In the realm of academia, certain individuals leave an indelible mark on their students and their fields.
Dr. Gregory Tapis, an associate professor at Missouri State University’s School of Accountancy (SOA), is one of these exceptional educators. Tapis recently received the Outstanding Educator award from the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants.
“The amount of knowledge and level of critical thinking required in the accounting profession is growing exponentially and this award recognizes that I’m making a small contribution to the future of the accounting profession,” he said.
Within the College of Business and within the SOA’s advisory council, Tapis has earned a reputation for innovation and devotion to the fields of data analytics, information systems, and financial accounting.
Raising the bar
The prestigious award is among the highest given in the state and helps elevates the status of Missouri State’s accounting program.
“Having faculty recognized at this level casts a spotlight on the quality of faculty we have at MSU and what we are accomplishing down here in the southern half of the state,” said Dr. Kimberly Church, school director. “This level of recognition puts the SOA in a position to be asked to serve at the state and national levels to influence both academic and practice initiatives in accounting.”
What criteria was considered?
The award criteria included:
- Dedication to learning and exploring the latest issues in the field.
- Involvement in curriculum development.
- Publication of recent research findings.
- Consistent contributions to the CPA profession.
- Commitment to the development of incoming professionals.
The MOCPA is a professional association for certified public accountants in Missouri. Formed in 1909, the association represents over 8,000 accountants in public practice, industry, government, and education.