Sondra Smith
Georgia Southwestern State University
Dear GAAE Members,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to another exciting year with the Georgia Association of Accounting Educators.
The Board of Directors of the Georgia Association of Accounting Educators (GAAE) is busy preparing for our 2026 Annual Meeting, and I am delighted to share what awaits you.
Our theme this year is: “Integrity in Action: Leading with Ethics and Accountability.”
As accounting educators, we are entrusted with preparing the next generation of professionals to navigate a world shaped not only by traditional standards of ethics and accountability, but also by technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and evolving regulatory frameworks. These shifts are transforming the profession, and we must equip our students with the tools, knowledge, and values needed to lead with integrity in this dynamic environment.
Save the Date:
Our upcoming conference will be held on February 6–7, 2025, in Americus, Georgia, hosted by Georgia Southwestern State University. I am thrilled to announce that we have some wonderful surprises planned for you. Optional activities will include a trolley or train ride to nearby Plains, Georgia—the beloved hometown of President Jimmy Carter. Visitors can now view the grave of President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, and explore historic sites connected to their legacy. While there, don’t miss the charming shops, cultural landmarks, and the famous peanut butter ice cream that has become a local tradition.
Keynote Speaker Highlight:
In keeping with our theme of Integrity in Action, we are honored to welcome Cynthia Cooper, the legendary WorldCom whistleblower and a national voice on ethics and leadership. Ms. Cooper’s courage in uncovering one of the largest corporate frauds in history continues to inspire professionals around the globe. Her keynote address promises to be both thought-provoking and empowering, offering a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from someone whose story exemplifies integrity at the highest level.
Call for Proposals
Our conference thrives on the insights and expertise of our members. This year, we encourage you to share your breakthrough ideas, classroom innovations, and “aha” moments with colleagues. Submit your session proposal by November 30, 2025, and help shape a program that reflects the best of our profession.
To guide your proposals, we are pleased to announce five major conference tracks for 2025:
- The Future-Ready Accountant
– AI tools in accounting education
– Predictive analytics and data visualization in the classroom
– Digital skills labs (e.g., blockchain applications, cloud accounting platforms) - Ethics, Sustainability, and Social Impact
– Integrating ESG and sustainability reporting into curricula
– Teaching ethics through innovative pedagogy
– Service-learning and community engagement case studies - Student Success and Pipeline Growth
– Strategies for increasing accounting enrollments and retention
– Supporting diverse and underrepresented student populations - Technology in Teaching
– Cutting-edge teaching innovations using technology
– Cybersecurity risks and safeguards in educational environments - Fraud Prevention and Detection
– Integrating real-world fraud cases (e.g., WorldCom) into coursework
– Using data analytics tools as early fraud-warning systems
We encourage proposals that are interactive, practice-focused, and forward-thinking—ideas that will not only enrich your colleagues’ teaching but also prepare students to excel in a rapidly evolving profession.
Why Attend?
The Annual Meeting is more than an academic gathering—it is a community of educators committed to growth, connection, and excellence. It’s a chance to meet new colleagues, reconnect with friends, and celebrate our shared mission. As leadership expert John C. Maxwell reminds us: “Growth inside fuels growth outside.” Come learn, share, and grow with us in Americus.
On behalf of the GAAE Board, I look forward to welcoming you in February. Please use the links provided on our website to register and book your accommodations.
See you in Americus!
Sondra Smith
2025-2026 President
Georgia Association of Accounting Educators