Accounting professor earns teaching excellence award

By Flori Meeks, contributing writer

The Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) awarded Oakland University Professor of Accounting Gadis “Buck” Dillon its Accounting Teaching Excellence Award for 2013.

This prestigious award recognizes educators who excel in teaching accounting and promoting the Certified Public Accounting profession. The MACPA will recognize Dillon at its awards dinner on Monday, Sept. 30.

"I am extremely honored to receive the Michigan Association of CPAs’ Accounting Teaching Excellence Award for 2013,” Dillon said. “During my 26 years at Oakland, I hope and believe that I have made a positive contribution to the accounting profession in Michigan and have helped many students develop into successful professionals.”

Dillon is committed to helping students realize and reach their educational and career goals. From creating and sustaining active, successful student organizations, introducing high school students to accounting careers and college opportunities, to guiding students in gaining professional development opportunities and seeking out financial assistance through scholarships, the impact of Dillon’s mentorship is immense.

“Since Dr. Dillon’s arrival in 1987, he played an instrumental role in raising the academic standards for our accounting students,” said Mohinder Parkash, chair of OU’s Department of Accounting and Finance in the School of Business Administration.

“Through his influence, the curriculum is innovative and relevant and our graduates are well prepared for careers in public accounting, industry and government.”

Dillon served as faculty adviser helping OU accounting students establish a chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), the national accounting fraternity in 1991. In 1996, he was recognized as a National Outstanding Faculty Advisor for his work with Beta Alpha Psi, and he served on the National Council 1997-2000.

He also helped accounting students launch a student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), serving as faculty advisor since 2007. The OU NABA chapter was formally chartered by the national organization in 2010.

Dillon leverages his participation with MACPA to create community service and growth opportunities for students. Thanks to his efforts, OU partners with MACPA to sponsor an all-day High School Leadership Conference at OU, which promotes business and accounting education to more than 200 high school students and teachers annually.

In his role as a researcher, Dillon has focused on identifying student characteristics that CPA and industry recruiters value. His expertise helped OU’s business school create the ACHIEVE program, which helps guide students toward their ideal career.

For more information about programs, courses and events in Oakland’s Department of Accounting, view the website at oakland.edu/business/accounting.

To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at @OaklandU_News.