Please provide a brief bio, your educational background, research interests, and your favorite courses to teach:
This is my third year at Wittenberg University. Prior to Wittenberg I spent 10 years as an accountant for McDonald’s Corporation. My undergraduate degree is in Finance from Ohio University. I obtained my Master’s in Accounting and Financial Management from Devry University and also became a licensed CPA shortly there after. I’ve been happily married for 8 years, and have two beautiful children, Greyson (5 yrs old) and Ella (9 months old). I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and going to sporting events. I have the privilege to work side-by-side with my twin sister, Dr. Rachel Wilson, who is the finance professor here. We are currently writing a case study together that explores resolving food cost issues at North Star Café, a restaurant in Columbus. I hope to begin researching the implications of not-for-profit status many professional sporting associations claim (PGA Tour, NFL, etc.). The courses I enjoy teaching the most include Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting.
How have you seen participation in athletics help a student be successful in your courses and as a learner in your discipline?
I love having student athletes in my classes for many reasons. Most student athletes want to be a positive representation of their team, and as a result take their studies very seriously. I find that many attributes that make them successful on the field (or court, course, etc.) also make them successful in my class. For example, they tend to be very focused, have a keen attention to detail, and a developed sense of time management, all of which are characteristics needed in the business field. The roles they take on their athletic team correspond to roles on teams they must take in business world. Successful athletes also exude a level of professionalism and confidence that bodes well for them in our business classes, and eventually in the business world.
What are your perceptions on the role athletics plays in our Wittenberg community and how does it help fulfill Wittenberg’s mission?
Athletics provides an opportunity for students to be part of a team, part of something bigger than themselves. It serves as a place where the students can support one another. I believe being part of these teams helps foster leadership and confidence because the students learn to contribute to the greater good of the team, while understanding the importance of their individual contribution and how that makes the team better. Hopefully the values gained while being a member of Wittenberg’s athletics will influence their individual contributions to their vocation resulting in making the world a better place.
What is special about Wittenberg that makes it such an ideal University for our students to be a successful business major and athlete?
Definitely one of the things is the support from the faculty and from the other students. Being a small campus allows the faculty to build relationships with all students. Part of building those relationships includes supporting the students’ extracurricular activities. Most professors enjoy this part of the job very much!
Please share a personal success story of one of your former or current students that participated in athletics that you are most proud of?
Macy Hubbard is one of my most favorite students for many reasons, both on and off the golf course. Macy is a junior Accounting and Management double major. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Macy since her freshman year. Not only is Macy a very strong student, she is an outstanding golfer. She has earned medalist honors numerous times. Mid-March Macy was ranked #1 in the country in DIII women’s golf. Just amazing! The best part about Macy is her thoughtful regard for others. Despite her success on the golf course, she remains humble and is just a real joy to be around. I cannot wait to see what her future holds – hopefully a little bit of golf and a little bit of business!
Compiled By: Patrick Rittenhouse '17