Des Plaines, Ill. (Sept. 29, 2025) — Oakton Accounting chair and distinguished professor of Accounting, Leslie Van Wolvelear, Ed.D., CPA, CGMA, has been named a 2025 Illinois CPA Society Distinguished Service Award recipient.
The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence by taking on additional challenges and responsibilities in their volunteer service with the Illinois CPA Society during a specific term or year. Van Wolvelear was honored for her dedication to accounting education and her long-standing efforts to engage and mentor high school students interested in pursuing careers in the field.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized by the Illinois CPA Society,“ said Van Wolvelear. “I am blessed to have the opportunity to guide future accounting professionals on their journey through college.”
Van Wolvelear has served at Oakton for over 25 years, teaching financial, managerial, intermediate, and data analytics in accounting in online, hybrid and in-person formats. In 2017, she earned the title of Distinguished Professor, one of several accolades she has received throughout her career. She has also been recognized as a Distinguished Online Educator by the Instructional Technology Council and earned the Outstanding Educator Award for two-year colleges from the Illinois CPA Society.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Van Wolvelear is a nationally recognized leader in innovative learning strategies. She has presented at numerous conferences, sharing expertise on gamification, inclusive teaching practices and digital learning tools. Her research and publications focus on improving student engagement and success, particularly among nontraditional learners.
Founded in 1903, the Illinois CPA Society is one of the largest state CPA organizations in the nation, representing more than 20,250 members.
Oakton's Accounting curriculum is designed to prepare you for employment in an accounting position upon completing the degree or certificates. The skills you develop will serve you well as you pursue a career in various accounting-related fields, including working as a certified public accountant (CPA), tax accountant or staff accountant. To learn more about the Accounting program at Oakton, visit Oakton’s website.