Brooke Elliott, professor of accountancy, was invested as the Ernst & Young Distinguished Professor in Accountancy on March 28, 2017, in a ceremony held in the Deloitte Auditorium of the Business Instructional Facility. A member of the faculty since 2003, Elliott conducts research that focuses on determinants of investors’ use of accounting information in their judgments and decisions and on how individual investors’ behaviors and decisions affect market prices. One recent research project has been in examining how the use of social media to disclose earnings information may affect investment decisions. In his welcome, College of Business Dean Jeffrey Brown noted, “There is no higher honor that we can bestow than an endowed professorship or an endowed chair. And certainly, if there is anyone in this college who exemplifies all of the characteristics that we look for in trying to determine if someone is really worthy of this elevated position, Brooke absolutely delivers on all fronts.” He also went on to praise her administrative abilities: “We have a lot of talented people in this College, but if you really want something done, give it to Brooke. She knows how to drive things and get results.” Paul Ellinger, the vice provost for budget and resource planning, presented the welcome from the campus. “These types of events are important to campus. Professorships and chairs are among the highest honors that we do on this campus.” He explained that investitures represent investments in people, ideas, and human potential. Jane Jollineau, who is a distinguished professor of accounting at the University of San Diego and who had been Elliott’s PhD advisor, found two words that best describe her knowledge of Elliott: focus and grit. Jollineau explained, “Brooke sets her goals and focuses on achieving them. She is motivated, disciplined, and tenacious.” She described Elliott’s research output throughout her career—regularly published research in leading journals of the field—as “an outlier in quantity and quality.” Department of Accountancy Head Jon Davis said of his colleague, “Brooke really exemplifies the quality and focus of the job.” He noted that she has maintained an excellent publication rate in top journals while at the same time remained an important player within the College in terms of service. Natasha Stough, who is the Americas director of campus recruiting for Ernst & Young, presented the congratulations from the firm that provided the endowment for this professorship. “EY is thrilled to see Professor Elliott as the Ernst and Young Distinguished Professor in Accountancy,” Stough said. We recognize the outstanding research work that you’ve done, as well as your commitment to teaching. . . . Illinois continues to develop just outstanding talent for the profession and for our firm, and it’s certainly professors like Brooke who are so critical to developing these future leaders.” Following the presentation of the medallion that recognizes her as the holder of the Ernst & Young Distinguished Professorship in Accountancy, Elliott spoke, thanking those in attendance for coming out to help celebrate this achievement. She also thanked Ernst & Young.  “I am privileged to be on the receiving end of the generosity of EY,” she said. “Their commitment to diversity in education, the student population, and the workplace—and also women in leadership positions—is unmatched. I am honored to place the EY designation next to my name.” Elliott received the College of Business Alumni Association Excellence-in-Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching in 2006, the Head’s Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Department of Accountancy in 2006 and 2009, the Raymond Hoffman Faculty Excellence Award from the Department of Accountancy in 2007, and the Saint Louis Teaching Award in 2014. She received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA with an accounting focus from Indiana University. She earned her PhD in accounting from the University of Washington. In August, she will begin her tenure as head of the Department of Accountancy. About Ernst & Young The global Ernst & Young organization, made up of 230,000 people based in 728 offices in 150 countries, organized into 28 regions and four areas, is a leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. Ernst & Young is committed to doing its part in building a better working world. The insights and quality services it delivers help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. The company develops outstanding leaders who team to deliver on promises to all of its stakeholders. In so doing, Ernst & Young plays a critical role in building a better working world for its people, for its clients, and for its communities. The company’s values influence the way employees work with each other, with its clients and regulators, and with its communities, where Ernst & Young employees use their professional skills to create positive change around the world.