looking for help with recruitment, engagement, or wish to provide scholarships to our students.
Go Mavs!
Byron J. Pike, Ph.D., CPA
The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director
Student Development, Recruitment, Engagement & Achievements
Meet the Firms
The College of Business hosted its premier career fair for accounting and finance majors, Meet the Firms (MTF) on September 19th. The fair includes employers from public accounting firms, private industry companies, and government agencies. MTF had record-breaking attendance of both firms/companies and students.
There were 56 firms and over 375 students. This total represents over 100 more students than past events. Students networked and learned about different companies and their accounting and finance opportunities. The number and caliber of our students impressed the employers. Employers mentioned that this was the best MTF they had attended. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the event. We hope to see record-breaking attendance again in 2025. We would like to give special thanks to all the firms/companies/agencies that participated. We hope to see you at next year’s career fair!
Student Development, Recruitment, Engagement & Achievements
Accounting Advisory Board
The Accounting and Business Law Department at Minnesota State University, Mankato held its annual Accounting Advisory Council Meeting prior to Meet the Firms. At the meeting, members received an update from the Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Bach, and the department presented the current state of the accounting program. Dean Bach announced a new project, the Maverick Innovation Gateway. This is a physical space in University Square (located at the old Maverick Bookstore) and is intended to house College of Business high-impact programs. Members then held an open discussion surrounding Minnesota State Mankato’s accounting program and the current state of the profession. Highlights of this meeting include the following.
• The undergraduate accounting program had a 10% increase in enrollment, standing apart from other Minnesota State schools who have faced declines.
• The Master of Accounting (MAcc) program grew 20% from Fall 2023 to Fall 2024.
• Council members discussed the topics affecting their companies/firms. These topics included recruitment, staffing, outsourcing, and remote work arrangements.
• Members evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of MSU students, identifying areas for improvement.
• Emphasis was placed on emerging technologies and how our students can obtain a background that is suited for an everchanging business environment.
In addition to our advisory meeting, many Council Members, and representatives from supportive firms/companies were able to join us for a Maverick hockey game on November 9th, versus the University of St. Thomas. Along with an exciting shootout win, we continued to foster relationships that help elevate our accounting program.
A special thank you to our Accounting Advisory Council Members
Chris Austin Taylor Corporation
Ashley Forrer ........ Froehling Anderson
Joe Hellman Redpath and Company
Samantha Tramp............ Copeland Buhl
Tim McNeal RSM
Chris Powers Abdo
Jesse Stamm ......... United Health Group
Heather Thielges Eide Bailly
Dan Wagner........... Federated Insurance
Morgan Wallace Murry & Associates
Derek Wills CarlsonSV
Matt Wills................................ LB Carlson
Brittany Wencl Clifton Larson Allen
Recruiting the Next Generation of Accountants/ Eide Bailly Faculty Fellowship
Professor Sean Fingland has served as the Eide Bailly Faculty Fellow for the past three years. One of the key responsibilities of the fellowship is to assist with recruiting new students into the accounting profession. To that end, Professor Fingland focused on two groups: (1) ACCT200 students—ACCT200 is an introductory financial accounting course taken as a prerequisite to enter the College of Business and (2) high school students.
With the assistance of accounting faculty and in partnership with the Minnesota Society of CPAs (MNCPA) and other corporate partners (Copeland Buhl and KPMG), presentations were delivered to most ACCT200 sections starting in the Fall 2022 semester. Each class received a presentation highlighting the benefits and opportunities of a career in accounting. In addition, select students were invited to visit local or Metro Area accounting firms (Eide Bailly, Abdo, KPMG, Copeland Buhl, RSM, and Boulay) to learn more about the profession and the firm hosts. For the Metro Area visits, students were provided transportation via Coach Bus. All visits included a similar agenda, featuring an office tour, lunch or snacks, a panel discussion, a fun activity with prizes, and a gift bag for all attendees.
With the assistance of Eide Bailly employees and members of Beta Alpha Psi, Accounting and Finance Club (BAPAFC), presentations were made to nine high schools and six multi-high school career events. Presentations focused on introducing the accounting profession and highlighting its benefits and opportunities. In the Fall 2024 semester, partnering with the MNCPA, Eide Bailly, Abdo, Eckberg Power, and BAP-AFC, Minnesota State University, Mankato hosted an Accounting Career Summit for a group of 40 high school students from Bloomington, Jordan, and New Ulm, Minnesota. Students learned about the accounting profession, completed case-based activities, asked questions of a panel, had lunch and took a campus tour.
