The Eller experience means being part of a community that is committed to professional development, personal excellence, integrity and community service.

What brought you to the Eller College?

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I have always enjoyed a passion for teaching as instilled by my parents, who were both educators. While at Honeywell I sought out opportunities to create and teach classes to non-accounting co-workers. I also served as the Honeywell on-campus recruiter at Eller for finance and accounting positions. Serving in this role allowed me to meet Eller College faculty. Professor Dan Dhaliwal provided me the opportunity to teach a graduate class as an adjunct and I absolutely loved the environment. I am thankful for the chance to merge my passion for education with my technical knowledge.

How long have you been at Eller?

I joined Eller College as an adjunct instructor in January 2005 while working as a finance director at Honeywell International. I left Honeywell and joined the Eller College faculty full time in January 2006.

What is your current research or area of service, and what most excites you about that area of focus?

Because I am a non-tenure track employee, I focus on service, rather than research. What I love most is helping students embrace and develop their strengths while finding a career field that excites them.

What are you currently teaching, and what do you most enjoy about teaching?

I am currently teaching Intermediate Accounting I, the first-semester upper-division accounting course. I like teaching this class because I am able to work with students in their first semester. This semester is filled with challenges as students are required to balance multiple projects as well as externship and internship interviews. I appreciate the opportunity to help students face and triumph over the challenges presented in the first semester.

I also teach in the online MBA program, evening MBA program and online undergraduate business administration program. These classes all focus on financial accounting.

How do you bring your corporate experience into your teaching?

I often share stories of real-world experiences from my time in corporate America. I am also active with local nonprofits, so I am able to share experiences from my service on boards and audit committees. Currently, the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona is where I devote the majority of my community service time.

Beyond service and teaching, what are your passions?

I am passionate about helping others become the best possible versions of themselves.

What does the Eller Experience mean to you?

The Eller Experience means being a part of a community that is committed to professional development, personal excellence, integrity and community service.

Learn more about Katie Maxwell on her faculty page.