UM Accounting Professor Earns Outstanding Educator Award

May 18, 2023

MISSOULA – Terri Herron, an accounting professor at the University of Montana College of Business, has been awarded the Jack Kempner Outstanding Educator Award by the Montana Society for CPAs (MTCPA).

Dr. Herron is the business college’s Paul & Betty Haack Distinguished Faculty Fellow. She earned the award for her excellence in classroom teaching, motivating students, educational innovation and contributions to the accounting profession through active involvement in professional activities.

A nomination for Herron stated: “Terri teaches auditing at the University of Montana. She was my professor years ago, and I credit her solely on passing the auditing section of the (Certified Public Accountant exam). She works with the community to showcase her students with a (Continuing Professional Education) event every December. I always learn so much! I also happen to have a staff member who is taking classes from Terri right now and finds her to be one of the best professors at UM."

The Jack Kempner Outstanding Educator Award is a prestigious honor given to educators who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession. Herron’s commitment to her students and her profession has earned her this recognition. Her approach to teaching has inspired her students to learn and succeed in their careers.

During her time at UM, Herron has served as the Master of Accountancy director, associate dean of the College of Business and chair of the Department of Accounting & Finance – all while teaching auditing and financial accounting. This is also the second time Herron has won the Jack Kempner award, being named the recipient in 2002.

“I am thrilled to receive the Jack Kempner Outstanding Educator Award for a second time,” Herron said. “Teaching has always been my passion, and it is important to me to continue to bring the best to the classroom, which includes being engaged with the profession.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such bright and talented students and to be part of the University of Montana accounting faculty, who amaze me every day with their drive for excellence and care for students.”

Herron will be presented this award at the 110th annual MTCPA Conference in Missoula June 8-9.

Founded in 1913, MTCPA is the professional association for certified public accountants, with about 1,600 members throughout the state, nation and world. Members include students, graduates working towards their CPAs and staff working with and around CPAs. More information on MTCPA can be found on its website.

The University of Montana is the flagship university of the state. The College of Business at UM is nationally renowned and has been named the top business school in the Big Sky Conference by U.S. News and World Report for seven consecutive years.