On November 7th, 2024, Professor Fingland and representatives from Eide Bailly attended the Greater Mankato Growth Business Awards and Hall of Fame Event. Eide Bailly was nominated along with two other area businesses for the “Talent Innovation Award.” Eide Bailly was declared the winner for their work connected to this fellowship.
Eide Bailly representatives and Professor Fingland at the Mankato Growth Business Awards event
MNCPA Accounting Career Summit
MNCPA Accounting Career Summit Agenda
Student Development, Recruitment, Engagement & Achievements
Congratulations to some of our new Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Graduates from the accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato have performed well on the CPA exams. We want to highlight a few graduates who recently achieved the professional milestone of passing the CPA exam, sharing their advice for current students, and reflecting on their memories from their time at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Lauren Reuter
Lauren is a graduate assistant in the Master of Accounting Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and will begin a full-time position at Deloitte after her graduation in December. Growing up in Mankato, MN, Lauren appreciates how MSU’s accounting program prepared her for real-world challenges by blending technical knowledge with practical application—skills she found essential while studying for the CPA exam. She encourages students to pursue internships and work experiences, which provide invaluable hands-on learning. Lauren chose accounting for its logical and structured approach to understanding business and appreciates the field’s endless opportunities for growth and specialization.
Courtney Bartz
Courtney is an Audit Associate at Eide Bailly and a native of Waseca, MN. At Minnesota State University, Mankato, she gained not only technical expertise but also essential skills in collaboration, time management, and professionalism. Courtney advises students to start CPA exam preparation early, as the process can begin before completing their undergraduate studies. Her passion for accounting started in high school, where her involvement with Business Professionals of America solidified her interest in the field. Courtney values accounting for its mix of analytical problem-solving and practical application, which continues to drive her career success.
Amy Mathiowetz
Amy, an accounting instructor at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, MN, is originally from Stewart, MN. She earned a Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree from MSU, where she appreciated the collaborative Zoom sessions and supportive professors in the online program. These experiences deepened her understanding of complex accounting concepts and inspired her teaching approach. Amy emphasizes time management and dedication to students preparing for the CPA exam. She loves teaching accounting for its ability to connect theory with real-world practice and believes the field offers limitless opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Trey Jacobson
Trey, a Senior Accountant at Williams & Company, PC, grew up in Estherville, IA. His time at MSU’s accounting program gave him valuable experience with group work, fostering his problem-solving abilities and appreciation for diverse perspectives. Trey advises students to ask questions and build relationships with professors, highlighting how the program’s challenging coursework prepares students for the CPA exam and professional life. He chose accounting for its versatility and believes it is the language of business, providing valuable insights even beyond traditional roles in the field.
Maleia Sandgren
Maleia is a tax associate at CLA in New Ulm, MN, specializing in the Agribusiness, Food, and Beverage Industry. Growing up on a farm near Buffalo Lake, MN, she discovered her interest in accounting while participating in Future Farmers of America’s Farm Business Management team. At MSU, Maleia valued the strong connections she built with peers and professors, along with opportunities to teach as a graduate assistant. She encourages students to embrace lifelong learning to adapt to evolving regulations in the field. Maleia enjoys accounting for its dynamic challenges and diverse opportunities, particularly in serving businesses and individuals.
Trevor Muller-Hegel
Trevor is a tax accountant at Fox Tax in Northeast Minneapolis and a native of Missoula, MT. During his time at MSU’s accounting program, he valued collaborative group projects, which offered meaningful connections and teamwork skills, even in online learning environments. Trevor advises students to look beyond technical details to understand the broader impact of their work. His interest in accounting grew from managing finances for his theatre scenery business, sparking a passion for numbers and financial planning. Trevor appreciates the way accounting combines analytical precision with creative problem-solving.
Faith Garbers
Faith is an Audit Associate at KPMG and a native of Mankato, MN. Her experience in MSU’s accounting program taught her the importance of professional communication and self-advocacy, skills that continue to benefit her today. Faith’s advice to students is to develop study habits that promote lifelong learning, as the field requires continuous growth even after earning the CPA license. Inspired by an early appreciation for accounting’s structured approach to problem-solving, she enjoys the dynamic challenges of applying her knowledge in a professional environment and contributing to her team’s success.
