Lorraine Wright receives Ernst and Young Award

Sept. 18, 2006 - Lorraine Wright, associate professor of accounting [on right in photo] received the Ernst & Young 2006-07 Faculty Teaching Fellow Award at the annual Department of Accounting Banquet held Monday evening, Sept. 18, in Raleigh. Students were also recognized at the annual banquet.

The Faculty Teaching Fellow Award recognizes faculty who have made a significant contribution over an extended period to the educational experience of NC State students, both in and out of the classroom, said Christine Holmes, partner with Ernst & Young. Criteria for consideration for the award include classroom teaching, student advising and course curriculum and/or pedagogical innovations.

Holmes cited Wright's ongoing commitment to improving the educational experience of students and seeking new ways to use technology to improve student learning. She is offering the department's first online introductory tax course this semester. She also has been actively engaged in helping students outside the classroom, particularly through her role as faculty advisor for the student chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). With her assistance, the NC State NABA student members have received numerous awards at the university, local, regional, and national levels, and many of her former NABA members were in the audience Monday evening.

"Under Lorraine's guidance, NC State NABA students have received thousands of dollars in scholarship and travel support," Holmes said. The travel support enabled student to attend professional association meetings. Wright has also continued mentoring students after graduation. She received the NABA National Education Award in 2000 in recognition of her commitment to supporting and mentoring students. "Lorraine's involvement with NABA has helped to establish NC State nationally as a school that fosters diversity," Holmes said.

Wright also has participated in an experimental student enrichment program to counsel and tutor students on weekends. She is advisor to students participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, which provides income tax preparation support each year, and is an advisor for the annual PricewaterhouseCooper's XTax student case competition.