by M. C. Jennings | Mar 24, 2016 | Academics, Accounting, Careers In..., COBA Faculty, Faith Infusion, MAcc, Uncategorized
What is your education background?
Ph.D., University of Florida, 1990 – major in Accounting and minor in Finance
M.S., Abilene Christian University, 1984 – major in Religious Education
B.B.A., Abilene Christian University, 1980 – major in Accounting
Dr. John Neill
What is your work background?
I began my career as a Programmer Analyst and Corporate Accountant with Pennzoil Company, working for them from 1980-1983. I spent a year as an Accounting Instructor for ACU from 1984-1985, moving from ACU to the University of Florida as a Research and Teaching Assistant from 1986-1990. I then began my work in academia, serving as an Assistant Professor at Florida State University from 1990-1997, as an Associate Professor at Chapman University from 1997-2000, and then moving to ACU where I began in 2000 as an Associate Professor. I now serve as the Chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance and am a Professor of Accounting.
What do you teach at ACU?
I teach Intermediate Accounting II and Advanced Accounting.
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
I am the Chair of the Accounting and Finance Department and the Director of the Master of Accountancy Program.
John, Natalie, and Karene Neill
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
In 1984 and 1985 I was working on a master’s degree in Bible at ACU. During that time, I was asked to teach one sophomore level accounting course per semester. I was surprised to learn how much I enjoyed that experience and it caused me to want to get a Ph.D. in accounting so I could continue to teach accounting at the university level.
What’s the best part of working with students?
I think the most rewarding aspect of teaching is that I get to see students grow up and mature over time.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
No, I have never considered doing anything else in the last 25 years.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I am a graduate of the University of Florida, and I really enjoy watching Florida sporting events on TV. I also like to travel. In my younger days, I was an avid runner and I ran three marathons and a number of half marathons. I still enjoy exercising, but injuries have caused me to stop running.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
I was invited to be a panelist at the Bentley University Global Business Ethics Symposium in Madrid, Spain in 2007. I also feel a sense of accomplishment every time one of my research papers is published.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
My wife and I deliver Meals on Wheels on Thursdays. We have had the same route for many years.
John and Karene Neill
Who is your role model and why?
I can’t think of a specific individual who I would consider my role model. However, I have great respect for anyone who takes pride in their work and lives their life with integrity.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
I have always had great respect for Dr. John Willis. When I was in his classes, I could tell how much he cared for his students. His mastery of the subject matter always impressed me also.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I mentioned this earlier, but I think most of my current students would be surprised to know that I ran the Chicago (2002), Marine Corps (2003), and the New York City (2004) marathons. Sadly, age and injuries have now forced me to exercise on an elliptical while watching Netflix (I especially like BBC shows) on my iPad.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
I want students and alums to know how much I enjoy teaching at ACU. I believe in Christian education and in our mission in COBA.
by M. C. Jennings | Mar 10, 2016 | Academics, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I have a B.S. degree from Lubbock Christian College from back in the “dark ages”.
Karen Viertel
What is your work background?
I have been a business manager for a medical clinic, a school nurse/secretary, and an academic advisor. My most important work has been being a mom and now grandmother.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
I am so privileged to serve as an academic advisor in COBA. I have been here for more than 10 years and I.LOVE.MY.JOB.
The three Amigos. Karen Viertel, Samantha Matta and Nuria Hall.
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
What drew me here was the opportunity to work with students every day. No two days are the same and it is NEVER boring. I love watching the life metamorphosis that happens between a student’s freshman year and graduation day. It’s truly remarkable to witness and I get to have a front-row seat for the whole show!! Most come to college scared and afraid and not sure at all about what they want to do after college. To watch them grow wings and be ready to fly off to a new job or adventure upon graduation, ready for the world is a pretty incredible feeling.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
My husband Mark and I operate a large family ranch north of Abilene. There we raise cattle and LOVE to build things: fences, houses, good memories. I enjoy “junkin’” and repurposing furniture, etc. I love a good flea market or junk store almost more than anything. My favorite thing to do is to be with my family. We have two grown children, both married and now two grandsons. At ages 3 years and 7 months, they are simply amazing. I can’t get enough of them.
