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Donald L. Harrison College of Business 1

Spotlight Fall 2012

Department of Accounting

Donald L. Harrison College of Business

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ONE UNIVERSITY PLAZA • CAPE GIRARDEAU, MISSOURI 63701-4799 • (573) 651-2000 • http://www.semo.edu

Dear Alumni, Students and Friends of Southeast,

Welcome to the third edition of the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Accounting “Spotlight” newsletter. The newsletter is designed to facilitate communication between the Southeast Department of Accounting in the Harrison College of Business and its stakeholders—including current, former and prospective students, as well as employers and others interested in the progress and achievements of our programs, including high-school faculty and counselors. Our goal with this edition of the newsletter is to familiarize readers with current department news and to chronicle the progress of our programs over time.

Within this newsletter, you will read about our students’ academic achievements and their success at obtaining jobs and internships that will set them on course for a successful career. In addition, we have an expanded look at the wide variety of activities that occur while students are “in process” at Southeast, including important networking activities with successful alumni and others.

In addition to an update on the progress and growth of our students, this edition of “Spotlight” will celebrate the successes of faculty and chronicle changes within the department, both in terms of personnel and curriculum. Among those changes is a leadership transition. I am stepping down as department chair to return to my full-time teaching role. The department chair position will be assumed by Professor Charles “Chuck” McAllister. Professor McAllister brings the excitement and energy of youth, and everyone looks forward to his leadership. Professor McAllister, an engineer by trade, brings an attention to detail that will keep our department moving in a positive direction. I plan to continue coordinating the “Spotlight” newsletter to keep you informed of all things “Southeast Accounting.”

This edition of “Spotlight” reports on the second meeting of our Partners in Progress Advisory Board that was held in April 2012. Board members dug more deeply into Southeast’s activities and worked on a course that would help to provide greater support for the department initiatives required to maintain quality instruction and continuous improvement. A few weeks after the second meeting, the board voted to invite James O’Hallaron, president and CEO of the Missouri Society of CPAs, to membership on the Board. Jim has accepted the invitation, and all look forward to his participation in board matters.

Finally, this edition of “Spotlight” repeats FAQs and responses about support for the accountancy program from Nolan Brunnworth, director of Corporate Relations and associate director of Development with the Southeast Missouri University Foundation to give some guidance.

I look forward to continuing communications with you through this newsletter. Let us know where you are and what you are doing by updating your profile at www.iAMsoutheast.com. If you know an alumnus who is “off our radar screen,” forward this newsletter to him or her so that we can reconnect. If you have any questions or input, feel free to contact me at [email protected].

Richard J. Palmer, Ph.D., CPA, CMA Chair


Southeast Accounting Students Land Jobs at Top International, National and Regional Firms

Though the accountancy program at Southeast Missouri State University is not a large one, its graduates are creating a big impression on the marketplace by landing jobs at some of the most coveted firms in the world. To the right is a list of Southeast-graduate job placements in the 2011-2012 academic year, with students landing positions at well-known international accounting firms (Ernst and Young, PWC and Deloitte and Touche), outstanding national firms (BKD and McGladrey) and excellent regional firms such as Baer and Edington; Beussink, Hey, and Roe; Brown Smith Wallace; and Schermann and Associates.

Those students not going into public accounting are finding positions in industry (e.g., U.S. Steel, T.G. USA) and the financial sector (e.g., Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis, Focus Bank). Overall, it has been an outstanding recruiting season in a market that continues to be plagued by a sluggish economy,

If your firm or organization is interested in recruiting Southeast students, please contact [email protected].

Newly Employed GraduatesKellie Austin LMI AerospaceAshley Bates McGladreyAmber Brewer Deloitte and ToucheBenjamin Castelli Ernst and YoungTim Couch Ernst and YoungTyler Craven Focus BankElisha Deen SIU School of LawKevin Frigerio BKDJoel Grass U.S. SteelRheanna Greer Beussink, Hey and Roe, PCAmanda Hardwick Landscaping BrandsJordan Jansen Bucher, Essner & Miles, CPAsBenjamin Kirn Baer and EdingtonBrett Larkowski Delta CompaniesElizabeth Marquart BKDAndrea Metcalf Ernst and YoungMichelle Meyer Brown Smith WallaceWalter Modde Bucher, Essner & Miles, CPAsPaige Reynolds ScottradeDerek Sutterer Mueller ProstAlicia Thomure T.G. USAJeffrey Trentmann Hochschild, Bloom & CompanyCindy Sandoval-Perez PWCBradley Williams GremcoTom Wodraska Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis

New Accounting Course Scheduling and Format Encourages Internship Activity

Based on input from the Southeast “Partners in Progress” Advisory Board, the accounting-class scheduling in spring semesters now accommodates student internships in the St. Louis area.

Two upper-level accounting courses are offered on the same night in the spring semester in a blended format. Thus, each of the two courses meets face-to-face for three hours alternating every other week and conducts online interactions in the off-week. Courses scheduled in this manner allow a student to visit campus one night a week while taking two upper-division accounting classes.

When combined with the work that supports an internship course credit of 1-15 hours, the student can

maintain full-time student status while learning the real-world art of accounting.

