Letter from the Chair

As I reflect on my first year as chair of Baylor’s Department of Accounting and Business Law, I’m continually amazed by God’s faithfulness and by the extraordinary people who make up this community. Our faculty, students, alumni and friends share a deep love for Jesus and for one another, and their care overflows into everything we do. Colossians 2:7 captures the heart of this year’s theme – Rooted in Christ – reminding us to stay grounded in Him, growing in wisdom, and strengthened for leadership and service.

This has been a year of growth and innovation. We’re thoughtfully weaving artificial intelligence into our curriculum and updating programs to guide students through new CPA licensure pathways, including the emerging BBA-only option. These steps ensure that Baylor accountants are ready to lead in a rapidly changing profession. Our strong enrollments and excellent job placements affirm that our students are prepared for both today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s challenges.

Research and faculty excellence remain hallmarks of our department. Our professors continue to produce creative, impactful scholarship that is shaping both academic thought and professional practice. This year we celebrated well-deserved honors and promotions: Lotte Bostick received the Hankamer Teaching Excellence Award (Clinical/Lecturer) and was named a McBride Fellow; Brad Lail received the Hankamer Teaching Excellence Award (Tenured); Don Carpenter was chosen as Baylor’s Collins Outstanding Professor; Paul Mason earned the Brent Clum Outstanding Research Award; Michael Rodriguez was recognized as a Baylor Fellow and McBride Fellow; and Mike Mowchan was named the Emerson O. Henke Chair in Accounting. We also rejoice in Haylee Beard’s promotion to associate clinical professor last fall. What a joy it is to see these awards and promotions, as they are such a great testament to the excellence with which our faculty engage in research, teaching and service. I’m also excited to share two important recent changes to our administrative roles, with Lauren Farish now serving as graduate program director and Gia Chevis stepping into the newly created role of associate department chair, strengthening our leadership team and student support.

Even as we celebrate these achievements, we give thanks for the faithful service of colleagues who concluded their Baylor careers in the last academic year. Tim Thomasson and Kathy Hurtt both retired after decades of teaching and mentoring that shaped generations of students. Even in my short time here, I’ve run into so many of their former students who have sung their praises.  At the same time, we look ahead with excitement. Derek Winkler joined our faculty this fall, bringing fresh energy and expertise. I encourage you to visit his fun Q&A feature in this Viewbook to get to know him better.

This culture of excellence and care naturally overflows into service. Whether gathering for Graduate Summer Bible Studies, serving hundreds of families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, or sharing their skills on our Amsterdam mission trip, our faculty and students live out their calling to serve both locally and around the world.

Generous partnerships and alumni support further energize our mission. The new Forvis Mazars Summer Faculty Research Fund will fuel high-impact scholarship and connect faculty research with practice in meaningful ways. Corporate partners and alumni continue to mentor students, fund scholarships, and provide the encouragement that keeps our programs vibrant and forward-looking.

As you explore the stories in this Viewbook, I hope you’ll celebrate with us the many ways God is at work in our department. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity make these stories possible. Looking ahead, we trust that the Lord will continue to work through us and in us, as we remain rooted in Christ and ready to serve the world for His glory.

Rebecca Files, PhD
Professor and William E. Crenshaw Chair