KENNESAW, Ga. | Jun 5, 2018

The Michael J. Coles College of Business recently appointed veteran Kennesaw State University educator Dr. Steve Smalt as the new Director of the School of Accountancy. 

Smalt has more than 30 years of experience teaching accounting, auditing, international accounting, and financial information systems with the Kennesaw State SOA. He officially became the new full-time director on April 13, having served as interim director since Dr. Richard Clune stepped down in December 2017.

“In his role as interim director, Steve advanced the mission of the SOA and was a great advocate of its programs, faculty, staff, and students,” says Dr. Kathy Schwaig, Dean of the Coles College of Business. “I am excited and proud to have Steve continue to serve Coles College and the SOA in his new role.”

Prior to coming to Kennesaw State in 1983, Smalt previously held a faculty position at Columbus State University and a staff position at the University of Florida.

As Associate Professor of Accounting and Information Systems at Kennesaw State University, Smalt has published an impressive body of accounting research on topics ranging from blockchain technology and international accounting standards to investigating alternative accounting and business education practices.

Outside the classroom, Smalt is a skilled Certified Public Accountant with a breadth of experience in business management and management consulting. Some of his past clients include high profile businesses like Coca-Cola, Kroger, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Georgia Power. He is also a former board member of STI Knowledge, Inc., an IT services company that appeared in Inc. Magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing companies in America.

Smalt has also traveled the world teaching accounting fundamentals to working professionals. He has led Continuing Professional Education programs for several organizations, such as the Georgia Society of CPAs. While working with the London, England-based Institute for International Research, Smalt has conducted professional seminars in multiple European cities on U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the International Financial Reporting Standards, and SEC financial reporting standards.

The Coles College of Business selected Smalt as the new director following a nationwide search. Smalt is the first full-time SOA director since the untimely passing of former Director Dr. Kathryn Epps in September 2017.

Smalt says he plans to continue the legacy of excellence that has helped the Kennesaw State SOA distinguish itself among peer institutions.

"The School of Accountancy in the Coles College of Business is comprised of a stellar assemblage of faculty and staff,” Smalt says. “The professional level of teaching, research and service output by these colleagues is beyond impressive. I am sincerely humbled to serve as the director and am grateful for the opportunity to help showcase the wonderful work of our faculty and staff, and the significant accomplishments of our alumni and students."

Smalt holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Union Institute and University; a Master of Accounting from the University of Florida; and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Columbus State University.

-Patrick Harbin

Photos by Rosa Zavala Castillo