Kelly Root

Excellence in Teaching, 2024

Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics

Kelly Root is a dedicated and enthusiastic instructor who can relate complex subjects to her students. Through sharing her own experiences as a certified public accountant and inviting other professionals into the classroom, Kelly creates an environment that encourages participation and engagement.

Kelly’s students describe her as enthusiastic, fair and supportive, which is reflected in her outstanding evaluations, with 96% of students in fall 2023 agreeing that she effectively challenged them to think and learn. One student remarked, “I have learned a lot from Professor Root about working hard and that the more time and effort you put into your work, the better the outcome will be. She also teaches in a manner that really encourages the class to participate, which makes the class flow better and makes me raise my hand and not be afraid to make a mistake.”

Since joining UNH in 2019, Kelly has made a significant impact both in and beyond the classroom. She plays a vital role in preparing students for their careers by teaching courses essential to passing the CPA exam.

Root's commitment to student success extends to co-curricular activities as well. In 2020, she founded the university's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, providing students with valuable networking and professional development opportunities. As the faculty advisor of the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, she has enabled students to make meaningful contributions by providing free tax services to underprivileged individuals in New Hampshire’s Seacoast region.

Kelly’s exceptional dedication to fostering student success and her unwavering commitment to professional development not only enrich the learning experience at UNH but also empower her students to thrive in their future careers.