Maryland’s accounting community has a new reason to celebrate one of its professionals. Dr. Jan Williams, professor of accounting and director of the Accounting Honors Program at the University of Baltimore, has been awarded the Maryland Association of CPAs' 2025-26 Max Teichmann Award—a recognition that honors her tireless, career-long dedication to the profession and its people.
Named after the association's founder, the Max Teichmann Award recognizes MACPA members
who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession. For Dr. Williams,
this honor reflects decades of showing up with "generosity, wisdom, and heart," as
said by MACPA President & CEO Rebekah Olson in the association’s post-event news.
Dr. Williams's impact extends far beyond the classroom. As chair and education member
of the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy, she helped shape how accountants are
licensed and practice in Maryland—including extending CPA exam timeframes during COVID
to support candidates facing unprecedented challenges and advocating for an additional
pathway to licensure with 120-hours and two years of professional experience. Her
leadership roles as chair of the AICPA Academic Executive Committee and as president
of the American Accounting Association Mid-Atlantic Region have strengthened the profession
at the national level.
But perhaps her most profound impact comes through mentorship. Whether coaching emerging professionals through the MACPA's licensure program, serving on the MACPA Educators Committee, or creating UBalt's annual "Back to UBalt Night"—an accounting homecoming that connects students with successful alumni—Dr. Williams consistently invests in developing future leaders.
"I knew I wanted to become a college professor," Williams shared in a recent interview.
"I just fell in love with the classroom and the students, mentoring the students and
helping to prepare them for their careers in accounting."
Her students don't just graduate with degrees—they graduate with jobs, career paths,
and the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an evolving profession. They
also graduate having been mentored by a professor who believes deeply in their potential.
Congratulations, Dr. Williams. Your dedication to empowering others continues to leave
a lasting impact on the CPA community and the countless lives you've touched.
Jan Williams was recently featured in a University of Baltimore Q&A series called Charles Street Chats. See what she had to to say about the accounting profession and what she loves about Baltimore.
The University of Baltimore has one of the strongest and most professional engaged programs in the state, including a Accounting Honors Program, an active chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and academic programs and certificates. Notably for more than 25 years, UBalt alumni have been leading the top accounting firms in the area.