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
I remember landing my first job as a business manager for the only obstetrician in the small town we lived in, just prior to college graduation. I had NO IDEA what I was doing but he was patient and I worked hard to soak up everything I could while I was there. In the two years I worked for him, we made tremendous improvements in office efficiency and accuracy. Plus, I learned a lot about teamwork. Without the ability to be a team player, you severely restrict your effectiveness in any organization. Work chemistry is essential.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Yes. Mark and I are very involved with Global Samaritan, Dry Bones in Denver and our church family. I also really love to help with Meals on Wheels.
Mark and Karen Viertel
Who is your role model and why?
My grandmother has always been my role model, but now I would also add my mom. Granny was a very strong woman that raised two children, one of which became my equally strong mother. My mom became a widow at 28 and managed to raise myself and two sisters with the help of her widowed mother. I look back now and wonder how they did it. My mom was a rancher/farmer. She drove a tractor, plowed fields and pulled calves – not the type of work any other mothers at the time did. They both showed us that being a strong woman is a good thing. As a result, I’ve always been pretty much of a tomboy and am very at-home with outdoorsy ranching pursuits and I don’t shy away from hard, manual labor. In fact, I like it. It’s good for the soul.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
I would list two teachers: Dr. Gary Evans at LCC. He was my first college Bible teacher and he will never know the impact he had on my life and thinking about being a Christian. Incredible man and mentor. Also, Dr. Christa Dobbs, my accounting teacher. She was an amazing woman and fantastic teacher.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly and also time-travel. I mean, come on…who wouldn’t?
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I LOVE to travel, I know how to use a cutting torch and enjoy ranch work. I am learning how to weld.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 24, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, MBA, School of Information Technology and Computing, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I received my bachelors in Public Relations and Advertising from Hardin-Simmons University and I will complete my masters in Higher Education from ACU in 2016.
Jenni Williams
What is your work background?
My first job was in PR for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This was an amazing opportunity and had a great impact on my life. I learned so much from the wish kids and will always be grateful for that opportunity.
Following that role, I began working in Higher Education in 2004. I have worked in several areas of Higher Ed at two universities, including campus visits, financial aid, admissions, student life, retention, recruiting, event coordination, and student services.
What do you do at ACU?
I manage the recruiting process for SITC and assist in bringing new students to ACU. Additionally, I manage marketing communication to current and prospective students. I also play a role in other areas in SITC, including coordination of special events, SITC news, and staff contact for Women in Tech.
What’s the best part of working with students?
I love working with students! It is so amazing to watch students transition from their first visit to campus through to their graduation. I play a small role in their ACU experience and I love being able to share in this transformational process. I enjoy being able to encourage and cheer on students as they take on new challenges, navigate their demanding schedules, and ultimately, interview for jobs. We are able to witness the process of development from the front row. While it is sometimes painful, there is nothing quite like sharing in the moments when they realize that they are capable of more than they imagined.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
No. I’m right where I want to be.
Outside of work, what passions and hobbies do you have?
So many things. First and foremost, I have an amazing husband and two precious daughters that I love very much. Our girls keep us extremely busy and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I also love baking and have a sugar cookie business. This hobby-turned-business started out by making cookies for my daughters’ class parties. I really love the creative and artistic outlet!
The Williams Family having fun
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
At this juncture, completing my masters will be a huge accomplishment. I have enjoyed the entire process and love how it has cultivated a passion for learning.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
I am on the parent council at Alliance for Women and Children.
Who is your role model, and why?
