Rutgers Professor Hussein Issa Wins 2026 AAA/Deloitte Foundation Cook Prize

NEWARK & NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The American Accounting Association (AAA) has announced that Rutgers Business School Associate Professor Hussein Issa is a recipient of the 2026 AAA/J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize.

The Cook Prize is widely considered the accounting profession’s highest honor for educators who consistently demonstrate the attributes of a superior teacher. Issa is being recognized for his transformative impact on undergraduate accounting education and his visionary leadership in integrating emerging technologies into the classroom.

Pioneering the Future of Accounting Education at Rutgers

Professor Issa, an Associate Professor of Accounting Information Systems, has become a cornerstone of innovation at Rutgers Business School. His work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional accounting principles and the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

His selection for the Undergraduate Award highlights several key contributions to the university:

• AI Integration Leadership: Issa currently leads initiatives to embed Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI across the Rutgers Business School curriculum.
• The BYOC Framework: He co-developed the "Build Your Own Course" (BYOC) series—an innovative, modular pedagogical framework designed to enhance curricular agility and ensure students are prepared for the modern workplace.
• Experiential Learning: By leveraging business intelligence and audit analytics, Issa provides students with hands-on experience that mirrors real-world professional engagements.

His dedication to student preparedness has already earned him five teaching innovation awards and led several curricular redesign initiatives within the department.

Global Recognition and the 2026 Awards

The 2026 Cook Prize includes a solid silver medal and a $30,500 monetary award. Professor Issa will be formally presented with the award at the 2026 AAA Global Connect (formerly the Annual Meeting) in Las Vegas, NV, during the plenary session on Monday, August 3, 2026.

He shares this year's honors with:

• Tina Carpenter (University of Georgia) – Graduate Award recipient.
• DeAnna Martin (Santiago Canyon College) – Two-year College Award recipient.

About the Cook Prize

The AAA/J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize is the foremost recognition of individuals who inspire and motivate students through superior teaching. In 2026, the AAA selected three recipients who exemplify the highest standards of instructional excellence in the discipline of accounting.