Honoring an Accounting Alumnus and Family Member: Robert Zylstra
The Accounting and Business Law Department would like to extend a special thank you to Marvin and Cork Zylstra and their family. In the Spring of 2024, the Zylstra Family made a donation to Minnesota State University, Mankato to create the Robert Zylstra Endowment. This endowment provides two new, annual scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded to accounting or agribusiness majors who reside in rural southern Minnesota or northern Iowa. The Zylstra Family established the Endowment to honor the life of Robert Zylstra and to help students reach their “dreams.”
Robert “Bob” Zylstra was born on March 26, 1942, to parents Joe Zylstra and Margaret Groendyke Zylstra. In 1948, his parents purchased a 160-acre farm north of Worthington, Minnesota, and moved the family to their new home. Bob graduated from high school in 1960 and then obtained his Associate of Arts in business and accounting from Worthington Junior College.
Bob served in the United States Army Reserves. His unit, the 452nd, was a Quarter Supply Company focused on ensuring military troops had the supplies needed to conduct their missions. In 1968, the 452nd was deployed to Vietnam. Bob’s brother, Corliss, was already serving in Vietnam. This allowed Bob to choose between remaining in the United States or serving in Vietnam. He chose to serve his country in Vietnam for one year before being discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bob was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.
After returning to the United States, Bob used the G.I. Bill to attend Mankato State University, where he continued his studies in business and accounting. He finished his degree and was awaiting employment offers in Arizona and Iowa, while completing temporary work in the Mankato area.
Tragically, Bob was involved in an accident on October 2, 1971, and suffered brain injuries. He passed away on October 3, 1971, at the age of 29. Bob was survived by his wife Peggy, stepson Steven, and immediate family members.
The Robert Zylstra Endowment will honor the legacy of Bob and help others achieve their goals and aspirations. We appreciate the generosity of the Zylstra family and welcome the opportunity to help carry on Bob’s passion for business and accounting.
The Robert Zylstra Endowment will honor the legacy of Bob and help others achieve their goals and aspirations.
Robert Zylstra
PCAOB Scholars Program
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that funds collected from PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) monetary penalties be used to support a meritbased scholarship program for students pursuing accredited accounting degrees. Established in 2011, the PCAOB Scholars Program aims to support exceptional students who are likely to pursue careers in accounting and auditing, thereby ensuring the integrity and strength of the profession.
The program provides scholarships to students nominated by participating institutions, which are selected based on their accreditation status and the number of accounting
graduates they produce each year. The scholarships ease students’ financial burdens and encourage them to consider accounting, particularly auditing, as a career path. Through these efforts, the PCAOB Scholars Program is not only investing in individual students but also contributing to the long-term growth of the accounting profession.
In the summer of 2024, two current Minnesota State University, Mankato accounting students were nominated and selected to receive PCAOB scholarships. This marks the first time that an MSU student was selected for one of these substantial awards.
PCAOB 2024 Scholars
Jasmine Lamar
Jasmine’s passion for accounting began in high school, where career surveys consistently pointed her toward the field. She took her first accounting course in her junior year and was captivated by the accounting equation (assets = liabilities + owner’s equity) and the basics of debits, credits, and journal entries. She initially found accounting easy, and since then, it has remained her chosen career path. On campus, Jasmine has been actively involved in the first-generation learning community, connecting with other first-generation students, and worked in a student financial services role through a work-study job. In her senior year, she joined the anime club to share her love for anime with others. Jasmine is set to graduate in May 2025, but if she obtains an internship, she plans to graduate in December 2025. Post-graduation, she aims to sit for the CPA exam and hopes to work for an accounting firm. To students in introductory accounting classes, Jasmine advises persistence: “There may be times when you question your ability, but don’t listen to those doubts. Push through, even when it gets hard.”
