Assistant Professor of Accounting
BS, Accounting, Missouri State University
MAcc, Accounting, Missouri State University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

What made you decide to specialize in Accounting?

I took an accounting course in high school and really enjoyed it. I don’t especially love math or numbers but I do enjoy puzzles. To me accounting is solving financial puzzles.

What was your favorite course in college and why?

My favorite accounting course in college was Managerial Accounting. I think it is fascinating how companies assign costs to the products and services they sell. There must be a systematic way that a company comes up with the sales price of a product. This system must take into account not only direct costs but indirect costs as well.

What do you find most rewarding about teaching?

It makes my day when a student tells me that I have helped them achieve their educational goals.

What advice would you give current students or prospective students?

I would advise current and prospective accounting students to keep an open mind and stay positive. A class that at first seems challenging may end up being your favorite class. I was really dreading my first accounting class. I did not enjoy math and I thought accounting sounded boring; however, it ended up being passion of mine!

What would you say to a student interested in pursuing a career in Accounting?

I would tell future accountants to do as much research as they can into career options. There are several tracks you can take in accounting: tax, audit, bookkeeping, forensic, etc. Seek out job-shadowing and internship opportunities to find what you most enjoy.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I grew up on a cattle farm so I enjoy spending time outdoors with animals. I like helping out on the family farm, kayaking, taking walks at the park and going to the zoo.