Meet Claire Costin, PhD, CPA —an accounting professor who’s anything but ordinary! At the University of Portland’s Pamplin School of Business, Claire brings her passion for numbers, ethics, and the human side of accounting into every class she teaches. Whether it’s financial accounting, auditing, or forensic accounting, Claire makes complex topics relatable and engaging by focusing on how culture and behavior shape the way accounting works in the real world.

Before becoming a professor, Claire worked as a nonprofit auditor in Austin, Texas, and she’s still a licensed CPA in her home state. Her educational journey is just as unique as her teaching style—she holds a PhD from the University of Texas at San Antonio, an MBA from St. Edward’s University, and even a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Texas at Austin. Yep, she went from playing concertos to uncovering fraud!

Claire’s research dives into important topics like earnings management, fraud investigations, and whistleblowing. She’s also deeply passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion in accounting, focusing on how to build a more inclusive and welcoming profession. For Claire, accounting isn’t just about numbers—it’s about making a positive impact.

As part of the Inclusive Teacher Scholar program at the University of Portland, Claire incorporates equity-focused practices into her teaching, encouraging students to think critically about how human behavior and financial reporting are connected. She’s all about helping students discover the bigger picture in accounting.

When she’s not in the classroom or researching, Claire is busy giving back. She’s the Treasurer of the Alpha Phi Foundation and holds leadership roles with Alpha Phi International Fraternity. At home, you’ll find her gardening, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her two golden retrievers by her side.