Professor Richard Palmer, chair of the Department of Accounting at the time the change was made, stated, “The board and the faculty wanted students to have the best possible shot to obtaining an internship with an accounting firm or business. The market for interns is much stronger in tax season, so we felt this accommodation would help students in this respect.”

Evaluations of student response to the new format have been strongly positive, even by those who are engaged in internships in the local Cape Girardeau area.


Phi Beta Lambda Students and Advisors Shine in State Competition

The 2011-2012 academic year was an active and successful year for Southeast’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). The year started with the 2011 Fall Welcome Back Picnic, sponsored by the University and Harrison College of Business, along with other PBL awareness events. Through these efforts, the club experienced tremendous growth as membership increased to 31 members.

Club members hosted and participated in numerous social, fundraising and service activities

throughout the year. From ice cream socials to “throwed” rolls and flying hockey pucks, members enjoyed getting to know each other and building great Southeast memories. PBL served the community this year through such events as “Teens for Jeans,”

SEMO Food Bank, Canstruction, Adopt a Highway, Messy Mornings with Children, Rooting for Joplin, assisting with the FBLA District 15 State Conference and March of Dimes.

With fundraising events such as car washes, donut sales, Butter Braid sales, Chick-Fil-A night and candle sales, the club raised money to help pay for 22 students to participate in the Missouri State PBL Conference held at Osage Beach, Mo., in March. At the conference, Southeast collected 24 awards to place in the top three universities for total awards received. Following the strong finish at state, the club was represented by two teams in the Harrison College of Business’ Redhawk Rumble, a

PBL Student Outing at the Blues Hockey Game

Jeopardy-like business topic competition. Although the lead changed multiple times in the final round of competition, PBL correctly answered the Final Jeopardy round to win this year’s competition and claim the top prize. PBL Redhawk Rumble winning team members were Megan Stackle, Josh James, Katie Stephens and Daniel Schuenemeyer.

PBL wrapped up a very successful year by sending 10 of its 31 students to compete at the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, in June. The Southeast chapter also sent three of the five newly elected 2012-2013 Missouri State PBL officers, including State Vice President Chris Dzurick, Secretary Megan Stackle and Treasurer Malli Tahghighi.

Left to Right: Daniel Levesgue, Rachel Reischman, Megan Stackle, Chelsea Edwards, Malli Tahghighi and Jenny

Flint

Food-packing at SEMO Food Bank. Left to right: Daniel Levesgue, Malli Tah-ghighi, Josh James and Jenny Flint

Joplin Tree-planting. Left to right: Malli Tahghighi, Megan Stackle and Wade

Kraenzle

Accounting Students Receive Academic Awards On May 4, 2012, Southeast’s Department of Accounting recognized two outstanding students with awards for their performance in the 2011-2012 academic year. The students are Tim Couch (now working for Ernst and Young) and Cindy Sandoval-Perez (now working for PWC). Congratulations to both Tim and Cindy. They leave a legacy of a commitment to excellence that other accounting students are striving to match.

Professor Gary Johnson presents Outstanding Academic Achievment in Accounting Award to

Tim Couch


Beta Alpha Psi Leadership and Event UpdateThe MU XI Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the

accounting honor society, started the 2012-2013 academic year with a new leadership team. The new president is Joseph Jansen, vice president is Corey Robinson, recording secretary is Brandon Hicks, reporting secretary is Hailey McLeod and treasurer is Kara Gilbert. In August 2012, the leadership team attended the Beta Alpha Psi annual meeting in Baltimore, Md.

One of the officers, McLeod, was nominated and then selected as one of 60 students nationwide to participate in Project Run With It. These students work to develop solutions to real-life business problems of actual not-for-profit (NFP) agencies. The students, working in 15 teams of four, will have the equivalent of approximately one day to develop a formal presentation showcasing their solution to the business issues presented by the NFPs in their request for proposal for consulting services.

Prior to the meeting, the NFP agencies provide background information and during the meeting are available to answer the participating students’ questions. There will be three winning teams selected, and each student on these teams will receive a $1,000 cash reward for their chapter.

April 2013 (date TBD): Annual trivia night fundraiser

Anyone wishing to participate in the events can email [email protected]. If you would like to receive BAP invitations and updates, please send your email to this address as well.

Beta Alpha Psi meetings take place the first and third Monday evening of each month with accounting professionals attending and speaking at each meeting. The chapter is always looking for alumni to come back to campus and visit with students. If you would be available to speak to Southeast students at Beta Alpha Psi meetings, please contact BAP at [email protected].

New Members InductedDuring the 2011-2012 academic year, Beta

Alpha Psi inducted nine new members into its honor society. Membership into Beta Alpha Psi requires a student maintain a 3.0 cumulative and major GPA in addition to completing professional and service hour requirements each semester. The student-inductees in 2012 are: Ben Beussink, Keith Ehrett, Walter Modde, Corey Robinson, Molly Stahlschmidt, Derek Sutter, Yaemi Tachibana, Brandon Hicks and Chasity Hill.

Beta Gamma Sigma Inducts New Accounting Student Members

On Friday, May 4, 2012, Beta Gamma Sigma inducted 14 accounting students into its member ranks. Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.