Tyler Steffen
Tyler’s passion for numbers began at an early age, when he counted his snacks before he would eat them. He began his accounting journey through taking college courses while in high school. He took accounting classes as part of his transfer pathway program and decided to pursue a four-year accounting degree. Tyler’s involvement with Beta Alpha Psi-Accounting and Finance Club and the Honors Program, where he holds leadership positions in both, taught him the importance of surrounding himself with people who hold similar goals and values, as well as meeting people from all over campus. Tyler interned at Abdo during his undergraduate career and plans to work there full-time after graduating in May 2025. He plans to pursue his Master of Accounting degree at MSU post-graduation and become a CPA within two years. To students starting in accounting, Tyler emphasizes staying curious, as the many roads in accounting may not be shown in your first accounting class. He also wants students to remember “to always attend class with a smile and an attitude suited to learn good accounting.”
Scholarship Recipients
We would like to express our gratitude to the alumni, faculty, and friends for their generosity, continued support, and confidence in our students’ potential. Join us in congratulating the students receiving 2024-2025 accounting awards and scholarships:
Abdo Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................................................................ Katelyn Missling
Abdo Accounting Scholarship ...................................................................................................................................................................... Erica Lee
Abdo Family Accounting Scholarship ............................................................................................................................................... Nuno Munofa
Abdo Family Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................................................ Aakanshya Thapa
Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship ......................................................................................................................... Daniel Drill-Mellum
Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship ......................................................................................................................................... April Weller
Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Mia Fjelsta
Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Isabelle Thompson
Accounting Alumni & Friends Scholarship Linda Doe
Accounting Senior of the Year Award Haley Nelson
Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Scholarship Elizabeth Peterson
Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Scholarship Nick Gess
Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Scholarship ...................................................................................................... Cassandra FitzHenry
Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Scholarship ....................................................................................................................... Kade Noyes
Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Scholarship ...................................................................................................................... Faith Milton
Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................................ Natalie Doran
Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship ............................................................................................................................. Emily Noeldner
Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................................. Elfaz Hussien
Clinton Kind Family Accounting Scholarship ......................................................................................................................... Madolley Kamara
Dan Welty Business Law Scholarship................................................................................................................................................... Nicole Klein
Daryl and Karyl Henze Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................... Elizabeth Renteria
Daryl and Karyl Henze Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................ Marco Sustaita Villa
Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship .......................................................................................................................................................Paige Dahal
Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Mason Snow
Dawn Courrier/KPMG Scholarship Michael Pennington
Dr. Paul Schwinghammer Accounting Scholarship Faith Miller
Eide Bailly Accounting Scholarship Miranda Breck
Eide Bailly Accounting Scholarship Alexis Bellrichard
Federated Insurance Accounting Scholarship............................................................................................................................ Christine Obialo
Gomez Bahamas Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................................... Erin Ocloo-Yeke
Gomez Bahamas Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................Aminah Alemayehu-Marciniak
Heintz + Clark Accounting and Finance Scholarship............................................................................................................... Anania Berhanu
Heintz + Clark Accounting and Finance Scholarship............................................................................................................... Eyuel Gezahegn
Hellman Family Accounting Scholarship...................................................................................................................................... Jason Bierbaum
Joan and Brad Brolsma Accounting Scholarship .................................................................................................... Angie Castorena Gonsalez
Lyndon E. Opsal Memorial Scholarship................................................................................................................................................. Sarai Perez
MAcc Graduate Assistant Scholarship .................................................................................................................................... Alexis Scharlemann
MAcc Graduate Assistant Scholarship .............................................................................................................................................. Lauren Reuter
MAcc Graduate Assistant Scholarship ................................................................................................................................................. Faith Milton
MAcc Graduate Assistant Scholarship ............................................................................................................................................. Audrey Kamps
Minnesota Society of CPA’s-Southern Chapter Accounting Scholarships ....................................................................................... Tou Thao
Minnesota Society of CPA’s-Southern Chapter Accounting Scholarships .................................................................... Mohamud Abdiasis