I have a strong network of men and women in my life, who have taught me a great deal about living life. They have served as spiritual, professional, and personal mentors. They have guided me in times of uncertainty and doubt, as well as times of joy and success. I have learned what it means to love others, how to be a better parent, how to walk through challenges and failures, and how to live a life worthy of the calling placed on my life.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
Several professors come to mind, but one of the most inspirational was Dr. Susan Piggott. She was one of my Bible profs and I had her for Theological Research and Writing (I was a Bible major at one point). That course was easily one of the most challenging courses I had in undergrad. Dr. Piggott had a reputation of being a pretty tough teacher. When it came time for me to take her course, I experienced this first hand. However, I learned so much from her about questioning preconceived ideas and learning to think on my own. Some of her ideas conflicted with mine, allowing me to examine why I believed what I believed. This experience strengthened my faith and propelled my spiritual development.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Power over time, hands down. Primarily to slow down time. Obviously, this would be helpful for accomplishing a lot. However, I think it would be more useful for the ability to slow down and cherish the priceless moments that are over too quickly.
The Williams Family
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I love Christmas and have a sizable collection of Christmas paraphernalia, which nearly fills up our entire storage shed, seven Christmas trees, and over 700 Christmas songs in my iTunes library. It’s absolutely my favorite time of the year.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
I have spent 11 years in higher education working with students in some facet. In this time, I have learned that there is so much more to college than awarding degrees. I view this as a calling. I have the opportunity to impact students in a measurable way, by simply being here. I am committed to the holistic development of students as they explore their identity in relation to others and to God. I will not have all the answers, but I am always available to listen, encourage, and pray for students.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 16, 2016 | Academics, COBA Faculty, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
BS Psychology ACU
MSIA Purdue
PhD Oklahoma State
Dr. Mark Phillips
What is your work background?
2 years industry (quality engineer), 10 years full-time ministry
What do you teach at ACU?
Management, General Business, Marketing
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
Department Chair of Management Sciences, Sponsor of American Marketing Association
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
As long as I can remember I have loved learning…and sharing what I learn with others. In my previous jobs I did lots of things but I always kept coming back to the parts that related to teaching others, which I enjoyed the most.
What’s the best part of working with students?
Just being around them. This is one of the most awesome phases of life and I love getting to experience it with them.
Have you ever given up any big opportunities to keep working with students?
Several years ago I had to choose between becoming a fashion model, an NBA Center, and a professor. Professor was my second choice, so I went with that.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
My wife Laura and I love to ride our bikes, which we do regularly when the temperature is above 60 and the wind is below 10. I’m also in the middle of remodeling a house.
Mark and Laura repping the purple and white
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Several years ago President Schubert asked me to lead a year-long task-force to assess the education landscape and figure out where ACU fits. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but also one of the most rewarding.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Most of my outside time is invested at church, where I frequently teach classes and occasionally preach.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
To have the powerful hair of Sampson.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
For my 50th birthday I got a tattoo. I’m still deciding what to do for my 60th.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
That beyond the stuff we do in class, which I really enjoy and try to make good, I genuinely care about them, their futures, and their lives. I think our classes are important, but there are many, many things that have longer-lasting impact and I hope they find those while at ACU.
by M. C. Jennings | Feb 9, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
B.B.A. in Marketing from ACU.
M.B.A. in Management from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. The company I worked for was based in the Bay Area. When I moved from the field office in Denver to the corporate headquarters, the company paid for me to get my M.B.A. This was very convenient. Golden Gate University is located in downtown San Francisco, but their East Bay campus was located where the company I worked for, Triad’s Systems Corporation, was based in Livermore, CA. Triad paid for all my tuition and books. I went to courses at night, while working full-time.
Tim Johnston
What is your work background?
Originally I worked for Triad Systems Corporation in customer service, then sales, and later became a Regional Manager for our Education Services. I had a team of 12 people, working in 10 cities. This team took care of the system configuration and training for all of our customers.