The accounting student inductees are Kelly Bean, Keith Ehrett, Kevin Frigerio, Garrett Fritsche, Brian Godefroid, Brandon Hicks, Brittney Kalinoski, Laura Keller, Corey Robinson, Caitlin Schamburg, Megan Stackle, Erin Sutton, Melanie Urbaniak and Maria Vaeth.

O’Hallaron of Missouri CPA Society Joins Advisory Board

James O’Hallaron, president and CEO of the Missouri Society of CPAs accepted an invitation to join the Southeast Missouri State University Department of Accounting’s Partners in Progress Advisory Board in May 2012.

“Jim is a great addition to our board. He brings a

perspective that is unique and helpful both to other board members and to our accounting program. We are very happy to have him join an excellent group of professionals,” said Professor Richard Palmer, chair of the Department of Accounting.


Internships play a valuable role in accounting education and assist in getting permanent employment. Real-world experience makes classroom theory come alive, allowing students to grasp the depth and breadth of their field. Students listed worked as interns in fall 2011 and spring 2012.

Student Internships Expand Learning and Improve Job Prospects

We want to recognize and thank the employers for their important role in educating Southeast students. If you have updates, please drop us a line. If your firm or organization is interested in hiring an intern, please contact Rebecca Lohmann at [email protected].

Student Internship SiteJordan Jansen ASC Administrative LLC

Benjamin Kirn Baer & Eginton, LLC

Rheanna Greer Beussink, Hey & Roe, PC

Lisa Schnurbusch Beussink, Hey & Roe, PC

Tempest Southall Cape Electrical Supply

Ashley Bates Cape Electrical Supply

Derek Sutterer East Missouri Action Agency

Abdul Rahim Nurani East Missouri Action Agency

Kellie Austin East Missouri Action Agency

Elizabeth Marquart H&R Block

Matthew Bey Hillin & Clark CPAs

Brian Godefroid Jackson-Hewitt Tax

Paige Reynolds Scottrade, Inc.

Joel Grass Vogt Snider, LLC

Amanda Hardwick Southeast Accounting Services

Jennifer Robbins Southeast Accounting Services

Sean Sedlmayr Cassidy Turley

Sierra Abernathy Delta Companies

Brittney Kalinoski Elite Travel

Andrea Metcalf Rubin Brown

Timothy Couch Southeast Accounting Services

Molly Stahlschmidt Thomas Higgins Accounting

Andrea Metcalf Tri-State Water, Power and Air

Ben Beussink Beussink, Hey & Roe, PC

Nakia Phillips Kerber, Eck & Braeckel LLP

Armin Blagajcevic Hillin & Clark

Timothy Couch Ernst & Young

Elisha Deen Hillin & Clark

Student Internship SiteAndrew Dorn Mueller Prost

Garrett Fritsche Shermann & Assoc

Jaimi Grimm Begley, Young, Uterreiner & White

Stephanie Holland Pajco, Inc.

Nicole Lee Southeast Accounting Services

Sarah Lumpkins Stanley, Dirnberger, Hopper & Assoc

Elizabeth Marquart BKD CPAs and Advisors

Colleen Politte Nichols, Stopp & Vanhoy, CPAs

Jennifer Robbins Anders, Minkler and Diehl LLP

Corey Robinson H&R Block

Matt Scheible East Missouri Action Agency

Molly Stahlschmidt Mueller Prost

Melanie Urbaniak H&R Block

Thomas Wodraska Mueller Prost

Dr. Youngblood Ortiz Awarded Success in Scholarship Sports Service Award

Congratulations to Accounting faculty Dr. Alisha Youngblood Ortiz for receiving the 2011-12 Success in Scholarship Sports Service Award for the Harrison College of Business.

Professor Youngblood Ortiz was nominated by student Shona Goodwin, a member of Southeast’s soccer team. Professor Youngblood Ortiz was recognized prior to the Jan. 26 basketball game.


Professor Somarajan Retires after 24 YearsProfessor

Chellappan “Raj” Somarajan retired in Aug. 2012. Professor Somarajan arrived at Southeast in August 1988 from Oklahoma State University where he received his

Ph.D. in management science. Dr. Raj primarily taught in the area of production and quantitative methods but during his tenure also taught classes in management and management information systems, including MIS 460—a course he designed around SAP enterprise resource planning software.

During the span of 24 years, Dr. Raj was a popular teacher who took a phenomenal interest in preparing his students for the real world. Dr. Raj oversaw more

than 400 separate student projects with local business and industry and regularly took student groups on plant tours across the region. He was also the faculty advisor to the student chapter of the Association for Production and Inventory Control Systems (APICS) group. Dr. Raj was instrumental in establishing an MIS degree and upgraded his personal skill set to help Southeast offer classes on cutting-edge technology. Dr. Raj’s students have always made positive comments about his dedication to learning and his willingness to go the extra mile on their behalf.

As a faculty, Dr. Raj was an active contributor to academic inquiry, regularly publishing in numerous academic journals. He played a key role in helping Southeast to obtain accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) by serving as chair of the Professional Development Committee. Among his faculty friends, he is best known for bringing his colleagues flowers and thoughtful gifts from his trips to visit India.

