Illinois CPA Society calls
NIU's Hopkins woman 'to watch'

Debra Hopkins, director of the NIU CPA Review Program, has been named one of five “Women to Watch” by the Illinois CPA Society.

The award recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations and the development of women as leaders. This is the first year the award has been presented. Winners were chosen by members of the Illinois CPA Society, one of the largest in the nation with more than 22,000 members.

Hopkins was recognized as an experienced leader in the accounting profession, and was singled out for her stewardship of the NIU CPA Review. In announcing the award, the society noted that Hopkins has “influenced and motivated thousands of individuals in the accounting field all over the world through her writings, teaching, CPA exam preparation and business consulting activities.”

Greg Carnes, chair of accountancy at NIU, praised the selection of Hopkins .

“For 20 years, the number of women entering the field of accountancy has been equal to the number of men choosing the profession, so there is a real need for some female role models, and Debra fills that role nicely,” Carnes said.

“She is a leader in the accounting profession, and is very well respected for the impact she has had on our field, both nationally and internationally. It is exciting and gratifying to see her many contributions to the field recognized with this award.”

Hopkins has been at NIU since 1987, and was named director of the NIU CPA Review in 1991.

The program has grown under her leadership, now helping more than 1,200 people a year prepare for the CPA exam, while maintaining its reputation for excellence. NIU has ranked in the top 10 for pass rates on the CPA exam more times than all but two other schools.

In addition to leading that program, Hopkins does consulting work, having traveled to places such as Egypt and Macedonia to deliver courses in international accounting and auditing standards. She also serves as a technical committee chair of the Illinois CPA Society's auditing services committee.

The “Women to Watch” award is the latest in a string of honors Hopkins has earned. She also has received the NIU Teaching Instructor Award and the Illinois CPA Society's Outstanding Accounting Educator award.

11-21-05