OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTING EDUCATOR AWARD Elizabeth L. Forbes, CPA, DBA ELIZABETH L. “LISA” FORBES, CPA, DBA, is being honored with the Nebraska Society of CPAs’ 2025 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award for her remarkable contributions to the classroom, the profession, and the community. A dedicated teacher, mentor, and leader, Lisa has spent more than two decades inspiring students not only to master accounting concepts but also to connect theory with practice in meaningful ways. Lisa is program director of the business program and the AdventHealth Endowed Chair of Business Administration at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Neb. Since joining the faculty in 2002, she has inspired hundreds of students through her teaching in accounting and finance, weaving together theory and practice in courses ranging from Principles of Accounting and Intermediate Accounting to Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Business Analytics. Her classes are known for their energy, interactivity, and real-world relevance. She incorporates case studies, professional speakers, CPA exam preparation, and budgeting simulations that bring accounting concepts to life. Before entering academia, Lisa spent eight years in public accounting. She began her career at Baird, Kurtz & Dobson and later advanced to audit manager with Deloitte in Lincoln, where she worked with clients such as the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Public Schools, National Bank of Commerce, Ameritas, and Nebraska Book Company. These experiences continue to shape her classroom instruction, grounding her lessons in practical knowledge. A licensed Nebraska CPA since 1992 and a 25-year Society member, Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, summa cum laude, from Union College, followed by an MBA in finance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She completed her Doctor of Business Administration at Anderson (Ind.) University in 2016. Lisa’s dedication to students extends beyond the classroom. She assists with Union’s mentorship program, pairing students with business professionals for career guidance. She advises dozens of students annually, helping them chart academic and professional paths. Her students consistently praise her ability to make complex topics understandable, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her genuine investment in their success. Twice, students have recognized her with Union Adventist University’s coveted Teacher of the Year award. Colleagues and students alike describe Lisa as an inspiring role model who sets high standards while creating a supportive environment. As one former student wrote, “She truly puts her students’ success above all else, ensuring they are fully prepared for the workforce.” In addition to her academic leadership, Lisa has been active in service to the church, community, and profession, from serving on finance committees and nonprofit boards to presenting personal finance workshops and contributing to professional training events. For her unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, her mentorship of future CPAs, and her leadership in advancing accounting education, the Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to present Dr. Lisa Forbes with the Outstanding Accounting Educator Award. Submit a Nomination Form Today! https://www.nescpa.org/about/awards 21 nescpa.org
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