Eventually we moved to the headquarters in California. I held several positions over the years, including Marketing Analyst (putting together our service offerings), Sales Trainer, and Sales Development Manager (responsible for training our training team for industry training, system training, sales training, and supporting regional manager hiring and coaching programs).
At ACU, I worked as the Chief Enrollment Officer for 11 years and then moved to the Career Center. I have worked in COBA for the last 6 years as the Assistant Dean.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
First of all, I work with the Connections team to ensure we have a good advising process and career development program to come along side the academic coursework required for each major.
A key tie-in with the Career Development work is our partnership with ACU’s University Relations Managers, who live in Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. These managers are critical to our efforts to help students connect to starting career opportunities.
ACU’s alumni provide us with scholarship dollars to help improve the affordability of the COBA experience. This is another area of work I help to coordinate.
As one of the co-founders of Leadership Summit, I serve as the leader of our management team to ensure our enrollment, satisfaction, budget and connection goals are achieved through this program.
Tim and crew at Leadership Summit 2015
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
Rick Lytle and I met in Denver. After earning my master’s degree, he encouraged me to consider working for ACU. Rick’s statement of, “Not everyone goes to church but most everyone goes to work”, really resonates with me. It’s challenging to be a Christian in the workplace. It’s difficult to be competitive and honorable. It’s important for our graduates to bring hope to their workplace. I wanted to help equip students for this challenge.
What’s the best part of working with students?
It’s great to see students understand how they can prepare to make a valuable contribution to an organization, both in terms of their business ability and their character. It’s exciting to see where they will have a place to live out the mission. A job search is difficult, it takes a lot of effort to put yourself out there in an effective manner. It can be hard on your psyche. This is where my coaching comes in. I like helping students face the challenge and win.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
Mountains, mountains and more mountains. I like to snow ski and hike whenever I can. Plus the mountain biking at Buck Creek trails here in Abilene is a lot of fun. A few years ago I bought a shotgun and joined the Sporting Clays Club here in Abilene. COBA students have tried to help me improve my shooting. It’s a work in progress. The students tend to shoot 70 – 80% out there, but I’m usually in the 40% range.
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
I remember working for a client in Steamboat Springs, CO. After a few days it was time to return to Denver. I was on a “puddle jumper” – we called it Rocky Mountain Scareways. As I was sitting on the plane watching them plow the runway as the snow kept coming down and the plane received multiple de-icings, I really questioned my career choice.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Currently I am commander of the armies of the north communion team at Highland CoC, (northside of the building) at second service. Over the years I have been very involved with our church Teaching class, or running the Habitat for Humanity Building project or Bus Ministry. Also, I am very passionate about supporting missions and really appreciate the work of World Vision and Compassion International.
Who is your role model and why?
At ACU I have had several including Jack Rich who was my boss for many years. He never got rattled and he always took the high road. And be careful if you are meeting with Jack and you criticize a team member. He will get them on the phone right away and ask them to address the complaint you just levied. That helps you learn quickly. Dr. Terry Pope is so wise and a man of integrity. If you haven’t heard Terry’s 10, you need to, it’s wisdom to guide your life. Rick Lytle is the most enthusiastic, hopeful Christian I have ever met. His positive energy constantly gives me a boost. My mom and dad were awesome. My dad was an Electrical Engineer and Elder at our church. Together they raised 5 children, one of which had special needs. I don’t think he ever wasted any time. Mom was a great communicator who would pour good Biblical wisdom into me, whether I wanted it or not. I could go on and on …
The Johnston Family
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
In graduate school, I had an economics professor who BELIEVED all problems are pricing problems. When the price goes high enough, people will solve the problem. I could tell his academic discipline was his belief. We disagreed, but he really made me think.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
My initial thought was to say that I really wish I could fly. But this is a selfish desire. What I really think would be most useful would be to be able to listen to people like Jesus listened to the women at the well. I wish I could tune into someone’s spirit.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I wanted to be an artist. But being an art major (courses are double blocked) and being a baseball player did not coincide well. So I switched to accounting. I really swung the pendulum on that decision. Ultimately I landed on marketing. This helps me be patient with our students. It can take a while to find your sweet spot.
by M. C. Jennings | Jan 29, 2016 | Academics, COBA Faculty, Current Students, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
I earned my undergraduate degree in business at Lubbock Christian University. Next I went to Texas Tech where I completed my M.B.A. in finance and then my Ph.D. in finance.
