ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Bob Taft recently appointed Ohio University Professor of Accountancy Ray G. Stephens to the state's Accountancy Board for a term ending Oct. 20, 2008. He replaces Jerry L. Esselstein of Columbus, whose term expired.

With the appointment, Stephens became the first Ohio University faculty member named to the board and the only full-time professor among the board's current nine members.

The Accountancy Board sets rules of professional conduct to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of integrity within the accounting profession. Ohio has more than 25,000 certified public accountants.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity and feel very honored to be one of the few professors to ever receive this appointment," Stephens said.

Hired in 1999 as the director of Ohio University's School of Accountancy, Stephens previously served as a professor at Kent State University from 1991-99 and Ohio State University from 1978-91.

Stephens, a native of Atlanta, Ga., earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, an M.B.A. from East Carolina University and a D.B.A. from Harvard University. His primary teaching and research areas include corporate financial reporting, auditing and strategy implementation.

For more information on the state of Ohio Accountancy Board visit www.state.oh.us/acc/.