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.
