Rate My Professor Alexander Gabbin

Alexander L. Gabbin, Ph.D., is Director and Professor in the School of Accounting at James Madison University, holding the KPMG Professorship. A prominent figure in Business & Economics specializing in accounting, he holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Temple University (1986), an M.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Chicago (1970), and a B.A. in Economics from Howard University (1967). Gabbin began his academic career as Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Business Administration at Lincoln University from 1975 to 1985. He joined James Madison University in 1985 as Assistant Professor in the School of Accounting, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1990 and full Professor in 1995, and served as Director of the School of Accounting from 1994 to 1997, along with roles as Program Director for the School of Professional Studies-Accounting (1997-1998).

Gabbin has made significant contributions to accounting education through key publications, including "The Crisis in Accounting Education" in the Journal of Accountancy (April 2002), "Experience With Using Samples to Assess Students in the Major" in Assessment Update (March-April 2002), Accounting Administrator’s Handbook: A Guide For Managing Innovation and Change in Accounting Programs (1998), and "Perspectives on Implementing a Framework for Evaluating Effective Teaching" in the Journal of Accounting Education (Winter 1999). His teaching excellence is recognized by four JMU Outstanding Teacher in Accounting Awards (1986, 1988, 1990, 1992), the JMU College of Business Distinguished Teacher Award (2005-2006), the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching (1982), Adolph Coors Foundation Professor of Accounting (1991-1994), and National Black MBA Association Lifetime Membership Award (2000) as a founding member and inaugural treasurer (1970). Additional honors include the Education Award from Black History Celebration Day (1992) and chairing the Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Award selection committee since 1998. Gabbin's career highlights his profound influence on accounting pedagogy, program administration, and support for minority professionals in business.