Self-Reflective Insights on What I Have Learned in an Evolving Academic Career Model: Accounting Scholarship, Administration, and Diversity

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, I offer personal insights based on my experiences (thus far) in an evolving academic accounting career model. While I value all aspects of an academic career responsibilities (teaching, research, and service), this narrative focuses primarily on the role of accounting scholarship and, broadly, the impact of diversity on the same. I offer these perspectives and personal experiences from the unique vantage point as an African American woman, focused first on contributing to top-tired accounting scholarship, and more recently on roles as an administrator of an accounting department and business college. While my academic journey is unique by objective measures (often dubbed “trailblazing” by others), I offer suggestions that may be useful to any academic who is dedicated to success in our field. Given the evolving accounting model and challenges ahead, my overriding goal remains to encourage junior accounting colleagues to persevere, as an accounting academic career is richly rewarding.