Beta Alpha Psi selected Mark Taylor, the Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing and chair of the accountancy department, to receive the 2015 Business Information Professional of the Year award in the category of education. Beta Alpha Psi is the international honor organization for financial information students and professionals.
The Pi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi at Case Western Reserve University nominated Taylor for this recognition. Since 1987, the chapter estimates that Taylor has positively impacted more than 2,500 young people within the university setting alone. Taylor served as the Beta Alpha Psi faculty adviser at CWRU for three years, earning “superior chapter” each year. In addition to his involvement with Beta Alpha Psi, he routinely invites his entire class to his home for networking and social gatherings.
“Through his undergraduate auditing course, Professor Taylor required that we read a book on morals and ethics,” said Jason Bazell, one of Taylor’s former students. This forced Bazell “to step back and evaluate who I was at the time and then determine who I wanted to become, in both my personal and professional life.”
Through Taylor’s leadership and encouragement, Bazell got involved with Beta Alpha Psi and eventually became the campus chapter’s president.
“[Taylor] saw potential in me and then gave me the tools to recognize that potential. I honestly believe that I would not be where I am today without Professor Taylor’s support,” said Bazell.
Taylor will be recognized for this award at the Beta Alpha Psi Annual Meeting in August. As part of Taylor’s award, the Pi chapter at CWRU will receive $2,000.
Beta Alpha Psi recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the business and information professions annually. Awards are given in three categories: education, industry and government, and professional services. Each chapter, the board of directors and the International Professional Partners are invited to nominate candidates from these fields. Nominees are individuals who have affected a large number of lives; contributed both locally and nationally to the profession; added to knowledge as demonstrated by publication, lectures or presentations; and are active in the profession at the time of nomination.