by M. C. Jennings | Oct 12, 2016 | Academics, COBA Faculty, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Research, Uncategorized
Dr. Katie Wick
What is your educational background?
I was drawn to the University of Virginia for my undergraduate education. The campus is a magical place steeped in history and tradition. When I came to UVA, I was convinced I was going to be a doctor, and as I was taking my first course in chemistry I realized that I was going to have to slog and push myself through my prerequisites for medical school. Simultaneously, I happened to enroll in principles of microeconomics with 550 other undergraduates and the class made my heart sing! I decided I need to dive into economics further.
My game theory and experimental economics classes convinced me to make the study of economics my future. Strategy, games, choices, and decisions came alive in the economics laboratory, and I simply had to find a way to get to graduate school to study further. With the guidance of my advisor, I applied to experimental graduate programs and received an amazing offer from the University of Pittsburgh where the real work in economics began.
Playing economics games with handheld devices out on the famous UVA lawn with my experimental economics class (that’s me on the very far right in the red and my advisor/professor right next to me). This was a big deal since it was WAY before iPads!
After two to three years of the basic course work (basic is a misnomer since it was scary hard), I started my research in experiments. My dissertation was based around two experiments I designed to test efficiency in public good giving. It was such a thrill to conduct every aspect of the experiment and see it take shape from just an idea to the design then the programming, the recruiting of subjects, the running of the experiment in the laboratory, and the analysis afterward. The day I defended my dissertation was almost as exciting as the days I welcomed my children into the world!
What is your work background?
You’ll notice the narrative of my work history exactly coincides with the development of my family. My first professor job was at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA where I was blessed with amazing students who loved economics as well as game theory and experiments. At the end of my very first week of work, our first foster child came to live with us, a little boy named Braden who we had the privilege of later adopting. Concurrently, my husband was in his family medicine residency, and when he graduated, he would begin active duty with the Air Force due to the terms of his medical school scholarship. After two years of working at Allegheny, my husband was given orders to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX, which we had to look up on a map! God went before us to provide a community of support including an amazing church and friends.
Dr. Matthew Wick, then a captain in the USAF on his first day of active duty service at Dyess with our 2-year-old son Braden.
I was 30+ weeks with our second child when we moved to Abilene, and I took two years off from teaching to be with our small kids. I missed being with students and teaching, and I reached out to the academic community in town. I started teaching part-time at McMurry in the fall of 2012 when I was 36 weeks pregnant with our 3rd child! I had missed the excitement of the first day of school in those two years away. That was a busy semester!
-
-
The first day back to school in 2012! 36 weeks pregnant with #3.
-
-
My bosses for two years “off”.
I taught part-time at McMurry for one year and full-time for three years. We loved living in Abilene. After my husband’s active duty commitment was over, we decided to stay and put down permanent roots here, and we had one more kid too!
What do you teach at ACU?
My main teaching focus at ACU is the principles of economics courses (macro and micro) and equipping our COBA students for their upper level business classes. This spring I will be teaching one of my favorite classes on game theory which studies choices in strategic settings. We also play a good deal of games which makes it a very fun and memorable class. I also hope to add other economics topics classes in the future.
What drew you to teaching? Why did you want to work with students?
The mentoring process is my favorite part of teaching. I love getting to know about student’s uniqueness and helping them learn material in a way that makes sense to them. I went to a large university where having a mentor relationship with your professor was very difficult if not close to impossible in some cases. It became paramount that my students have a different experience than I did, one where they were known. In addition, I LOVE school, have always loved school, so it’s exciting that I always get to be in school!
What’s the best part of working with students?
I love that I get to be a small part of this transformational time in their lives. College is a shaping experience academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a great privilege to be able to encourage them on this journey. In addition, students make me laugh, and they help to keep me relevant.
Outside of teaching, what passions and hobbies do you have?
When I’m not teaching, I’m usually at home or out and about with my “tribe.” They are my biggest hobby and my greatest joy in life. Currently, my kids are 2, 4, 6, and 8 years old so they are still at an age where they require attention which is both great and hard.
