Dr. Laura R. Barthel is an Associate Professor of Accounting at EKU’s College of Business. She holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Kennesaw State University, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and earned a Master’s of Accountancy from the University of Kentucky. Prior to joining EKU, she was an Internal Auditor at Tempur-Sealy International Inc. (formerly Tempur-Pedic International Inc.). Additionally, she has accounting experience in governmental and public accounting.
Dr. Barthel has extensive teaching experience, spanning from high school students to graduate-level Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidates. Her teaching methods have been highly regarded, earning her the Dr. Jack L. Dyer Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019 and the Beta Gamma Sigma Professor of the Year award in 2020. These awards highlight her ability to adapt her teaching style to various learning styles and student maturity levels.
Her research interests lie in accounting and postsecondary education, with a particular focus on taxation and taxpayer behavior. She has collaborated with colleagues from institutions like Kennesaw State University, Miami University, and the University of Alabama Birmingham, as well as her colleagues at EKU. Additionally, she has conducted research for the Kentucky Bankers Association regarding tax implications and bank investment decisions in FinTechs (Financial Technologies).
Dr. Barthel’s commitment to providing students with real-world experience is evident through her involvement in the Internal Revenue Service Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. This program offers students valuable hands-on experience in tax preparation, equipping them with practical skills for their future careers.
As a dedicated educator and accomplished CPA, her strong track record of teaching excellence and impactful research are evidence of her mission to channel her experience and research to help students learn with her student-centered applied approach.
