ETSU Professor From Greeneville Recognized For State Award

An ETSU professor from Greeneville has received a statewide award for her accomplishments in the field of accounting.

Dr. Michelle Freeman, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Masters in Accountancy (M.ACC) program at ETSU, has recently been named a recipient of the TSCPApex Women to Watch award for the state of Tennessee. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Freeman’s exemplary efforts and achievements in advancing the accounting profession and celebrates her significant impact in the field.

For over 20 years, Dr. Freeman has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in several accounting specializations including financial, cost, audit, advanced, and tax as well as business computers courses. She has published over ten articles on various topics including accounting standards, taxation, and accounting education, which she has presented at various local and regional conferences.

Prior to beginning her career in academics, she completed an internship in audit with Ernst and Young while attending the University of Tennessee, and worked as a CPA for two years at Burkhart and Company in Knoxville, Tennessee where she specialized in tax and financial planning.

Her contributions to the profession extend beyond her work in the classroom and research. She has served as the President of the Appalachian Chapter of the Tennessee Society of CPAs, received honorary membership into The National Society of Leadership and Success, Sigma Alpha Pi, and was awarded the Niswonger Faculty Fellowship in Accountancy recipient in 2020.

The Women to Watch Award is given in partnership with the American Institute of CPAs highlights the accomplishments of women in the profession and demonstrates to emerging female leaders that success is not out of reach. Nominees must be members of TSCPA and AICPA. The award is given in two categories:

Experienced Leaders – Women CPAs who have advanced to a higher level or leadership position within their organization. Titles include, but are not limited to, partner, owner, elected official or appointee, executive, etc.

1. 1. 1. Authorship of articles
      2. Major or unique contribution to the profession
      3. Public and/or community service
      4. Mentoring other professionals**
      5. Improvement to the workplace
         **More heavily weighted than other criteria

Emerging Leaders – Women CPAs who are up-and-coming stars in their organizations and demonstrate:

1. 1. 1. Public and/or community service
      2. Leadership
      3. Contributions to the profession
      4. Creation and implementation of unique initiative(s)
      5. Involvement with alma mater or other local colleges and universities