Minnesota Society of CPA’s Endowed Scholarship............................................................................................................................ Thor Keilen
Murry & Associates Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................................................... Eric Fang
N. Patrick Baker Accounting Scholarship ...................................................................................................................................Bitania Admassie
RSM Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................................................... Gbogbo Axel Diomande
RSM Accounting Scholarship ................................................................................................................................................................Scott Rickard
Sam Erickson Endowed Scholarship ............................................................................................................................................ Thomas Dressen
Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship ........................................................................................................... Christian Meouchy
Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship Alex Wittwer
Timothy J. Dwyer Business Accounting Scholarship Yudai Komiyama
Toivo Luoma Memorial Accounting Scholarship Filsan Ebrahim
Werner Fick Accounting Scholarship Alina Shrestha
Consolidated Communications Business Scholarship Madelyn Yetzer
Consolidated Communications Business Scholarship ................................................................................................................. Lauren Yenish
Dr. Oliver J. Mulford Family Scholarship ................................................................................................................................ Reagan Thompson
Dr. Oliver J. Mulford Family Scholarship ........................................................................................................................... Dominick Sudheimer
Elmer T. and Nina C. Anderson Endowed Scholarship ............................................................................................................. Badariah Umar
Federated Insurance Business Transfer Student Scholarship ......................................................................................................... Jacob Green
Hyland Family COB Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students .....................................................................................................Becky Borg
Institute of Internal Auditors-Twin Cities Chapter Scholarship ................................................................................................... Tyler Steffen
Jason and Janet Westerlund Football Business Scholarship ......................................................................................................Nathan Gribble
Lynette McCue Scholarship ...............................................................................................................................................................Cassidy Schultz
Richard L. Wagner Scholarship.............................................................................................................................................................. Luke Mulder
Tim Bosiacki/TruStone Financial Foundation Excellence in Finance Studies Scholarship ......................................... Mara Richardson
Wells Fargo College of Business Cultural Diversity Scholarship ................................................................................................ Elfaz Hussien
Faculty and Staff News
Faculty Research
When faculty members are not teaching, advising, or providing services to the university, they engage in scholarly activities that advance the body of knowledge in accounting. In many instances, this research also informs the faculty members’ teaching, creating a better learning environment in the classroom. Below are the 2024 publications of the Accounting and Business Law Department faculty, along with a synopsis of their projects. You may contact the faculty members directly if you are interested in learning more about their research endeavors.
Chui, L., Pike, B., and K. Martin. 2024. External Auditor’s Reliance Decision on the Internal Audit Function: A Qualitative Analysis on the Coordination Process. Journal of Risk and Financial Management 17.
This research examines the coordination between a client’s internal audit function (IAF) and external auditors to understand how it impacts the external auditor’s decision to rely on the IAF. Through surveying external auditors, the authors deepen our understanding of the benefits of coordinating efforts, the antecedents to successful coordination, and the elements that potentially inhibit external auditors from relying on the work of internal auditors.
Davis, W. and T. Lindquist. 2024. Corporate Raiding, Secrets, and the Domination of the Chip Industry: Analysis of Apple Inc. v. Rives Inc. et al. Business Law Review 55.
This paper examines a lawsuit between Apple and a computer chip upstart, Rivos, that hired approximately 50 engineers from Apple. Apple sued Rivos and six former employees for misappropriation of trade secrets and violations of employee nondisclosure agreements. The authors explore the competing legal principles governing employee mobility and employer’s protection of confidential information in a high-stakes setting where noncompetition agreements are prohibited.
Davis, W. 2024. “That’s What She Said:” Using “The Office” to Teach Sexual Harassment Law. Southern Law Journal 34.
This paper is a detailed guide for professors to use an episode of “The Office” to teach the evolving law governing harassment and hostile work environment claims. Students are placed in the role of a new human resources employee and analyze the episode ‘Diversity Day’ to identify and describe uncomfortable interactions, assess whether they violate hostile work environment law, and recommend solutions to address the issues.
Kim, O. and R. Rosacker. 2024. Academic achievement in the financial accounting course: COVID19 impact within the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) framework. Journal of Accounting Education 68.
This study investigates student performance in a principles of financial accounting course to address several issues raised and addressed through a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiative. The course is supported by a supplemental instruction program that targets high failure rate courses. Empirical analysis is conducted during both preand post-COVID-19 timeframes. Results examine class performance based on underrepresented groups and gender.
Yin, M., Zhang, J., and J. Han. 2024. M&A contractual innovation in SME sector: the effect of valuation adjustment mechanism clause on SME growth. Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 1-25.
This paper introduces a novel acquisition growth model for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in China, which incorporates valuation adjustment mechanism (VAM) clauses in M&A contracts. The authors analyze the financial implications of this innovative model on SME growth, the specific SME profiles that favor this approach, and the common types of VAM clauses adopted by these SMEs. The results reveal a positive financial impact of VAM clauses in M&A contracts on SME growth.
