The MSA program is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, a significant milestone for the trailblazing program that consistently ranks among the best in the nation.
“I wish I could take the spirit, the energy, and the interaction that occurs in this program, bottle it and present it to potential students,’’ said accounting professor Steve Pedneault, who owns a forensic accounting firm and has been teaching in the program since 2007. “If they knew how special it is here, they would all come to UConn.’’
He said he speaks with colleagues and students around the country, who confirm that UConn MSA is unique.
“First, our professors are experts in the field. You’re learning forensic accounting from an expert, you’re learning tax law from people who worked at the IRS,’’ he said.
“What we also do better than anyone else is our level of interaction with students,’’ he said. “When I started here, the leadership made it clear if you’re not going to have a high level of interaction with students, you’re not going to be here long!’’
Celebration Dinner Slated for Oct. 17
To honor its history and achievement, the MSA program is having a 25th anniversary dinner Oct. 17. Faculty, alumni, students, and business partners are welcome to attend.
“We are very excited to be hosting this event and to recognize the MSA program for how groundbreaking it was,’’ said Professor George Plesko, head of the accounting department. “We’re proud that we have maintained the program’s excellence, despite the increased competition, and regularly receive national recognition among the best online programs in the country. There are many people who have contributed to that success and I am grateful for them all.’’
The MSA program began in-person in 1999 and quickly converted to an online format, an approach to education that was almost unheard of then. In the last decade, U.S. News has consistently ranked the program among the Top 10 in the nation.
Part of a World-Class Institution
Professor Irene Louth ’02, ’03 MSA is the Chief Tax Officer and Vice President of Taxation at Atlas Air and a two-time UConn alumna. She holds the accounting program in the highest regard.
“UConn is a world-class institution, and it was a privilege to be part of the UConn Accounting community,’’ she said. “My accounting degrees opened doors for me, and I had many companies competing for my skills. Because of my education at UConn, I passed my CPA exam on the first try with one of the top scores in the state. My UConn experience was excellent and allowed me to step into the world of accounting.’’
When she was approached about an opportunity to teach in the program two years ago, she didn’t hesitate. She said it was an honor to apply her knowledge and experience and nurture the next generation of professionals.
“The MSA program instills a great sense of readiness for the learners,’’ she said. “UConn prepares you for what comes next, whether it’s the CPA exam or life as a young professional.’’
Caring Faculty, High Performing Students
Alumna Christine D. Gagnon ’02, ’03 MSA , ‘08 MBA is Chief Financial Officer of Roha Group, a New York-based private equity firm, and CEO of Odin Frigg, a boutique agency and advisory services firm. She said that one of the most memorable aspects of the MSA program is the quality and engagement of the faculty.
“The faculty were very caring and invested,’’ she said. “My fellow students were all of a solid caliber and were striving for high performance as they prepared to enter the professional workforce. Having a peer group of the highest quality was helpful. I’m still in touch with many of my classmates today.’’
She also appreciated the convenience and flexibility that allowed her to work in the profession, with all the seasonal and client-related demands, while completing her MSA.
“The Big Four were well connected within the department,’’ she said. “From the university to the profession, everything was well aligned and very relevant. In addition, the program was practical; I could immediately apply the lessons I’d learned.’’
Louth said she thinks more milestones are on the horizon for the MSA program. “I wish the UConn MSA program another 25-, 75- and 125-year anniversary with quality candidates, faculty, and staff,’’ she said. “I’m biased but I think there is no accounting program that’s better.’’
The MSA 25th anniversary celebration on Oct. 17 is open to alumni and current students. Tickets are $25 per person. The event begins at 5:45 and runs until 9 p.m. at the Alumni Center in Storrs. To register, please visit: https://msaccounting.uconn.edu/anniversary/. For more information, please contact Erika Durning at Erika.Durning@uconn.edu.
