Lessons from a Tax Education Pioneer: A Tribute to Edward J. Filbey

Abstract

ABSTRACTEdward J. Filbey joined the accounting faculty at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1919 to establish the university's taxation curriculum. His education background of philosophy and the classics was unique for an accounting academician, but his career as a tax educator was impressive and worthy of celebration. Filbey was a well-rounded faculty member who excelled in scholarship, teaching, and service throughout his career. He authored papers published in top accounting journals, taught various accounting courses at the undergraduate and graduate level for nearly three decades, and served in various officer roles in several academic and professional associations. His tax textbook, one of the first written, was used at universities across the United States. Accounting and tax educators would do well to learn from and follow his career. This paper pays tribute to Filbey, but also highlights specific lessons educators can learn from his career.