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Poole College of Management
Jenkins Master of Accounting (MAC)

History

The Early Years

The Jenkins Master of Accounting (MAC) Program at North Carolina State University has been at the forefront of accounting education since its inception in 1994. Established in response to the evolving requirements for CPA licensure, the program was designed to provide the crucial additional 30 hours needed beyond an undergraduate degree, thus equipping students to become proficient CPAs.

The Jenkins MAC program has not only adapted to educational reforms but has thrived, contributing significantly to the rise in CPA exam pass rates and the increased depth of knowledge in the accounting profession.

  • Diverse Inaugural Class: The first cohort in 1994 comprised 32 students, blending recent undergraduates with non-traditional students, reflecting the program’s appeal to a broad range of learners.
  • Foundational Leaders: Bob Peace was the program’s inaugural director, setting the stage for a traditional structure with concentrations in tax or audit and limited electives. Kathy Krawczyk, the program’s long-serving director, and Mark Beasley, a pioneer in course design, were instrumental in shaping the program’s early years.
  • A Dynamic Faculty: A young and dynamic faculty, many at the assistant professor level, mirrored the energy of their students, teaching in a space that was once filled with textile machines.
  • Successful Outcomes: While official placement records were not initially kept, the first graduates have gone on to become CFOs and organizational founders, establishing a legacy of professional success and impact that continues today.

C.J. Skender, a faculty member in those early days who has also taught at Duke University
and UNC-Chapel Hill, recalls meeting in downtown Raleigh on that Friday evening at
Greenshields Pub with faculty and students in attendance.

It was like a family gathering. Everybody was so supportive of everyone else — that’s the thing that stuck out to me — they cared about each other. They weren’t just in it for themselves.

A New Century

As the Jenkins MAC program entered the 21st century, it continued to revolutionize accounting education, adapting to industry trends and preparing students for the evolving landscape of business and accounting.

  • Strategic Leadership: In 2002, Katherine Hansen joined as assistant director, leveraging her public accounting HR experience to enhance career development and firm placement for graduates.
  • Real-World Integration: The curriculum was enriched with practical experiences, including practicums and case studies, to bridge academic learning with industry practice.
  • Broadening Horizons: Program leaders expanded recruitment efforts, establishing a presence in major markets like New York, D.C., and Chicago, and fostering national recognition.
  • Curriculum Evolution: The program’s curriculum underwent significant revisions to meet industry demands, including required core courses and elective concentrations in Information Technology, Enterprise Risk Management, and Tax Strategy.
  • Recognition and Growth: With consistent rankings among the top accounting programs nationally, the Jenkins MAC solidified its status as a leader in accounting education.
  • Accreditation Milestone: The program achieved standalone AACSB accreditation in 2009, reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence.