This story is part of a University of Toledo faculty and staff spotlight series, where we feature uplifting stories of the remarkable achievements and contributions of hidden champions who call UToledo home, fostering connections across campus. Cover graphic by Juice House. Image courtesy of Nancy Snow.
Nancy Snow is a CPA and Distinguished University Lecturer within the department of accounting at the University of Toledo. She is well-known among students and colleagues for utilizing active learning strategies in the classroom that help students retain information and engage with lessons. She herself is also an alum of the university! The JuicePress team recently interviewed Snow to learn more about her role and contribution to campus.
Q: How long have you worked at the university? Can you summarize what you do in your role at UT?
A: This is my 29th year teaching at UToledo. My primary teaching responsibility is BUAD 2040: Financial Accounting Information and ACCT 3110: Intermediate Financial 1.
Q: What are your degrees in and where did you study?
A: I earned both a B.B.A. [with a] specialization in accounting and [a] master’s in accounting from the University of Toledo. Go Rockets!
Q: What field or research area do you focus on? What initially sparked your interest?
A: As a lecturer, my focus is on teaching rather than research.
Q: Tell us about your academic journey, what were some pivotal moments for you?
A: I had my “aha” moment that I wanted to teach as a student in Intermediate Accounting 1. We were covering retail inventory methods. I had read the chapter repeatedly and could not make sense of it. In class, when my professor was explaining the topic, it just clicked. I thought that was the coolest thing to be able to take a challenging topic and make it make sense to others. I knew right there that was what I wanted to do.
Q: Who or what has been a significant influence on your professional journey?
A: Students! My approach to teaching has dramatically changed over 29 years all due to my students. I have always strived to make my classes the best possible learning environment for my students. My goal has always been what do students need to take away from this class and how do I deliver this information to help them retain what they learned in my class. That has resulted in removing debits and credits from BUAD 2040 and focusing on how business transactions impact a company’s financial statements. Also, moving away from testing and toward doing projects and comprehensive assignments. Students learn accounting from doing it and not memorizing information for an exam they will quickly forget afterwards. I was an early adopter of teaching online. Earning Quality Matters certification for my online classes led me to incorporate those standards into my in-person classes.
Q: What excites you most about the future of your field?
A: A common misconception is that accounting never changes. But, accounting constantly changes to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business world. A few years ago, it was data analytics. Now, it is AI. Providing students with a solid foundation in fundamental accounting tools remain relevant to assist students to adapt to future new concepts more easily and quickly in a constantly changing world.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in your field?
A: Go for the CPA! It is a hard exam, and it is [a] time-consuming commitment to studying. But it is a decision you will never regret. Being a CPA will open doors and opportunities for you that would never exist without it.
Q: Can you share about a project or research initiative you’re particularly proud of?
A: I was course coordinator of BUAD 2040: Financial Accounting Information for over twenty years. I am proud of the changes made over those years moving the course away from a preparer approach to a user’s approach to accounting.
Q: What are some of your most significant achievements at the university?
A: Recently, a former student stopped by during office hours for advice about the master’s of accounting. He talked about how he really wants to be a CPA. As he was leaving, he hesitated in the doorway, turned around, and said, “Thank you for making me love accounting.” Honestly, that made my career. Up until that point I would have answered [that] having been named a Distinguished University Lecturer was my proudest professional accomplishment.
Q: In what ways have you contributed to the broader university community?
A: Among others, at the request of the department chair at the time, I developed an online course template following Quality Matters standards for faculty in our department to use for their classes.
Q: How do you support students outside of the classroom?
A: I try to communicate to my students that I am there for them. That the class is being taught for them. That their success in my class is important to me. I want students to understand the class content and not be afraid to ask me questions when something does not make sense.
Q: What is a meaningful or favorite memory you have of being an undergraduate or graduate student?
A: Sitting in Intermediate Accounting 1 and realizing I wanted to teach.
Q: What do you enjoy about living in the Toledo area?
A: It is a 20-minute walk from my front door to my office door. I walk to work almost every day.
Q: What hobbies or interests do you pursue outside of work?
A: I walk my dog three times a day. I say it is for my dog. It is really for me. Walking helps clear my mind and observe the world around me.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself?
A: I am a dog person and have become a cat person. There was a time when we had three dogs and eight cats at once. While chaotic at times, it was also incredibly special.
Note: Responses from the interviewee were received by email and have been edited for grammar and clarity.