Other than my tribe, I love to spend time with my friends, exercise, read, and I am very involved in my church community. I have a huge passion for the foster and adoptive community, and we hope to open our home again to children in the future.
-
-
-
My tribe of kiddos
What is a good, early story about your teaching?
While I was still a student in my doctoral program, I taught a section of Intermediate Microeconomics in the summer when I was 24 years old. I remember walking into the classroom, very nervous, and one of the students asking me about the professor and if this was known to be a hard class. I giggled on the inside. I guess they thought that I was taking the class and not teaching it!
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Up to this point, I don’t think anything has topped the feeling of the accomplishment of my dissertation. Conducting every aspect of those experiments and single authoring the papers created an incredible sense of triumph.
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
Most Thursday mornings I work in my church’s food pantry where we provide groceries and household goods to approximately 25 families that day. These families and the others working the food pantry bless my life in tremendous ways. I also lead a life group and counsel couples in the premarital journey with my husband.
Who is your role model, and why?
My parents! My father worked tirelessly to provide for us as well as let us know we were always loved. He was also an incredibly successful surgeon bringing healing to thousands of patients and teaching hundreds of budding doctors. My mom was the rock upon which our whole family stood, and she is our earthly guide in this life. She also led each of her children to know and love the Lord.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
There are many, and I could pick inspirational teachers/professors for different phases of my life.
Childhood – my mom, Helen Johnson, who encouraged me to love learning and see it as a constant adventure at a young age.
Middle/High School – Dr. Tracy Inman who taught me an intensive three-week summer course in humanities studying different perspectives of the afterlife at my favorite summer camp (lovingly dubbed nerd camp by my friends and family). Her guidance helped challenge my critical thinking skills and nourish my individual ideas.
College – Dr. Charles Holt who opened my eyes to the world of game theory and experimental economics. At the time, I didn’t know he was such a leader in this field and that working in his laboratory would put me way ahead in skills for graduate school. I was so blessed by his leadership and guidance.
At UVA’s Intermediate Honors (I’m on the far right) with Dr. Charles Holt in the center. We all call him Charlie.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Flying! Oh, how freeing it would be! Plus, you could see the world from a different perspective and travel places quickly.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
My husband and I were dating for less than 10 months when we got married! We are coming up on our 11th anniversary this Christmas.
What would you really want students and alums to know about you?
When I was in graduate school, I longed to teach at a university just like ACU. Working here is a blessing, and teaching, mentoring, and working with students is my professional dream-come-true. I am honored to share in the mission of ACU.
The Wick Family
by M. C. Jennings | Aug 31, 2016 | Academics, Careers In..., COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Outcomes, Uncategorized
Meet Aimee (pronounced I-may) Agee, COBA’s newest staff member. Aimee serves as COBA’s Student and Professional Development Manager, working with students to help them via class insertions, job and internship coaching sessions, resume help and much more. COBA students, we hope you’ll come in to the Dean’s Suite and meet Aimee!
Aimee Agee
What is your educational background?
I completed two A.A. degrees with the Community College of the Air Force, one in Aircraft Maintenance Systems and the other in Instructional Science. I completed my undergraduate degree in Adult and Career Education at Indiana State University. I am projected to graduate with my M.Ed from ACU in December.
What is your work background?
I spent 11 years in the Air Force, 7 years as an aircraft mechanic and 4 years as an instructor under the Community College of the Air Force. After separating from the Air Force I was an assistant campus director for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and then a community readiness specialist, specializing in employment.
Aimee and her husband, First Lieutenant, Alfred B. Agee Jr.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
At COBA I am the Professional and Student Development Manager. I focus on helping our students be prepared for the work force and find internship and employment opportunities.
What drew you to work at ACU? Why did you want to work with students?
What drew me to ACU was being able to combine my passion for higher education, students, and Christ.
What’s the best part of working with students?
The best part of working with students is knowing that you can help them through such an important transition period in life.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
My passion is education. I love reading, taking classes, and learning new things. My two young girls take up a lot of time but I love being a mom and learning.