Dr. Raj will be greatly missed by students and faculty alike. He has been a dedicated educator to thousands and served as a wise and thoughtful senior faculty mentor to dozens of young faculty members as well as deans and chairs.

Left to Right: “Raj” Somaran, Pam Gershuny, and Val Somarajan at retirement celebration.

Moore Johnson’s Work with Missouri Supreme Court Recognized by the American Bar Association

The American Bar Association presented three national Law Day awards for 2011 at its Feb. 3, 2012, meeting in New Orleans. On hand to receive the award on behalf of the Supreme Court of Missouri were Chief Justice Richard B. Teitelman and Mary Moore Johnson, professor of Business Law at Southeast Missouri State University. Other ABA honorees were the Nevada Supreme Court and the Connecticut Judicial Branch in partnership with the Connecticut Bar Association. Awards were presented at a luncheon sponsored by the National Association of Bar Executives, National Conference of Bar Presidents and National Conference of Bar Foundations.

Professor Moore Johnson originated the idea for the Law Day program in her role as the first Faculty Fellow for the Supreme Court of Missouri during the 2010-2011 academic year.

“It is gratifying to conceive of an idea and then to work hard with others to see it become a reality,” said Moore Johnson. “This was a team effort involving the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Missouri Governor’s

office, The Missouri Bar, the Board of Law Examiners, the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Office of State Courts Administrator, Lincoln University and Cuba Middle School.”

Representatives from these various groups joined forces, working under the leadership of Moore Johnson, in preparation for the event.

Preparations for Missouri’s first official Law Day celebration began in February 2011, when the Supreme Court of Missouri approved the concept and theme for the event. Making special use of the ABA 2011 Law Day theme, “The Legacy of John Adams: From Boston to Guantanamo,” Missouri’s theme was added: “Defending the Unpopular Defendant.”

Continued on page 10

Professor Mary Moore Johnson and Chief Justice Richard B. Teitelman


Beta Alpha Psi Plays Significant Role in Networking Accounting Students with Business and Industry

Accounting students at Southeast get many opportunities to network with business and industry professionals because of the efforts of the Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Honors Society. In the 2011-2012 academic year, a wide variety of speakers visited the Southeast campus to share their wisdom and insight on accountancy topics with Southeast students.

The faculty and students at Southeast want to thank the speakers for their contribution of time to strengthen and enrich accounting student education.

If you are interested in speaking to accounting students at Southeast, please contact Rebecca Lohmann at [email protected] or [email protected].

Our Distinguished Speakers

On April 2, 2012, the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker was Curt Buchheit, who is the chief financial officer at Cape Electrical Supply. Buchheit is a 1993 Southeast graduate who has had experience in public accounting at KPMG for eight years as well as experience in private industry.

Buchheit gave students an overview of his career and his areas of responsibility. He provided advice to students based on his own experiences.

On Sept. 3, 2011, Scott Hoffmann, a 1985 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker.

Hoffmann started out at Arthur Anderson as an auditor where he worked for seven years. Since then, he has worked as a chief financial officer, a vice president of finance and a director for private businesses. Hoffmann is currently the director at Inflexion LLC, which is a firm specializing in merger and acquisition and business valuation consulting.

Hoffmann spoke to Beta Alpha Psi students

regarding the importance of networking and good communication skills. He emphasized the importance of a great first impression at an interview and discussed how priorities and values change over time as one’s career evolves. Hoffmann also shared his past experiences and gave insights on his duties at the different jobs he’s held.

On Sept. 19, 2011, the Beta Alpha Psi guest speakers were Lauren Sanders, senior human resource coordinator,

Jennifer Troutman, audit senior, and Katherine Whitehead, audit supervisor, from Brown Smith Wallace. Troutman is a 2007 Southeast Missouri State University graduate and a CPA specializing in audit services for broker-dealers.

The three representatives from Brown Smith Wallace spoke to students regarding different career paths in accounting, including public accounting, private accounting, government or the independent entrepreneurial route. They also spoke about the difference between regional and “big four” public accounting firms, presenting real-life testimonials of experiences in both fields.

Rod Cooper from UHY Advisors was a guest speaker on Oct. 17, 2011. Cooper received his business administration/marketing degree from Truman State University and his MBA from Lindenwood University. Currently, Cooper is a managing director for UHY Advisors. He has worked for multi-million dollar companies and held many roles including: president/owner, principal, vice president of sales, vice president of operations and branch manager. Cooper was recently named in 2011 “100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business” by the Small Business Monthly.

Pictured above: Curt Buchheit of Cape Electrical Supply, LLC

Pictured above: Scott Hoffman of Inflexion, LLC

From left to right: Katherine Whitehead, Jennifer Troutman and Lauren Sanders from

Brown Smith Wallace

Pictured above: Rod Cooper of UHY Advisors


Cooper gave Beta Alpha Psi students insight on leadership growth by speaking about his past experiences in his various job positions. He taught students how to interact with professionals who have different leadership styles. This included knowing how to read body language and how one’s own body language may be portrayed. Cooper focused on the importance of communication and the role it plays in becoming a successful leader.

