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College of Business names first Donna Kieso Professor

February 2, 2016
Donna Kieso

Donna Kieso

Faculty emeritus and legendary accounting author Don Kieso has made a significant gift to recognize his wife and partner of 56 years by creating a professorship in her name.

The Donna R. Kieso Professorship in Accounting was established to reward excellence in teaching, research and service to the profession.

Kate Mantzke, associate professor of accounting, will serve as the first Donna Kieso Professor. Mantzke joined the NIU faculty in 2001 after completing her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was previously a tax manager at Arthur Andersen in the firm’s tax consulting practice. Mantzke is a certified public accountant in Minnesota and a member of several academic and professional organizations.

Mantzke’s research focuses on corporate income tax planning and the use of tax incentives for economic development.

“One of my goals in establishing this professorship is to recognize both Donna and Kate,” Kieso said. “Donna’s partnership in my life and career was instrumental in so many ways; honoring her is long overdue. Kate Mantzke represents everything we value inside the classroom and in the profession. We are delighted to support her in this way and hope that the Donna Kieso Professorship will ensure that she finishes her career at NIU.”

The NIU College of Business is THE place to educate and mentor women who will be leaders in society and business,” Dean Denise Schoenbachler said. “This is our first professorship named exclusively after a female. I am delighted to recognize Donna in this way because she is indeed a leader and role model in philanthropy, community service and academia. In supporting this professorship and Dr. Mantzke, Don and Donna are ensuring NIU accountancy remains among the best programs in the world.”