Michael Pender, Jr. (left) presents the FICPA Outstanding Educator award to Dr. William Quilliam (right).

LAKELAND, Fla. (July 25, 2011) — Dr. William C. Quilliam, associate professor of accounting at Florida Southern College, was named the 2011 Florida Institute of CPAs' (FICPA) Outstanding Educator. The award recognizes his exceptional accomplishments in education, innovative teaching practices, and outstanding contributions to the accounting profession.

"I was surprised and honored to receive this prestigious recognition," said Quilliam.

In addition, FICPA also honored Quilliam with the Presidential Award for Service, recognizing his social awareness and civic involvement. Of particular note are his volunteer efforts on behalf of Give Kids the World, a central Florida charitable organization that provides vacations for children who are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Quilliam takes groups of FSC student volunteers to assist the organization with everything from food service to painting. "It's a wonderful place that the students are enthusiastic about," he said.

The awards were presented at the culmination of FICPA's annual convention, held June 22-25 in Amelia Island, Fla.

Michael Pender Jr., immediate past president of FICPA, said the organization was impressed with Quilliam's commitment to his profession and community. "The Outstanding Educator award is given to an individual for his or her significant contributions as an accounting instructor and active involvement in the accounting profession. Our honoree is certainly all that and so much more. Not only does he engage students in the classroom, Dr. Quilliam also brings his students out into the world of accounting."

Quilliam holds a doctorate in accounting from the University of Florida and has served as an accounting professor and CPA for over two decades. He joined the FSC faculty in 2010 from his previous position at the University of South Florida in Sarasota, where he received the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching award. Quilliam has brought enthusiasm for his profession and an active agenda to Florida Southern, including the establishment of a CPA review course and the facilitation of a summer accounting camp for high school students. He is the third accounting professor ever named to the board of governors of FICPA.

Quilliam is not the first Florida Southern faculty member to be honored by the prestigious organization. In 2005, Dr. John Stancil, professor of accounting at FSC, was awarded the FICPA Public Service Award for extraordinary achievements in public service and promotion of the industry.

FICPA is one of the largest CPA organizations in the country with over 19,000 members. The association was founded in 1905 and serves to promote and develop the accounting profession in Florida. Membership is comprised of CPAs and accounting educators from both the high school and college level.