TSCPA Hosts Accounting Educators for Principles of Accounting Bootcamp
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – On Friday, April 4, TSCPA, along with the American Accounting Association (AAA), hosted nearly 50 accounting educators from across Tennessee for “Principles Bootcamp,” a free event designed to help spark student interest in the field of accounting.
Some of the region’s leading accounting educators were on hand to guide participants through the day-long bootcamp, held in person at TSCPA’s headquarters as well as virtually. Sessions covered innovative strategies for college educators to incorporate into their principles of accounting courses to enhance learning experiences and encourage students to consider careers in the accounting profession.
The day kicked off with a panel discussion on engagement and empathy, moderated by Dr. Rebecca Shortridge, CPA (inactive), of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Educators who participated in the panel included Dr. Markus Ahrens, CPA, CGMA, FMAA, of St. Louis Community College; Dr. Jennifer Cainas, CPA, of the University of South Florida; and Dr. Amelia Hart, CPA, of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The morning panel was followed by a presentation by Dr. Ahrens on technology and then a session from Dr. Ahrens and Dr. Cainas on strategies for online and large enrollment.
The second half of the day featured a panel on accounting careers and professional engagement, also led by Dr. Shortridge. Dr. Cainas; Dr. Hart; Kara Fitzgerald, CPA, CGMA, CAE, of TSCPA; and Charlsey Schwer of LBMC participated in the afternoon panel. Dr. Perry Moore, CPA, of Lipscomb University also held an optional session on Tennessee state-specific ethics.
“Partnering with the AAA to host this event gave us a valuable opportunity to connect with educators who are shaping the future of accounting,” said Megan Williams, TSCPA’s students and emerging professionals manager. “By encouraging innovation in the classroom, we’re helping to shape a stronger, more dynamic future for the profession.”
The Principles Bootcamp was made possible thanks to the Future Accountants Sponsoring Organizations (FASO), an independent joint venture designed to foster the development of initiatives in accounting higher education that will address the significant declining enrollments in higher education accounting programs.
To learn more about TSCPA’s student and educator engagement efforts, contact Williams at mwilliams@tscpa.com or 615-377-3825.