OKLAHOMA CITY – On Saturday, The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants named the 2008 Outstanding Accounting Educators at the annual Oklahoma Accounting Educators’ Conference at Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Enid Campus.

The winner of the two-year award is Carolyn “Cara Beth” Johnson, CPA from Northern Oklahoma College.

The winner of the four-year award is Dr. Tracy S. Manly, CPA, from the University of Tulsa.

A CPA since 2005, Johnson said her teaching philosophy focuses on professional development, institutional versatility, curriculum development and community involvement. Her goal as an educator is to “produce lifetime learners who are ethically, civically and socially responsible individuals.”

A former student of Johnson’s said, “I will always be grateful for the encouragement she gave me to pursue my passion in the business world and for making accounting education applicable for myself and my classmates.”

Johnson has also recently been recognized with the Wal-Mart Teaching Excellence Award as well as the Teaching Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.

Dr. Manly has also received several awards both locally and nationally. These include the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, University of Tulsa’s Student Association Advisor Recognition Award and University of Tulsa’s Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award.

One of Manly’s colleagues said, “She cares deeply about her students and is committed to their learning as well as their life-long career pursuits. She is very conscious and respectful of the tremendous impact that an educator should have on his or her students.”

In addition to the OAE prize, the OSCPA will also give a $750 scholarship to a student from each winner's school.

# # #