FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2023

For More Information:
Glenville State University
Public Relations & Marketing
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV – Cheryl Fleming McKinney, Professor of Business at Glenville State University, is a finalist for the Faculty Merit Foundation’s West Virginia Professor of the Year recognition. 

McKinney is a tenured professor at Glenville State, has taught accounting courses since 1983, is a Certified Public Accountant, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. She previously served as Chair of the Department of Business, President of Glenville’s Faculty Senate, and on a myriad of campus committees. In 1996 she received Glenville State’s prestigious Outstanding Faculty Award and currently serves as a Faculty Marshal and is on the University Leadership Council.

She was elected President of the West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (WVSCPA) for the 2017-2018 year and, at the time, was the first sitting educator or professor in almost forty years to be president of the Society. In 2009, the WVSCPA honored McKinney with its Outstanding Educator Award, an annual recognition that is presented to a full-time or recently retired accounting educator who is distinguished for excellence in classroom teaching. The award also recognizes active involvement in the accounting profession.

McKinney also coordinated the participation of Glenville State’s accounting program in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in which accounting students assist the campus and community with income tax preparation, for well over 20 years.

From 1999-2006, McKinney served as Glenville State’s Vice President of Student Affairs. During that time, she worked to usher in a new era for student life on campus, overseeing the full renovation and modernization of the student center while leading professional staff members in student activities, residence life, public safety, dining services, the student health center, campus mail room, and fitness center to better serve the student body.

In addition to teaching, she previously operated an independent CPA firm, preparing taxes and providing accounting consultancy. For a time, she also worked for the accounting services firm Ernst & Whinney (now EY). 

McKinney also performed alongside the student and alumni members of Glenville’s Percussion Ensemble for almost forty years when it was under the direction of her husband, Professor Emeritus John McKinney.

“It is such a privilege to represent my incredible students and graduates from the last forty years who have gone on to do amazing things, as well as my wonderful academic and professional colleagues past and present,” McKinney said. “I am grateful to the Faculty Merit Foundation for this recognition and to Glenville State for the opportunity to do what I love most…teach!”

“This is a wonderful and fitting recognition for Professor McKinney,” said Glenville State University President, Dr. Mark A. Manchin. “Mrs. McKinney is an exceptional faculty member who truly takes the time to ensure her students are prepared for life after graduation – she lives our institutional mission to the fullest. The Pioneer family joins me in congratulating her on this well-deserved recognition.”

In addition to McKinney, the 2022 finalists include: Concord University Professor of Physical and Environmental Sciences Dr. Joseph Allen, West Liberty University Associate Professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Deanna Schmitt, Shepherd University Professor of Political Science, Global Studies, and Geography Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer, and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Professor of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Peter Ward.

Interviews with the candidates will take place on February 21 with the Professor of the Year recipient to be announced thereafter. 

The Faculty Merit Foundation was created in 1984 to provide a means to recognize and reward innovation and creativity among the faculties of West Virginia’s public and private colleges and universities. Through the Professor of the Year program, the outstanding achievements of those individuals are brought to the attention of the general public. A $10,000 cash award is given to the candidate selected as Professor of the Year, with smaller awards to the other finalists.

The Professor of the Year award is sponsored by United Bank, Bowles Rice LLP, Greene, Ketchum, Bailey & Tweel LLP, Maier Foundation, Graystone Consulting, and The Daywood Foundation.