In Good Company

By Mary Whitrow

DEBBIE GOOD’S REPUTATION as a professor at the University of Prince Edward Island precedes her. Many students know her to be a tough teacher; her classes represent a line in the sand that only the strongest of accounting students pass. Most know of her long academic career, as evidenced by the number of families with more than one generation taught by Debbie. Not only has she been instrumental in the development and execution of UPEI’s accounting specialization, but she has also made impressive contributions to the University, the accounting profession in PEI, and the Island community as a whole.

Debbie has been pushing boundaries and paving the way for women to pursue accounting on PEI for many years. She was the first female to be awarded Fellowship in the Chartered Professional Accountants of Prince Edward Island (CPA PEI) in 2006. Fellowship is the highest honour the Institute confers and is awarded to those who demonstrate outstanding career achievements, and exceptional service to the profession, the Institute, and the community. Tanya O’Brien, CPA, CA, and CEO of CPA PEI, remarks, “Debbie is a pioneer for females in the profession of accounting on PEI. For me personally, and all others who entered the profession after Debbie, she led the way as one of the first female members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Prince Edward Island in 1978 and went on to inspire others through her leadership in education and in the profession.” Today, CPA PEI has 250 female members. Debbie has taught almost every accounting course offered at UPEI at one time or another and has been integral to the tremendous success of the BBA Accounting Specialization. “The rigour of her courses has had a direct impact on student success in the CPA program.” Professor Amy McFarlane says, “Debbie has high expectations, signalling to students the level of work ethic, discipline, and judgment required to become a professional accountant.” Debbie has been active in many sectors in PEI over the years and has served on the boards of many not-forprofit organizations. She has had several ministerial appointments, including being a member of the National Forum on Health from 1994–1997. She has also held

2017 Faculty Association Members: (L-R back) Rebecca Reed-Jones, Charlene VanLeeuwen, Sharon Myers, Heather Penny, Karem Simon, Carlo Lavoie (L-R front) Michael Arfken, Nola Etkin, Debbie Good

various leadership positions within UPEI throughout the years including interim dean in the Faculty of Business and treasurer for the UPEI Faculty Association (UPEIFA). With 16 years of service, Debbie was the longest-serving member on the UPEIFA executive. Through all of her endeavours, she has shown tremendous capability, tenacity, and a work ethic second to none. Sharon Myers, current UPEIFA President, recalls Debbie’s efforts during a 2012 collective bargaining round when she went above and beyond the call of an executive member to ensure the numbers relating to a salary grid were correct and double-checked during a final meeting—which didn’t end until 3:00 am. “Her support was vital, and she gave us the confidence we needed in the wee morning hours to know the numbers were solid and a deal was in hand. That’s one night, a very late one, but part of a 16-year history of dedication and service to the Association and its membership. She guided the Association through some difficult financial times with steady hands, and has helped us to make good decisions during better times. We are grateful!” The UPEI Faculty of Business can’t thank her enough for her years of service and outstanding work. Dean Jürgen Krause affirms this, “Debbie’s contribution to the Faculty and UPEI is outstanding. We are proud to have worked with her and wish her well.” Thank you, Debbie, enjoy your retirement!