Dr. Jonathan Stewart
What is your work background?
I grew up working for my family’s business, Stewart Brothers Drilling Company. Most summers I worked in the shop or on the drilling rigs. Once I started studying business, I spent my summers doing accounting and running payroll for the company.
What do you teach at ACU?
I teach Financial Management, International Financial Markets, Entrepreneurial Finance, and Advanced Financial Management.
What committees/other duties do you have at ACU aside from teaching?
I am the director of COBA Global. Also, I serve on a University committee for the CCCU Best Semester program.
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
I really enjoy the energy and excitement that college students have. It energizes me. I also love the challenge of communicating complicated ideas in a way that helps make them fun and interesting. I have come to a point where I am willing to take risks if I believe it will enhance the learning environment. Sometimes, those risks pay off. Sometimes, I embarrass myself. Either way, it is exciting to help people learn and grow.
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Cindy and Jonathan Stewart
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Jonathan and Cindy enjoying some classic rock
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Amber, Jonathan and Ashlyn Stewart
What’s the best part of working with students?
There are so many things. It is a blessing to work with talented and hard-working people who exceed your expectations. It is also a blessing to work with people who may not be motivated and are struggling to succeed. I enjoy the times when someone makes a breakthrough and achieves more than they believed that they could. I also enjoy building relationships and friendships with my students. I try to treat them as future colleagues. I take a lot of joy from watching my former students grow their families and careers.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I’m very thankful for my family and I love to spend time with them. I enjoy reading and listening to podcasts. I love music. I play electric guitar in the praise band at the Highland Church of Christ. I try to go to the Rec Center almost every day. I enjoy snow skiing, wake boarding, and watching movies.
What is a good, early story about your teaching?
When I interviewed at ACU, Dr. Jack Griggs took me along to his 8:00 am Investments class. He introduced me to his students and started teaching them about financial ratios. He is writing some liquidity ratios on the overhead projector about 5 minutes into class and he looks over at me. He says “Jonathan! Do you want to do this!?” I was not expecting to teach the class, so I wasn’t really prepared. However, the thought crossed my mind was “he didn’t ask because he wanted you to say ‘No.’” So I said “Sure!” and stood up and taught an impromptu class on financial ratios. I knew my ratios and I think the students felt bad for me, so they were kind to answer my questions and respond to me during the class.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
That is a hard question for me to answer. I was honored to be named University Teacher of the Year once upon a time. I also enjoy recording my podcast, Stewllenium Radio, because it lets me do so many of my favorite things simultaneously.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
Dr. Scott E. Hein was one of my most inspirational professors because he really expected great work from his students. He has a unique ability to hold people to a very high standard while being very professional and kind. He is never arrogant. He’s never a bully. He just expects the best from people and he’s very gifted at helping people reach their highest potential.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I think it would be nice to be impervious to committees. The Dean or the Provost would try to type my name as a member of a certain committee and their keyboard wouldn’t work. They would press J and nothing would happen.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I used to be able to run really fast. I ran the anchor leg of the mile relay my senior year of high school. We won the race and our team won the Class AAA New Mexico State Championship.
Jonathan Stewart, the track star
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
I’m always thankful when students meet my wife and children. Also, I’d like them to know that I’ve grilled more than 2,000 chicken and cheese quesadillas at Grilleniums and other events over the last 7 years.
The famous Grilleniums
