School of Business Administration

At the 2024 Accounting Ethics Speaker event, Cynthia Cooper captivated Department of Accounting students at the School of Business Administration with her compelling narrative of ethical leadership.  Cynthia Cooper is best known as a pioneering figure in the realm of corporate whistleblowing and ethics. Her name became synonymous with integrity and courage when she uncovered one of the largest corporate frauds in history during her tenure at WorldCom.

Her presence was made possible by a gracious donation from a donor, whose humility underscored their commitment to fostering educational opportunities for future accounting professionals.  Dr. Tim Keune, chairperson of the Department of Accounting, stated “The donor and our faculty share a desire for students to establish a strong ethical foundation. Hearing Cynthia Cooper’s powerful story and how she persevered to do the right thing is an impactful way to encourage students to think about their values before they face ethical dilemmas in their careers.”

Cooper received her undergraduate and master's degrees from Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama, respectively. Her career trajectory included stints at prestigious firms such as PWC and Deloitte before she made a pivotal move to WorldCom, which later became MCI.

Cooper's narrative took a dramatic turn when she and her team unraveled one of the largest corporate frauds in history at WorldCom. Her role as a whistleblower catapulted her into the spotlight, where she emerged as a beacon of integrity and a catalyst for change within the corporate landscape. Cooper's address delved into the intricate layers of ethical dilemmas, drawing from her own experiences with corporate scandals. Her insights prompted profound introspection among accounting students, igniting a dialogue about the ethical responsibilities inherent in their future roles.

Encouraging engagement, Cooper invited students to share their questions and concerns about ethical decision-making. From identifying red flags to navigating moral quandaries, she offered practical insights gleaned from her journey.

Throughout recounting the discovery of accounting irregularities, Cooper exemplified resilience and composure in the face of adversity. Despite encountering resistance from high-ranking executives, she described how she persisted with determination, maintaining her focus on her duty to the company and society.

A poignant quote from Cooper's speech encapsulates the essence of her message: "Think about your own lives and what your mission is, your values, and what you stand for. Not just your career, but who you want to be." Her words underscored the importance of aligning personal values with professional conduct, emphasizing the significance of integrity and ethical leadership in shaping one's identity and legacy.

Cynthia Cooper's presentation inspired accounting majors, empowering them to navigate ethical challenges with fortitude and resolve. “Cynthia Cooper’s narrative stands as a remarkable testament to the significance of unwavering dedication to one’s profession. As I soon enter the professional world, I will draw inspiration from her experience to uphold my commitment and integrity, especially when faced with challenging ethical dilemmas. Her courage and unwavering commitment to integrity provide a memorable example for students as they embark on their professional journeys explained Leonardo Morales-Badillo, A senior Accounting Major who will be staying at UD after graduation to receive his Master of Professional Accountancy (MPAcc) “Cynthia Cooper’s narrative stands as a remarkable testament to the significance of unwavering dedication to one’s profession. As I soon enter the professional world, I will draw inspiration from her experience to uphold my commitment and integrity, especially when faced with challenging ethical dilemmas.”