On Nov. 21, 2011, Jim Hillin from Hillin and Clark, PC, was a guest speaker. Hillin is a 1965 Southeast Missouri State University graduate who is a CPA as well as an SEC-registered investment advisor. Hillin established his firm in 1971. In 1999, he started Strategic Investment Advisors, LTD, which operates alongside his CPA firm.

Hillin spoke to the Beta Alpha Psi students on thebasics of investing and the importance of investment management. He provided insight into investment management by giving specific situational examples.

Southeast alumna, Christy Kaufman, was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker on Nov. 7, 2011. Christy Kaufman has 18 years of experience working at Boeing. She has held several job positions, most of which deal with determining the benefit of a specific contract based on the accounting data and contracual obligations.

Kaufman spoke to Beta Alpha Psi students about her experiences as a Southeast Missouri State University graduate and how she advanced her career at Boeing. She did not take the typical route of going into public accounting because she was so intrigued about the operations at Boeing. Kaufman highlighted the versatility of an accounting degree.

Randy Wilson, the director of Fraud and Fidelity Services and a partner at RGL Forensics in St. Louis, was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker on March 19, 2012. Accompanying Wilson was Keith Seiffert, a senior accountant for RGL Forensics and a 2009 Southeast Missouri State University graduate.

Both Wilson and Seiffert gave the Beta Alpha Psi students an insight into what it is like to work as a forensic accountant. Wilson also spoke about insurance claims and coverage pertaining to misappropriation of assets by employees.

Dewayne Whitener was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker on Dec. 5, 2011. Whitener is a Southeast Missouri State University graduate who

is currently the performance improvement specialist at SoutheastHealth. In his current role, he is helping to implement Lean Healthcare across the entire organization.Whitener focused his presentation on lean accounting.

Whitener stated that lean accounting eliminates waste and that waste is the symptom of an underlying issue. He addressed issues that lead many companies to failure such as overproduction, inventory waste and unnecessary transportation or motion waste. Whitener provided another example of a career path that students can take with their accounting degree.

On March 5, 2012, Lonnie Hasty from Stalwart Business Advisors in Sikeston, Mo., was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker. Hasty received his bachelor’s degree in 1973 from Southeast Missouri State University where he majored in accounting and minored in mathematics. Currently, he is the treasurer of Stalwart Business Advisors.

Hasty provided Beta Alpha Psi students with insight into the hiring process and gave students advice on how to prepare for an interview. This included advice on how to stand out at an interview in order to get the job.


Pictured above: Christy Kaufman from Boeing

Pictured above Dewayne Whitener of SoutheastHealth

Pictured above Lonnie Hasty from Stalwart Business Advisors


McAllister Selected as Visiting Scholar in TaiwanDr. Charles McAllister spent a week in October

2011 at Wenzao Ursuline College of Languages in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Wenzao invited a visiting scholar from four of its international partner universities to interact with students and faculty during its 45th anniversary celebration, and Southeast’s Harrison College of Business was pleased to be represented. Wenzao’s goals for the visit were to enhance academic research-sharing and interaction with its sister schools, expose Taiwan students to foreign experts’ teaching styles and exchange university internationalization strategies.

In response to these goals, Dr. McAllister gave a series of presentations to the faculty, undergraduate students and international business MBA students. He reports Taiwanese classrooms are quite formal, where it was difficult to elicit any type of participation, interaction or feedback from students. In addition to the formalities of the visit, Wenzao arranged several cultural excursions that covered more than four centuries of Taiwan’s history, including a native aboriginal village, an old Dutch lighthouse overlooking one of the world’s busiest harbors and ports, as well as British consular houses and the ruins

of various forts and escarpments. One of Dr. McAllister’s fondest memories was a trip to the local “night market” with three honors students where he was treated to unfettered conversation and food from carnival-type stalls that included octopus, stinky tofu, an oyster-egg combination and a lemony drink made from a plant seed.

On the completion of his first international trip, Dr. McAllister returned with a greater appreciation for language differences and a better understanding of the cross-cultural human experience. If you go to Taiwan, Dr. McAllister asserts you will find a welcoming, friendly and helpful population. He recommends the fresh fish and seafood, exotic fruits and shaved ice but suggests avoiding the river eel and fried blood pig rice cake.

Professor Chuck McAllister in Taiwan

On April 13, 2011, Gov. Jay Nixon became the first governor to proclaim May 1 to be Law Day in Missouri. The proclamation was presented to Supreme Court of Missouri Chief Justice William R. Price. May 5 was selected for the celebration, since one of the target audiences, new attorneys, were to be sworn in by the Supreme Court of Missouri the following day.

Moore Johnson enlisted Rhonda Koppelmann, American-history teacher at Cuba Middle School in Cuba, Mo., to help create a website competition for Koppelmann’s eighth-grade class. Eighty-eight students were formed into 38 teams. Each team created a website based on the ABA theme.

Keynote speaker for Law Day was Timothy Cisar of The Cisar Law Firm P.C. of Lake Ozark, Mo. During the celebration, Moore Johnson and Koppelmann announced the winners of the student Law Day competition. Gold, silver and bronze medals were presented to the winning teams by Supreme Court of Missouri Judges Patricia Breckenridge and Zel Fischer. All 88 participating students were given a Law Day Certificate of Appreciation.

