Rick Mergenthaler, Associate Professor of Accounting
Six Questions with Rick Mergenthaler
"The Eller experience is a community striving to shape the next generation of business leaders."
What brought you to the Eller College?
I came to Eller for two main reasons. First, I wanted to play a role in one of the best PhD programs in the nation. Second, the collegiality and quality of the faculty attracted me.
What is your current research, and what most excites you about that area of focus?
I’m eclectic, so I have my hand in quite a few projects examining things like how retail investors monitor firms, whether having more restrictive standards leads managers to convey information outside of firm’s audited financial statements that comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and why disclosure has grown more than 10 fold over the past 100 years. Overall, I genuinely love research and enjoy learning about how accounting affects the decisions of managers, investors and all firm stakeholders.
What are you currently teaching, and what do you most enjoy about teaching?
I recently taught a PhD seminar and an undergraduate honors class. Both focused on the scientific method and academic accounting research. Next year, I’ll teach another doctoral seminar and intermediate accounting.
How do you bring your research into your teaching?
I talk about research on a daily basis. Honestly, I believe that is my advantage. I also try to help students think more deeply about why things are done and not just memorize the rules. This train of thought is rooted in the scientific method.
Beyond research and teaching, what are your passions?
My family is the most important thing in my life. I have been married to my beautiful wife for almost 20 years, and I am blessed with seven wonderful children. I also love playing basketball and about any other sport you can think of. Finally, I enjoy watching BYU football and Arizona basketball. (Go Wildcats!)
What does the Eller Experience mean to you?
The Eller experience is a community striving to shape the next generation of business leaders. The Eller experience is one of unparalleled support with the expectation that we’ll push each other to work toward unparalleled success.