Reflections from Retiring Faculty
Three faculty members—Becky Jones, Betsy Willis and Suzanne Abbe—will be retiring from the Accounting and Business Law Department. We take this time to thank them and let each reflect on their dedication and service to the department.
Becky Jones:
When I reflect on 45 years of teaching, the many changes I have witnessed come to mind, some of which I do not miss—mimeograph machines, chalk, and chalkboards. But some of the changes I do miss—foremost among which are dear colleagues who have retired from Baylor—individuals I have grown to respect, love, and admire. What has made teaching at Baylor so special is the mission of Baylor, which allows me to live my faith authentically in the classroom, the wonderful students I teach, and the talented people I teach with. These friends and colleagues have been supportive in both joyful and difficult times.
My contribution to the department has been my willingness to innovate in ways that facilitate student learning. I was the first Baylor professor to create note packets for students. I was the first in the department to use an online homework program, utilize clickers and offer class recordings. Some of these innovations worked and some didn't, but I always tried to find the best ways to help students learn.
Betsy Willis:
As I reflect over my time at Baylor, all I can say is that it has truly been a gift from God to have a career that I have loved so much – working with both my dear colleagues and my amazing students. I recall my time fondly at Baylor as an Accounting student, graduating in 1971. And when Dr. Rod Holmes called me to help him out by teaching a section of Accounting 101—or maybe it was 102—way back in fall 1976, it never dawned on me that his call would be the beginning of my teaching career. I continued to teach part-time until 1986, when I completed my Masters of Tax, and have taught full-time since then. Financial, managerial, tax and the online MBA program have been one great year after another! Every morning as I walk into Foster, I find myself marveling over how fortunate I am to have had a career that has allowed me to work with such great students. I thank God that I have been a part of helping set students' feet on their chosen career paths and watching them flourish. And I have learned so much from my students over the years! Now I'm even having children of former students in my classes, and that is fun. Outside of the classroom, I have truly enjoyed time working with students through Beta Alpha Psi, Baylor Chamber of Commerce and Delta Delta Delta. Indeed, it is hard to say "goodbye" to a job that has brought me such joy!
Suzanne Abbe:
Thirty-six years ago, after working at KPMG in Denver, I began the MBA program at the University of Denver. After being hospitalized numerous times during the pregnancy of our first child, we decided to return to Waco to be near family. I will never forget contacting Bill Thomas, Baylor's Accounting and Business Law Department chair at that time, and asking if there would possibly be a teaching position available at Baylor if we returned to Waco once I completed my MBA. He simply responded, "Come on! We would love to have you teach here!" The rest is history. After completing my MBA at Baylor, I began teaching 35 years ago and I continue to be so grateful to Bill for that amazing opportunity. It has been an incredible joy and blessing to serve our awesome students and work alongside the most amazing colleagues.
I remember the thrill of teaching with my former Accounting professors and mentors such as Lane Collins, Jim Parsons and Terry Maness, to name a few. Bountiful blessings continue as now I have the privilege of teaching with my daughter, Haylee Beard, and several of my former awesome students—Carie Ford, Cari Edison, Daniel Shallcross and Lauren Farish. We are truly a Baylor family! This journey has been wonderfully orchestrated by God and has far surpassed my "dream job." I have so many incredible memories! I was blessed to have all four of our children graduate from Baylor. I enjoyed the role of "utility player" for several years while teaching Introductory Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, Individual Tax and the graduate IMS course--not all in the same semester, of course. I was proud to serve the department as faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi for 26 years. My favorite part of teaching has been sharing my faith, mentoring students, and watching them succeed, serve and make meaningful impacts throughout their communities. I will deeply miss my Baylor family, but I am excited about this new journey. And I know the tradition of excellent leadership, quality teaching and remarkable service to our students will continue to be the hallmark of the Baylor Accounting and Business Law Department! Thank you for the amazing ride!
