Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Business Professor Dr. Alexandra Theodossiou Wins National Mentoring Award

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – For her demonstrated impact through mentoring, Dr. Alexandra Theodossiou, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Chair of the Department of Accounting, Finance, and Business Law and Associate Professor of Finance, has been named the winner of the 2023 KPMG Mentoring Award by the American Accounting Association Gender Issues and Worklife Balance Section.

Theodossiou, who has served as a mentor for several hundred students over the years, says a good mentor should be knowledgeable, non-judgmental, and able to give constructive feedback.

“Mentoring is very important to me because it was instrumental to my success as a first-generation student and later on as an academic and a department chair,” Theodossiou said. “For this special honor I must thank Dr. Murphy Smith, who nominated me, my department faculty members who have supported me as their chair, my colleagues, and our students.” 

Theodossiou has worked at TAMU-CC since 2010 and was promoted to department chair in 2020.

“Dr. Theodossiou has had a long and illustrious academic career, is a superb teacher and scholar, and is renowned for mentoring students at the undergraduate and graduate level,” said Dr. Brian Tietje, TAMU-CC College of Business Dean. “She is very deserving of this special recognition.”

In the classroom, Theodossiou has displayed the delicate balance of mentorship, guidance, and inspiration that molds students into future leaders of their field. When middle school English teacher Ann Coltrane ’24 decided it was time to embark on a new career path by pursuing a Master of Business Administration in Data Analytics from TAMU-CC, Theodossiou’s unwavering support helped Coltrane overcome her initial apprehension.

“Although teaching was close to my heart, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to expand my own knowledge before fully embracing the opportunity to guide and teach someone else,” Coltrane said. “Dr. Theodossiou’s dedication to empowering her students and her ability to instill confidence in us propelled my growth and development in the program. Her mentorship has shaped my path, leaving a lasting impact on my personal and professional endeavors.” 

Theodossiou’s mentorship extends to fellow faculty members. Her experience, expertise, and willingness to share her knowledge has encouraged accounting professors to provide students with information and guidance on new developments in the accounting profession, such as the recently revised CPA exam.

“Alexandra is extremely supportive of the Student Accounting Society (SAS) at the Island University and RELLIS campuses; the SAS provides professional speaker events and social activities to students in the accounting field,” said Dr. Murphy Smith, TAMU-CC Professor of Accounting. “She also encourages student service activities, such as serving as a volunteer in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program, which fills out tax returns free of charge for lower income individuals and families.”

Theodossiou will formally receive the KPMG Mentoring Award at the annual meeting of the American Accounting Association Gender Issues and Worklife Balance Section in Denver in August 2023.