Moore Johnson has been teaching at Southeast for 14 years, where she was granted post-professorial merit beginning in 2009. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Washburn University School of Law and a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University. She has been admitted to practice law in the state of Missouri and is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States Bar, the Missouri Bar and the Cape Girardeau Bar. During the past five years, she has attended more than 239 hours of continuing legal education seminars, including 58 hours as a speaker. Most recently, she was guest speaker at the Judicial College in August and October 2011. She was named Educator of the Year by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce in 2007.

Moore Johnson is currently serving a four-year term on the Supreme Court of Missouri’s Committee on Civic Education as its higher education representative. She is one of 18 members on the committee, comprised of judges, court staff, representatives from the Missouri Bar, educators and members of the public at large. Moore Johnson chairs the iCivics subcommittee.

Moore Johnsoncontinued from page 7


Second Annual Advisory Board Meeting a Success On April 27, 2012, the second meeting of the

Department of Accounting’s Partners in Progress Advisory Board was held. The board, which consists of Southeast alumni who are partners in St. Louis and regional accounting firms, is constituted to provide advice and counsel regarding the strategic direction of the accounting program and to provide input to support the success of Southeast accounting students and faculty.

The second meeting followed up on action items from 2011 and updated the board members

on Southeast accounting program performance and future issues. The board had lunch with Southeast students and faculty while listening to an update on the profession from James O’Hallaron, president and CEO of the Missouri Society of CPAs. The afternoon session included a presentation from Beta Alpha Psi and discussion of future board activities vis-à-vis the direction of the accounting program.

Accounting faculty greatly appreciate the assistance of the board and look forward to their continued contributions of wisdom, time and talent.

Glenn Brady, Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers St. Louis, Mo.

Eddie Cato, Partner Riley, Stubbs and Cato, LLC Dexter, Mo.

Mike Dambach, Partner BKD LLP St. Louis, Mo.

Mike Givens, Partner Gray Hunter Stenn Marion, Ill.

Michael Grojean AMD, LLP St. Louis, Mo.

Betsy Mays, Partner Coffman and Company, P.C. Poplar Bluff, Mo.

James O’Hallaron President and CEO of the Missouri Society of CPAs

Ruth Saphian, Partner Ernst and Young St. Louis, Mo.

Melvin Van de Ven, Partner Van de Ven, LLC Cape Girardeau, Mo.

Beta Alpha Psi Distinguished Speakerscontinued from page 9

On April 16, 2012, Jennifer Sides, human resources specialist at Anders Minkler & Diehl, LLP, was the Beta Alpha Psi guest speaker. Sides is a 2004 graduate of Southeast Missouri

State University and is a Certified Professional in HR through the Society for Human Resources Management.

Sides gave Beta Alpha Psi students advice on interview dos and don’ts as well as tips for writing a good resume. Overall, Side’s presentation was an insight into what employers look for when they see resumes and perform interviews.

Staff from Mueller Prost, PC, visited Southeast Beta Alpha Psi on Feb. 6, 2012. The group included Staff Accountant and Southeast Class of 2009 Graduate Scott Burle, Southeast Alumnae, Tax Supervisor and Director of Campus Recruiting Tiffany Kuntemeier, Spring 2012 Southeast Tax Intern Molly Stahlschmidt and Consulting Services Manager Terry Richars.

Terry Richars spoke on behalf of Mueller Prost, giving a presentation on white collar crime and his eight years of experience in business valuation, litigation support, forensic accounting and other consulting services.

Pictured above Jennifer Sides from Anders Minkler & Diehl, LLPHabefauc

Pictured Above from left to right: Scott Burle, Tiffany Kuntemeier, Molly Stahlschmidt and

Terry Richars from Mueller Prost, PC

Partners in Progress Advisory Board


Professor Palmer Steps Off and Professor McAllister Steps Into Role of Department of Accounting Chair

Dr. Richard Palmer, chair of the Department of Accounting, asked to return to full-time teaching beginning with the fall 2012 term. Since joining the Harrison College of Business in fall 2009, Dr. Palmer has provided very effective leadership to the Department of Accounting. He led the department faculty through

difficult program modifications and made necessary by reductions in state appropriations followed by a statewide mandate from the governor to complete comprehensive program reviews at all public university campuses.

At the same time, Dr. Palmer guided the accounting faculty through a comprehensive revision of the undergraduate accounting curriculum resulting in a stronger undergraduate major focused on better preparing students for the CPA examination. As part of this, the accounting faculty expanded the credit hours that could be earned through internships with accounting firms located outside our immediate area.

In consultation with the accounting faculty, Dr. Palmer formed Partners for Progress, an advisory group comprised of alumni who have achieved partner status with local, regional and national accounting firms. The formation of this group strengthened important professional connections and expanded internship and placement opportunities for accounting students.

During his tenure as chairperson, the department installed an internationally recognized superior chapter of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). BAP is the premier national honorary society for financial information students and professionals.

