Renee Olvera
Texas Christian University
Neeley School of Business
“Dr. Olvera is truly the most passionate person and professor I have ever had. She helped me fall deeper in love with Accounting and pushed me as a TCU student and continues to support me in my post-graduate endeavors. She is kind to everyone she meets and has such a giving heart. Anyone who has had Dr. Olvera as a teacher knows this and feels it in everything she does. She always references real world events while also tying everything together so her students always received a well rounded and thorough education. No one is more deserving of this award.” – Carlee Young
Renee Olvera, 44, is Professor of Professional Practice at Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business.
She specializes in audit and assurance content, especially internal controls, risk assessment and fraud. She has been honored to receive several teaching awards including the Outstanding Accounting Educator Award from the Texas Society of CPAs (2022) and the Mary Rose Short Accounting Excellence Teaching Award (2022). One of her most treasured awards is MAc Faculty MVP from her 2018 MAc class.
She was also nominated for the Neeley School of Business Dean’s Teaching Award in 2019 and won the Outstanding Teacher award for Elective Courses in 2016.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2012
Education: PhD University of North Texas, MS Accountancy, Northern Illinois University, BS in Accountancy, Northern Illinois University
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Accounting Information Systems, Audit & Assurance, Fundamentals of Accounting
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when … I was working as an external auditor at Deloitte. I learned how important knowledgeable, highly trained, and technology-savvy staff auditors are to the assurance profession. As an accounting faculty, I get to provide opportunities for these future young professionals to learn the skills needed for their success in this industry.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I am interested in the intersection of accountant’s judgment and their use of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI). I am also interested in the incorporation of data analytics and AI in our classroom. I would like to understand the optimal methods for students to learn and think critically about technology and its use in business. The most important insight that I have learned from my research is that technology continues to evolve and our work with technology must keep the pace of change.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … Sad. I love my role at TCU! But, if I couldn’t be a business school professor, I would enjoy working in Risk Management and Information Technology services at a professional services firm. I am an IT geek and I enjoy discussing internal controls.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I truly believe in the emotional connection to learning. Therefore, I incorporate games in many of my classes. Ultimately the goal is for the student to enjoy the learning process. I teach accounting information systems, which is unlike many accounting courses (and some students even think the material is boring – YIKES). I love IT and controls and therefore integrating games and discussion and storytelling allows students to see this material in a different way.
One word that describes my first time teaching: Exhilarating
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: Students change every semester and the needs of those students change even more quickly than that!
Professor I most admire and why: Mary Curtis. Mary was my dissertation chair at University of North Texas. She supported me through the entire lengthy process and truly gave me opportunity to think about research in many directions.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? I love it when they graduate and come back to my class as guest speakers or just to catch up. I especially enjoy when an alumnus tells me that they use a skill or knowledge learned in my class.
What is most challenging? Staying current with the ever-changing environment of technology.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Motivated
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Unmotivated
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … tough but fair
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I like to mountain bike and go hiking – especially with my family and our dog. I also like to crochet.
How will you spend your summer? Teaching summer classes, hanging out with my children, and traveling
Favorite place(s) to vacation:The beach
Favorite book(s): Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Ted Lasso is my favorite show. The show’s writers did a wonderful job of developing the characters throughout each season and I truly appreciate the lead character’s humility and ability to motivate his players and colleagues by just being himself and kind.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I like country music because of the stories told through the lyrics.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this … technology
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at …inclusiveness.
I’m grateful for … it all.
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