What is your educational background?
- M.S. Accounting, Grove City College
- B.S. Accounting, Grove City College
Professional Experience
I have been with an accounting professor at Grove City College since 2014. In 2017, I took on the additional role of Association of College Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Coordinator. As ACBSP coordinator, my primary responsibility is to ensure that we maintain the accreditation standards.
I began my career by working for a large regional public accounting firm for approximately four years. I enjoyed my time there as I gained experience in various service lines and many different industries. My favorite part of public accounting was working with the clients to implement accounting software packages. In order to understand how they needed their software to function, I had to first understand their business. I learned a lot about various for-profit and non-for-profit entities through these projects. I also was able to see my clients gain a better understanding of the accounting for their organization.
I enjoyed public accounting, but I was intrigued by the businesses with which I worked and wanted to see my client’s side of the accounting story. Therefore, I decided to take a job in corporate accounting. I held multiple positions (including financial analyst, accounting manager, and controller) at two different companies during my nearly 12 years in corporate accounting. Just as I loved seeing my clients learn and grow, I loved seeing my employees develop their accounting, finance, and business skills. This love of seeing individuals grow and learn in their career has driven me to teaching.
In my role as professor, I am able to watch them grow in their mastery of accounting skills. They take those skills and apply them to internships and later to jobs. I love it when students come back after graduation and tell us about how much they are enjoying the calling God has for their lives.
In the business world, there was not always a Christian environment. I appreciate being able to share my faith openly at Grove City College, where I can start my classes with prayer and get to know students on a deeper basis. It is wonderful to go to church and see current and former students.
Courses
- Principles of Accounting
- Intermediate Accounting
- Advanced Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
What is the most important piece of advice you give students to help them succeed?
I want students to understand that God has a perfect plan for each of their lives. God can utilize the foundation that they are gaining here at Grove City College for His purpose, even if the path is not quite what they had originally planned. I have changed my direction a few times in my career, but I know Grove City College is where I am supposed to be. God has a plan for you too!
Is there any personal experience you would like to share?
One of my favorite ways to serve at church is through the college and young adult ministry. I am a “Martha” at heart, so I enjoy being able to work behind the scenes doing things such as baking cookies and cooking food. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. Each summer, we love taking a trip to the beach for a week.
