Accountancy Professors Balke, Stara to Retire

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accountancy professors Thomas Balke and Nancy Stara will retire next month after a combined 53 years of education, leadership and service to UNL and the College of Business Administration.

Balke, the Raymond C. Dein Professor, joined the faculty in 1970. During his tenure he has served as adviser for the master of professional accountancy program and graduate studies of accounting, director of the School of Accountancy and as acting associate dean of the College of Business Administration. Balke has lent his strong interest in accounting education to research and community service activities. He has also been honored and recognized for his superior work in education through the many awards he has received. In 2002 he was selected by the college's alumni advisory board for a Distinguished Faculty Award.

Stara, director of the School of Accountancy and the Deloitte & Touche professor of accountancy, joined the faculty in 1985. During her time at the School of Accountancy, she has served as associate dean of the college and associate vice chancellor for academic affairs for UNL. While acting as associate dean, she was instrumental in establishing the E.J. Faulkner Writing Lab. As director her influence has been substantial: Summer programs have been enriched through practice-related courses, scholarships have been enhanced, but most notably, the MPA program was designated one of 89 priorities programs within the university. Stara has been recognized and honored with many teaching awards including, most recently, the 2003 Nebraska CPAs Educator of the Year.

Balke and Stara will be recognized for their contributions to the college and the university at a reception in their honor from 5 to 6:30 p.m. May 3 at the Van Brundt Visitors Center, 313 N. 13th St.

CONTACT: Marilyn Hoskins, Business Administration, (402) 472-3382