Amelia Hart
University of Tennessee Knoxville, Haslam College of Business
“Dr. Amelia Hart strives to support student success in any way she can and she has had a remarkable impact on so many. She has established mentoring relationships with students spanning from their sophomore year through their graduate level academic journey. She coaches students for excellence in communicating at regional and nations presentations. She conducts mock interviews for students preparing for a first or high-stakes meeting, and she hosts coffee chats and lunch meetings for students. And, she writes over 100 recommendations, scholarship nominations, and award submissions every year. Amelia challenges her students to think deeply and collaboratively, preparing them for success in their careers. Amelia’s teaching excellence and accolades speak volumes about her contributions.” – Michael Lane Morris
Amelia Hart is Associate Professor of Practice in Accounting and Information Management at The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Haslam College of Business.
She is recognized for her leadership and impact in the academy and profession with 20 years of teaching and practical experience in industry.
Her impact in the classroom has earned her a nomination for the Chancellor’s Teaching Award and the Accounting and Information Management 2023-2024 Rhea and Ivy Excellence in Teaching recognition. Students lean into her dynamic leadership style as a mentor and model, and in 2023, she was awarded the Haslam College of Business, Richard C. Reizenstein Outstanding Commitment to Students Award.
Hart is the Southeast Region Chapter Advocate of the Beta Alpha Psi Honor Organization for students and professionals in financial information, accounting, finance, and information systems supporting over 69 universities in the U.S.
She coauthors the bimonthly articles in accounting and auditing for the CPA Journal, sharing insights on and providing thought leadership on issues impacting the profession. Her writing is aimed at educating and updating accounting practitioners on regulatory changes, updates, the impact of technology, generative AI, ethics, and possible changes that could impact financial reporting and assurance services.
In 2024, Hart became the Faculty Senate Caucus Chair for the Haslam College of Business where she represents the interest of the faculty. She is the inaugural recipient of the 2024 Inclusive Leadership Award; the recipient of a 2024 Citation of Merit Award from the University of Tennessee President; a 2024-2025 Teaching and Learning Innovation, VFL Mentor; and previously received the Decosimo Faculty Leadership award.
She is a Board Member for Goodwill Industries of Knoxville and Investment and Endowment Committee member for United Way of Knoxville. She is a Council Member and Professional Ethics Committee member for the State Society of CPAs, helping to evaluate violations that compromise members’ obligations to integrity and public service. One of her more impactful leadership roles is President of the American Accounting Association Diversity Section at a national level where she continues to support access, inclusion, and opportunities for scholars, educators, and researchers.
BACKGROUND
At current institution since what year? 2018
Education: DBA Accounting, Anderson University, IN; MBA, Accounting, University of Tennessee Chattanooga; BS Business Administration Accounting, Lee University
List of Undergraduate courses you teach: Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Business Combinations.
TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR
I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when …. Sitting in a corporate job at the time, reflectively thinking about helping grow the success of an entity…led me to thinking about the success of individuals. I realized that my greatest impact and most positive influence could be achieved by equipping students with the tools to reach their goals and support their dreams through accounting and finance opportunities. I am persuaded that education is one of the greatest equalizers and sources of personal wealth.
What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? I write about current trends and changes in the accounting environment, including the impact of technology, generative AI, and the impact for preparers, assurance providers, and users of information. You know, as we continue to call for less involvement in regulating the accounting and reporting environment, the more guidance we are being provided. At the same time, there are lesser expectations on the preparation of future professionals – who knows what that will yield. We are evolving, devolving, and more highly regulated!
Simultaneously, there are increasing expectations for professionals and who knows what this will lead to. We are evolving, devolving, and becoming more highly regulated! I never lack a topic, standard, or imminent concern to write about. Smiles; not sure of that is good or bad.
If I weren’t a business school professor, I’d be … a medical doctor. If I were not preparing individuals for a future in the accounting/professional services industry, I would be helping them navigate and recover from health challenges as a medical doctor. Confronting medical illness, whether chronic or otherwise, can be mentally and physically crippling. I have seen much of it; as a person who cares deeply about others, that would be where I would invest my talent and energy.
What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? I think what makes me stand out as a professor is myriads of things; the commitment to high academic standards; my industry experience; a passion for delivering content in a way that encourages curiosity, engagement, critical thinking, and dreaming; a belief that teaching practices should evolve, and be informed by best practices, innovation, and an appreciation for the different types of learners in the room. It is a recognition that students do have limited attention spans, but it is a hurdle not a roadblock. I see the possibility for every student to accomplish their goals…and aim to deliver. At the end of every class experience, students know that I believe in and am rooting for them – that makes a world of difference.
One word that describes my first-time teaching: Incredulous.
Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: I wish someone would have told me that you never get tired of changing lives and the landscape of possibilities to make an impact is vast when you love what you do so, “set boundaries.” I wish someone had advised me to set boundaries and establish guardrails so that I do not exhaust myself.
Professor I most admire and why: There are so many professors that I admire and respect so perhaps, I go to one of my earliest influencers. I deeply admired my Intermediate Accounting professor. As a silent, shy, and observant student, I watched and listened from the sidelines. My professor strategically and actively engaged me in class conversations, playing a pivotal role in my development as a future professional. Teaching was not a part of my plan at that time, but when I eventually chose this path, I remembered how he built my competence and confidence. He helped me to see the world through a new lens. Most importantly, he helped me realize how I could play an important role within it.
TEACHING BUSINESS SCHOOL STUDENTS
What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? What I enjoy most about teaching business students, is being a source of inspiration and empowerment. Bridging their academic journey to the promise of a future. I enjoy preparing students for challenges and opportunities, holding expectations high, and watching them rise to meet those expectations. I love witnessing barriers fall as students become captivated by the magic of learning and power that filters through from applying knowledge. I enjoy nurturing their dreams and goals and watching those small dreams balloon as students become more knowledgeable about the impact and value of their knowledge. I love it! Ohhh, I also enjoy that there are diverse perspectives; I smile often because the richest classrooms are the ones where ideas flow freely.
What is most challenging? What is most challenging? Wow! We teach in an abstract environment from the perspective of a student’s experiential context. I usually have to begin by combating the misconceptions about accounting; encouraging reading, advocating for smart time management skills, reminding students to balance workload and school pressures, and competing with certain social dynamics of a college campus. Additionally, I have found preparing students for resolving ethical issues can be complex.
In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Engaged.
In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Apathetic.
When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as … thorough, quick, and including detailed feedback to help them understand their performance better.
LIFE OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
What are your hobbies? I love traveling! There is something magical about exploring new places, gaining fresh perspectives, and meeting people. I love exploring any beach side; walking on the beach; sailing; all things about the marine ecosystems are a favorite pastime.
Public speaking is another hobby of mine or better stated, seeing audiences engaged and enjoying themselves is a beautiful experience. I have a deep, deep, appreciation for art and the arts; visiting galleries, theater productions, musical performances.
How will you spend your summer? This summer, I will rest up and spend some time enjoying those hobbies!
Favorite place(s) to vacation: The Bahamas.
Favorite book(s): Goodness! There are many so here are a few. Howard Gardiner’s, “Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.” “Who Moved My Cheese,” by Spencer Johnson. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou.
What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? Not much of a movie buff so nothing current. There is a 1959 movie that I watched which really stuck with me called Imitation of Life. It has been added to the United States Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry.
What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I love uplifting music. As a person of faith, I look for songs that encourage and boost my spirit. I listen to jazz to relax especially while at work.
THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS
If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this It would begin with a greater emphasis on critical thinking, entrepreneurial mindsets, and innovation. There would be less focus on adhering to a stringent curricular diagramming and a shift to a more agile curriculum that lends itself to change that is not slow in the face of new developments, technological and other advancements. The next wave of business leaders cannot be transactional, they must be transformative. Business schools should invest in human intelligence with similar diligence as it is in generative AI so that future leaders, are better prepared for responding and managing change, problem solving, ethical dilemmas, and empathy.
In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at … They must begin by (1) conveying the value of the service or product they provide. This generation is seeking work [yes] but it is meaningful work that inspires them to perform their best. (2) In my opinion, onboarding new talent is another opportunity to bridge the gap between performance expectations, actual performance, and measured performance outcomes that are clear. (3) In my opinion, there are opportunities to align the nonverbal cues that are a greater influence on culture with written mandates that purport idealistic goals or values. (4) Mentorship plays an important role in performance and promotion. Seek to mentor-upwards; some talented team members may struggle to navigate their career paths without guidance. Create upward mentorship opportunities to help them understand how to climb the organizational ladder. (5) Facilitate conversations between team members and organizational leaders as often or when possible. within the organization is crucial. By intentionally leveraging the diverse spectrum of talent available, we can unlock new potentials and drive innovation.
I’m grateful for … my family who blanket me with expressions of encouragement and faith. I am grateful for the friends who stand with me through challenges. I am grateful for a stellar cadre of staff, faculty, and administration who unite around a shared purpose. I am grateful for the students who bring the classroom to life and share their lives with me in trust. I am grateful that every day is incrementally more fulfilling, rewarding, inspiring, uplifting, and life-changing. I cherish being a life-long learner and am honored to receive this recognition. Teaching is a highest calling and I am grateful that it is a part of my journey.
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