Hwang, H. and J. Zhang. 2024. Timeliness of investor reaction to corporate crypto-asset investment: Evidence from types of disclosures. Journal of Corporate Accounting & Finance.
This paper investigates investor reactions to corporate disclosures of crypto assets. The authors find that investor reactions are initially negative and insignificant but become positive over an extended event window. This suggests V-shaped reverse reactions to the disclosures. The results have important implications for regulatory policies and managerial practices regarding the disclosure of corporate investment decisions.
2024
BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING • Summer & Fall
Samuel A. Abebe
Aminah B. Alemayehu-Marciniak
Kyler J. Bengtson
Jacob K. Bristol
Thomas Buller-Russ
Alexis Castorena Gonsalez
Fritz L. Dingsaga
Gbogbo Axel R. Diomande
Mia K. Fjelsta
Derek G. Fredericks
Elizabeth F. French
Jacob M. Garrett
Adam M. Gilbert
Garrett L. Grathwohl
Taylor A. Greenwaldt
Nathan J. Gribble
Brian Q. Ho
Molly L. Ihle
Zenab Z. Kone
Kailynn J. Lind
Nicholas D. Liverseed
Joshua Makana
Adam J. Malecha
Carter A. Millerbernd
Faith A. Milton
Luke D. Mulder
Haley J. Nelson
Hunter C. Nelson
Tam T. Nguyen
Kade T. Noyes
Jaeger K. Ohm
Yousif Osman
Michael J. Pennington
Elizabeth M. Peterson
Jaden D. Pink
MASTER OF ACCOUNTING • Summer & Fall
Dave Abriol
Elvia Ariza
Caylie M. Arnold
David O. Badmus
Christian J. Bosworth
Carson A. Davis
Ryan A. DeRoo
Rebecca L. Hasselblad
Shannon M. Holicky
Kate L. Holtmeier
Nicole A. Koolick
Noah D. Parker
Lauren R. Reuter
Jessica A. Stopski
Alexis J. Stradtmann
Fernanda M. Salazar
Griffin C. Schmidt
Gracie L. Siegler
Patricia J. Werner
Akela A. White
Alex M. Wittwer
Madelyn R. Yetzer
Alexis J. Zachariason
Luke J. Vetter
April E. Weller
Eleanor N. Yduarte
Are you looking to help support the Minnesota State University, Mankato accounting program and students?
Please consider donating via QR code or giving link: https://engage.mnsu.edu/accounting
Full-time Accounting & Business Law Faculty
Wade Davis, J.D. wade.davis@mnsu.edu
507-389-2207
Dr. Abo-El-Yazeed Habib abo-el-yazeed.habib@mnsu.edu
507-389-5408
Dr. Steven Johnson steven.johnson@mnsu.edu
507-389-2760
Dr. Oksana Kim oksana.kim@mnsu.edu
507-389-5411
Todd Lundquist, J.D. todd.lundquist@mnsu.edu
507-389-5429
Dr. Byron Pike byron.pike@mnsu.edu
507-389-6909
Dr. Kirsten Rosacker kirsten.rosacker@mnsu.edu
507-389-5413
Dr. Robert (Bob) Rosacker bob.rosacker@mnsu.edu
507-389-5349
Dr. Ferdinand Siagian ferdinand.siagian@mnsu.edu
507-389-5407
Sean Fingland sean.fingland@mnsu.edu
507-389-5388
Dr. Katheryn Zielinski katheryn.zielinski@mnsu.edu
507-389-5412
Dr. Jidong Zhang Jidong.zhang@mnsu.edu
507-389-5415
To learn more about the Accounting & Business Law Faculty or to get in touch go to cob.mnsu.edu/accounting-faculty
If you are interested in exploring additional opportunities to contribute to Minnesota State Mankato. Please contact Cathy Willette, Director of Development (catherine.willette@mnsu.edu)
Cathy Willette joined the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation as the Director of Development for the College of Business in November of 2021. But if you ask her, she has always been a Maverick. Cathy started her higher education journey as a first-generation student at Minnesota State Mankato in 1982. The Mankato resident is married and has three grown kids (all Mavericks as well).
Willette enjoys meeting alumni and learning of their Maverick stories. As she likes to say, “sometimes life’s journey takes you back home. Once a Maverick, always a Maverick!” Please reach out to Cathy if you are looking to start a conversation.
