In a world that is constantly changing, classrooms require new technology and adaptability now more than ever. Dr. Kimberly Church’s new teaching innovation does just that.

Church serves as director of the School of Accountancy and joined MSU in summer 2020.

Her creative technique for teaching blockchain concpets was recognized with the George Krull/Grant Thornton Innovation in Junior and Senior-Level Teaching Award.

The prestigious award is presented by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Church and her co-authors presented at the annual American Accounting Association conference in August 2020. Church shares the recognition with her co-authors: 

• Dr. Ethan Kinory, assistant professor at Rutgers University Camden. 
• Dr. Sean Stein Smith, assistant professor at Lehman College-CUNY. 

The winner of this annual award was selected from a pool of international submissions.

About the innovation  

Innovative teaching is critically important when emerging technologies result in a paradigm shift in how we view business practices.

A blockchain is a type of database that links past records together in secure blocks of information. Then, it is available for inspection and review by members of a network. The proposed teaching innovation takes students through blockchain concepts using: 

• In-class discussion. 
• Current events. 
• Short videos. 
• Collaborative research tasks. 
• Experiential activities. 
• Hands-on programming. 

“This also benefits faculty by providing necessary instructional materials for mastering introductory blockchain concepts before working with students,” Church said. “It ultimately educates the educator.” 

About the award 

The award is funded by Grant Thornton LLP, one of the world’s leading independent audit, tax and advisory firms. It is named after George Krull, recognized for his global contribution to accounting education. Krull serves as a member of the College’s Executive Advisory Council for MSU’s College of Business.

“Dr. Church’s passion for leading change in accounting and business practices will enhance the curricula and preparations of MSU’s next generations of accounting professionals,” said Krull.

Learn more about the school of accountancy.