“I’m confident that the momentum that has been generated over the past three years will continue to the benefit of our accounting students and contribute to a successful search to identify new leadership for the Department of Accounting,” said Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of the Harrison College of Business. “During his transition, Dr. Charles McAllister, associate professor of decision sciences, will serve as chairperson.”

Dr. McAllister joined the department in 2006 following four years as a faculty member at Louisiana State University. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska, Purdue and Penn State in industrial engineering and operations research.

A lifelong learner, Dr. McAllister is just a few hours away from a second master’s degree in higher education administration. His teaching and research interests include managerial decision models involving risk and uncertainty with applications in supply chain management, inventory, simulation and operations management.

He currently serves on a number of university committees including student affairs, academic program review and faculty senate. Dr. McAllister appreciates the support of his colleagues as he assumes this departmental leadership role. His number one goal is to recruit an outstanding scholar and practitioner of accounting to serve as Dr. Palmer’s successor in the chair’s office.

Professor Richard Palmer

Professor Charles “Chuck” McAllister


FAQs on How to Support the Southeast AccountingProgram

Q. Besides the Annual Fund, how can I make a contribution to the accounting program?

Restricted and endowed scholarships are ways to assist accounting students at Southeast. Both types of scholarships provide the opportunity for donors to name the scholarship in their honor, in memory of a loved one or a business or organization. Donors are also allowed to establish the criteria for awarding the scholarship. Examples of criteria include GPA, financial need, high school, county and extracurricular activities. Funding for both types of scholarships can be accomplished through one gift or over time, and are awarded annually to deserving students. Scholarships can become endowed at a minimum principal level of $10,000. At the time the scholarship is fully endowed, a pre-established portion of the earnings income will be used to make the annual scholarship award. The Foundation’s current policy allows five percent of the principal balance to be awarded each year. Additional earnings on the endowment are added to the principal to allow the fund to continue to grow. Contributions from any source may be added to scholarship endowments at any time.

Q. Can I take advantage of a matching gift program at my employer?

Yes. Many companies provide matching gift programs that multiply their employees’ charitable donations. If you or your spouse is employed by a matching gift company, your contribution to the accounting program at Southeast could be significantly increased. Matching gifts are designated to the same fund as the donor’s original gift. And matching gifts count toward the achievement of giving levels for the Foundation’s Copper Dome Society.

To obtain a matching gift, contact your employer’s human resources department for eligibility information and instructions. Companies have various methods by which you can submit your matching-gift request: online forms, automated phone systems or paper forms that you submit to the Southeast Missouri University Foundation.


Everyone is aware of the shrinking level of support for colleges and universities in Missouri. On campus, we are dedicated to doing more with less whenever and however possible. Fortunately, Southeast alumni often ask how they can support the accounting program or how their contributions can be leveraged to have the greatest impact on accounting students and faculty.

In a nutshell, alumni and community support is critical to accounting program success and the ability to (a) recruit and retain Missouri’s best students through scholarships, (b) provide greater student access to key leadership opportunities and exposure to business and industry experiences and (c) recruit and retain the country’s best faculty and enable them to stay on the cutting edge of disciplinary knowledge.

Given the program’s lofty goals, we asked Nolan Brunnworth, director of corporate relations and associate director of development for the Harrison College of Business, to bring our readers “up to speed” on how alumni and community members can best support the accounting program at Southeast.

Q: When I give during the Annual Fund, does that money go to support the accounting program?

When giving to Southeast through the Annual Fund, donors can direct their gift to the accounting program as follows:

• By phone: be sure to ask the Telefund associate to designate your gift for the Department of Accounting, or

• By mail: Reference the “Department of Accounting” in your check memo line when responding via direct mail, or

• Online: Type in “Department of Accounting” in the designation field when giving online at www.semofoundation.org.

Annual gifts directed to the accounting program allow students to take advantage of numerous leadership and co-curricular opportunities throughout the year.


Q. What are “named” professorships and chairs? Named professorships and chairs are endowments

specifically designated to attract high profile “top quality” faculty members to join Southeast and to support outstanding current Southeast faculty. Hiring and retaining the very best faculty is crucial to student learning and Southeast success. Named professorship endowment funds support the continuing development of faculty to insure they have both the opportunity to interact with leading-edge academics and practitioners and the graduate assistant support needed for their scholarly and student-oriented endeavors. By investing in faculty, we enhance the reputation of the University and promote the transfer of cutting-edge knowledge to our students.

FAQs with Nolan BrunnworthContinued from page 13

Q. How can an individual contribute through a planned gift?

There are many types of planned gift arrangements which allow a donor to make a difference in the future of the accounting program. Gifts of this kind are a way for donors to give a major gift without an immediate impact on their cash or investments. The most common type of planned gift is accomplished by simply adding Southeast Missouri University Foundation as a beneficiary of the individual’s estate plan and designating that gift for the Department of Accounting. Bequests and other planned gift arrangements, such as life insurance, trusts and annuities, may be incorporated into a person’s estate and financial plan to ensure the future of the donor and the donor’s family along with the future charitable gift.

