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Illinois CPA Society Presents Its 2022 Outstanding Educator Awards

The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) has announced its Outstanding Educator Award to three Illinois college and university accounting faculty as part of its 2022 awards program.

Each year, ICPAS’ Outstanding Educator Award celebrates educators who make significant contributions to the education of accounting students through their leadership, teaching excellence, and active involvement in the accounting profession.

“Our college and university educators are key influencers on students’ decisions to pursue the CPA credential, so we owe great thanks to them for the roles they play in supporting the pipeline of talent the CPA profession thrives on,” says Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO. “It’s an honor to recognize the efforts of these educators, whose teaching and guidance undoubtedly brings positive change to our profession and prepares their students for success in life and work.”

The following honorees will be recognized at the ICPAS Leadership Recognition and Awards Dinner on June 9, 2022, in Chicago.

  • Natalie Churyk, Ph.D., CPA, is the William F. Doyle Endowed Professor of Accountancy at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in DeKalb, Ill., where she has taught for 21 years, and the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Accounting Education. dr Churyk’s CV is extensive, citing dozens of awards, grants, fellowships, speaking engagements, panels, publications, and committee and board service. In nominating her for this award, her students described her as being inspirational and truly passionate about their success. Prior to joining NIU, Dr. Churyk held positions with the University of South Carolina, California State University, and Smith & Granstrom in Torrance, Calif. She is an active member of the American Accounting Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, British Accounting and Finance Association, European Accounting Association, and Illinois CPA Society.
  • Paul Croitoru, CPA, MBA, MSA, is an associate professor at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago, where he has taught since 2004. Croitoru has dozens of board, committee, and community service positions to his name, along with several awards, grants, and other recognitions. In being nominated for this award, his students described him as having a genuine, down-to-earth style and an ability to simplify complex information into everyday language. Prior to becoming a full-time educator, Croitoru operated his own CPA practice and held positions with American Express Tax & Business Services, Employee Plan Administrators and Consultants, Allstate Financial Systems & Specialty Lines, and the Environmental Law & Policy Center. He is a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Alteryx SparkED Educators, American Accounting Association, Illinois Accounting Teachers, and Higher Education Tableau User Group.
  • Nadia Schwartz, M.Ac, CPA, is an associate professor at Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., where she has taught since 2006. Schwartz has served on several accounting and education committees and task forces and holds numerous awards for her work. The students who nominated Schwartz for this award referred to her as someone who personalizes the learning experience for each individual’s unique needs and makes all her students feel seen, supported, and encouraged. Prior to joining Augustana College, Schwartz held teaching positions at Bradley University, Illinois Central College, and Robert Morris College, as well as corporate positions with McGladrey & Pullen LLP and Land O’Lakes. She is a member of the American Accounting Association, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Illinois CPA Society.

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