Accounting education lost a long-established leader and advocate with the death of Dr. Joseph (Joe) Rhile in November. As an emeritus professor at Lake Sumter Community College, Joe dedicated considerable time and leadership to the American Accounting Association, most recently working with AAA staff on a new edition of the “Rhile Directory” of Accounting faculty at 2-year colleges. That project will continue with warm memories of Joe and his efforts to support the community of 2-year colleagues.

Dr. Joseph Rhile, Ph.D., 95, of Leesburg, FL passed away November 24, 2008. Dr. Rhile was very active for many years in the AAA as the organizer and Charter Chairperson of the Two-Year College Section of the AAA. In 2005 he received AAA’s Outstanding Service Award for creating and publishing the Two-Year Accounting Faculty Directory. He also received the Lifetime Achievement in Accounting Education Award of the Two-Year College Section. Dr. Rhile was an educator from 1937 to 1982 but remained active even after retirement. He was the welcoming role-model with sage advice for the many faculty who followed him in accounting education and involvement in the AAA. Dr. Rhile also was the co-organizer and president of the Florida Association of Accounting Educators, and has presented and published a number of papers on accounting education.