In Memoriam: Dennis Ray Bowden Published in Kansas City Star on Dec. 12, 2010

to be a wonderful challenge and his full-time job . . . one of the best he ever had, until he was called “Pa-Pa.” He graduated in the top two percent of his class in 2002. In the summer of 2001, Dennis worked as law clerk for Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman and as a public defender after graduation.

Dennis’ interest in fine writing instruments goes back many years, and as a result, Dennis and Madelyn founded Parkville Pen. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Helen Hinkle Bowden. Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Madelyn Hendrix Bowden, of the home; his sisters, June Rehn, Fredericktown, Mo., Kay Eisenmann, Forked River, N.J.; his daughter, Denise Bowden, of Lexington, Ky.; stepchildren, Lana Jamison and husband, Jermaine, Lenexa, Kan., Tracy Pierson and husband, Karl, Kansas City, Mo., and Kelly Wilson, Kansas City, Mo.; grandchildren: Jermy, Shaleia and Blake Jamison, and Ava Marie and Olivia Madelyn Pierson. The pallbearers will be Jerald Elrod, Jermaine Jamison, Dale Lickteig, Karl Pierson, Chris Sipes, John Wilson and Ronald Wilson.

Dennis Ray Bowden grew up in Southeast Missouri and attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. He graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in business administration and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. After a short stint as a computer operator, he became a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. While assigned to San Antonio, Texas, he explored the possibility of going to law school; however, he decided to obtain his M.A. through Webster University in 1978. After serving eight years on active duty, he left the Air Force and accepted employment with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service as a postal inspector in Kansas City and Chicago.

In 1989, Dennis returned to Kansas City to continue his work. After more than 25 years of criminal investigations, Dennis retired from the Postal Inspection Service on July 30, 1999. He looked into UMKC School of Law as he found it was home to many nontraditional students. Encouraged by his wife, Madelyn, law school staff, co-workers and family, Dennis took the LSAT. In 1999, he was accepted into the UMKC School of Law. Dennis found law school


Congratulations to the Harrison College of Business 2011–2012 Accounting Graduates

Fall 2011

Daniel AlvillarKellie Austin

Benjamin Castelli*Mallory Estes

Deborah HalfmannAmanda Hardwick^

Elanie HoffKatie MatthewsWalter ModdeRachel Nichaus

Sara Petitt#Sean Sedlmayr#Derek SuttererRobin Taylor

Bradley Williams

Spring 2012

Sierra AbernathyAshley Bates*Matthew Bey^

Kyle DachroedenElisha Deen^Kyle FederJoel Grass*

James GrubbAlexis Harris

Kayleigh HarrisJennifer Hinkl#Jordan Jansen^Hailey Jordan

Andrea Metcalf#Cindy Sandoval-Perez*

Molly StahlschmidtYaemi Tachibana^Melanie Urbaniak*

Joseph WagonerThomas Wodraska^

* Graduated Summa Cum Laude# Graduated Magna Cum Laude^ Graduated Cum Laude

Thank You!The Department of Accounting would like to extend special thanks to all our friends and alumni who have generously donated to the department over the past year. These donations help ensure our program will continue to provide students with an outstanding education and the tools for a brighter future.

Your support now is more important than ever. If you have made a gift in the past, please continue and

consider ways in which you can increase your gift for a greater impact. Please visit www.semofoundation.org and click “How to Give” or call (573) 651-2332 to learn more. To direct your support to the accounting program at Southeast, be sure to designate your gift is to benefit the department of accounting in the appropriate box. Your gifts are valued, important and help change the lives of our students.


The Department of Accounting is housed in the Donald L. Harrison College of Business, one of the finest colleges of business in the Midwest, serving more than one-third of all declared majors

in the University.

Deborah Beard, CMAProfessor of AccountingPh.D., MBE, University of Arkansas

Sean Eom Professor of Information SystemsPh.D., University of Nebraska

Pamela GershunyProfessor of Business LawJ.D., University of Michigan

Eleanor Henry, CMAProfessor of AccountingPh.D., St. Louis University

Roberta HumphreyAssistant Professor of AccountingPh.D., University of Mississippi

Gary Johnson, CPA, CMAProfessor of AccountingPh.D., University of Arkansas

Mary JohnsonProfessor of Business LawJ.D., Washburn UniversityMBA, Missouri State University

Rebecca Lohmann, CPAInstructor of AccountingM.S. in Accountancy, Southern Illinois University

Charles McAllisterDepartment Chair, Associate Professor of Quantitative MethodsPh.D., Penn State University

Richard Palmer, CPA, CMAProfessor of AccountingPh.D., Southern Illinois University

Carolyn RaineyProfessor of Administrative SystemsEd.D, University of Missouri

Dana SchwiegerProfessor of Information SystemsPh.D., Southern Illinois University

Gangaraju Vanteddu (Raju)Assistant Professor of Quantitative MethodsPh.D., Wayne State University

Anthony Varnon, CPAProfessor of AccountingDBA, Mississippi State University

Jill YoungInstructor of Information SystemsM.S., University of Santa ClaraPh.D., Nova Southeastern University

Alisha Youngblood OrtizAssistant Professor of Quantitative MethodsPh.D., University of Arkansas

Department of Accounting Faculty Listing

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