Does Incorporating Professionals in Higher Education Settings Make a Difference?

An Overview of Related Research

Richard A. Riley, PhD, CPA, CFE, CFF, and Gerald Smith, PhD, CPA, CIA, and George R. Young, PhD, CPA

For many years, CPAs have been actively involved on college and university campuses, often participating in extracurricular organizations like Beta Alpha Psi, accounting clubs, and student chapters of many professional organizations, such as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the Institute of internal Auditors (iiA). But important questions arise. Does the interaction between students and members of the professional community matter? When practicing professionals take time from their busy schedules to visit their alma maters or local colleges, does it really have an impact on student learning? The good news for CPAs is that their involvement does, in fact, make a difference. Research has shown that professional involvement on college and university campuses can benefit students in numerous ways.