Karen Kitching Honored with 2025 Cook Prize for Undergraduate Accounting Education

Teaching Professor of Accounting Karen Kitching was recently recognized with the prestigious American Accounting Association’s (AAA) J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize for outstanding teaching in undergraduate accounting education.

The Cook Prize recognizes educators who demonstrate consistent excellence in the classroom and a transformative impact on students. Kitching received a $30,500 cash award and a silver medallion presented during the AAA Annual Meeting in August 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

In 2023, Kitching spearheaded a comprehensive redesign of Georgetown’s undergraduate management accounting curriculum to foreground data fluency — ensuring all current and future undergraduates are equipped with a deep understanding of accounting fundamentals and the vital data literacy and technological skills demanded by today’s workplace. 

“By incorporating topics such as business processes, enterprise systems, automation, AI, and process mining, I aim to help students overcome their apprehension toward technology, build data literacy, and cultivate a digital mindset,” said Kitching. “While grounding the course in foundational management accounting theory, I designed the curriculum to leverage these tools, equipping students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their future careers.”

To enhance students’ understanding of the technological transformations in accounting, she also developed several experiential learning opportunities to maximize real-world application of these concepts. Kitching created the annual Datathon in 2024, where students across Georgetown used data-driven insights to address critical challenges such as air quality and a variety of health concerns in the United States. 

“Active and experiential learning is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Through hands-on assignments and real-world applications, students bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice, gaining the confidence to adapt in a constantly evolving field,” said Kitching.

As a first-generation college graduate, Kitching understands the value of education and data literacy to advance one’s career. Her focus now is on ensuring students gain access to the same kinds of opportunities that transformed her own life. 

“Embracing technology has been central to my journey, enabling my transition from industry to education. My greatest goal is to create opportunities for students,” she said. “When they master new tools and ideas, they don’t just advance academically — they expand what’s possible for their future careers.”

Now she leads workshops and webinars to help fellow educators integrate technology into their teaching, equipping them with tools and strategies that expand opportunities for their students nationwide.

The Cook Prize awardees are selected annually by a panel of educators and representatives of the AAA. Read more information about the award.