Michelle Draeger

Michelle Draeger serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting within the College of Business at Colorado State University (CSU), joining the faculty in June 2018 after completing her Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University. A licensed CPA in Colorado and Wisconsin, she brings prior industry experience as an audit manager at CliftonLarsonAllen and audit staff at Deloitte, complementing her academic role where she teaches Professional Practice: Accounting and Introduction to Accounting.

Her educational background:

• Bachelor's degree: Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
• Ph.D.: Oklahoma State University

Dr. Draeger's research centers on archival analysis of auditing practices and corporate governance mechanisms, with particular emphasis on audit quality determinants, audit committee effectiveness, and regulatory impacts on financial reporting. Her work bridges academic rigor and professional relevance, evidenced by publications in top-tier journals including Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory and Accounting Horizons, with findings highlighted by the Center for Audit Quality, SEC, and Forbes.com.

Analysis of her recent publications (2016-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Audit process vulnerabilities through error analysis in reports and cannabis industry case studies; (2) Governance dynamics examining audit committee power structures, disclosure practices, and management influence; (3) Diversity initiatives tracking accounting firm investments in HBCUs. This cohesive body demonstrates methodological consistency in archival research while addressing evolving regulatory landscapes.

She currently contributes to scholarly discourse through editorial board service for Accounting Horizons, Current Issues in Auditing, Journal of Accounting Literature, and Managerial Auditing Journal.

No information regarding student advising, research grants, laboratory affiliations, or team leadership was provided in source materials.