Aimee and her daughters
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
Being petite in size made my first job very challenging! I quickly realized being an aircraft mechanic was not for me. I trusted God and He led me to my second job and my passion for higher education.
Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my mother-in-law. Her faith is her guide in life. When I need to speak to someone she always guides me back to the best resource available, the Bible.
Who was your most inspirational professor and why?
My most inspirational professor was Dr. Morris. He facilitated a few of my graduate courses and I was so impressed at his ability to be engaged and involved with students holistically in an online setting.
The Agee Family
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Time travel! I would love to go back in time and meet so many historical figures.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
English is my second language. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico with Spanish as my first and primary language.
by M. C. Jennings | Apr 7, 2016 | Academics, COBA Events, COBA Faculty, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Faith Infusion, Uncategorized
On Tuesday, March 29th, generous donors and scholarship recipients enjoyed a luncheon in memory of Ruth Allen Griggs. Ruth’s children, Jack Griggs and Ann Griggs Berger, along with their respective spouses Ann Griggs and the late Bob Berger, established an endowment in 2015 to honor their mother and her spirit of generosity by having a yearly luncheon bringing together COBA donors and students. The goal for the endowment is to honor and thank donors for the scholarships given to the College of Business that allow so many students to attend ACU and to participate in many of the experiential learning opportunities that COBA offers.
COBA students Bailey Thomas, senior marketing major from Lubbock, and Jack Oduro, junior accounting major from Garland, spoke to the audience about what receiving COBA scholarships has meant to them and the impact that it has had on their education and experiences at ACU. Jack said, “A relationship with a donor is usually one with some distance; however, it was humbling to be in deeper conversations with the men and women who have sacrificed time, money and energy in making my experience at COBA great. It (the luncheon) was one of the most effective avenues to allow donors to meet who their resources are developing and to give students the opportunity to express our profound appreciation. ”
Don Crisp, accounting alumnus (class of 1964) from Dallas, spoke about he and his wife, Carol’s experiences as young college students at then Abilene Christian College. Mr. Crisp encouraged donors to continue to pour into the lives of students at ACU and exhorted current students to give back to students in the future.
Dr. Brad Crisp, interim Dean for the College of Business, said “COBA’s donors make so many things possible. Their generosity eases the burden of tuition on our students and enables us to constantly innovate in our goal to consistently provide high quality educational experiences. We’re so thankful for their support and giving spirit.”
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 | Jan 22, 2016 | Academics, COBA Staff, College Decisions, Current Students, Springboard, Uncategorized
What is your educational background?
BS Communication Disorders, (Speech Pathology).
Karen Heflin
What is your work background?
I have been at home with my children for the past 13 years, with small part-time jobs on the side. Now that they are all in school, I’m enjoying the opportunity to work for the Griggs Center.
What do you do at ACU/COBA?
I am the Springboard Program Coordinator for the Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy. I help with fundraising, coordinate our business model competitions for both students and the community, and provide training events for aspiring entrepreneurs.
What’s the best part of working with students?
I enjoy their energy, creativity and enthusiasm.
Outside of ACU, what passions and hobbies do you have?
I love being with my husband and four children. I love to travel and eat and experience other cultures–this may be because I’m a ‘Third Culture Kid.’ I enjoy reading and singing. Also, I love to climb things. Especially trees.
The Heflin Family
What is a good, early story about your first job or when you were in college?
My very first job was scooping ice cream for a family-owned, homemade ice cream shop. I had a very strong right arm at the end of that summer!
Do you do any charity or non-profit work?
My family and I are a mentors for arriving refugee families through the International Rescue Committee. These families have become our real life heroes as well as our dear friends. Their stories are humbling and inspiring. I am very passionate about serving this community of people and would love to tell you more if you’re interested in volunteering!
Karen and Houston Heflin
Who is your role model and why?
Corrie ten Boom and Rosa Parks- I admire their strength and tenacity and their willingness to take great risks for ideas they believed to be important.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation. This would allow me to travel anytime to anywhere.
What is something that students might be surprised to find out about you?
I lived in Iceland in the late 80’s.
