Featured Falcons: Dr. Emma Cole - University of Montevallo
What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo? Dr. Emma Cole, assistant professor of accounting.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in? Originally from the Midwest, currently residing in Montevallo.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools? I have a BSBA in accounting from Auburn University, an MBA with a concentration in accounting from Troy University and a DBA with a research focus in accounting from Creighton University.
How long have you worked here? Three and a half years, starting in fall 2021.
What brought you to Montevallo? UM is a small liberal arts school with a student focus and an emphasis on teaching.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo? The students — they are amazing! I also enjoy the small town feel of a community with a big heart.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here? This year, I had the opportunity to participate in Co-Starters, sponsored by Montevallo Main Street. Through this program, I met the local business owner of Creations Galore and Moore located in Calera, Nedra Moore.
With grant funding from the Institute of Management Accountants, I was able to take my cost accounting class on a field trip to Creations Galore. Nedra explained how she uses accounting information to run a successful business. The students also participated in a cookie making class. We had a ball as we applied accounting concepts and ate delicious cookies.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM? My proudest accomplishment outside of the classroom is serving as the University of Montevallo Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) site coordinator. For the past three years, I have worked with an amazing group of accounting students in the Stephens College of Business to provide free tax preparation services to UM students and employees and residents of Shelby County. Each student completes advanced IRS certification requirements and dedicates over 25 volunteer hours a season. We have been able to assist hundreds of clients. This is a truly rewarding experience.
Are you currently working on or have you recently completed any interesting projects? I am very active on a local, state and national level with committees and organizations that are focused on the recruitment of students into the accounting profession. We also strive to support these students throughout their academic and professional journey with initiatives, career development opportunities, programs, mentors and other resources.
Why do you belong at Montevallo? I truly care about the students, the University and the community in which we operate. Every day I pray, “God, help me to be an instrument for your blessings in the lives of others.” I want our students to succeed, our university to thrive and our community to prosper.
