Meet Our Professors: Mary Pearson, Accounting
Posted: March 30, 2018 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 2 minutes
Growing up just across the street from Southern Utah University, Mary Pearson has called Cedar City her home for most of her life. While a strong love of business runs in the family (Pearson’s dad taught business and two of her children have followed in her footsteps), teaching was not always her passion.
As Dean of the School of Business, Pearson has come a long way from her first accounting class in high school. After receiving both her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and her Masters of Accounting from Southern Utah University, Pearson began teaching at the Community College of Southern Nevada. She soon realized that not only did teaching balance everything out, but that she loved being in the classroom, associating with students, and being a mentor.
Since becoming a full time professor at SUU in 2005, Pearson has had a positive impact on SUU’s School of Business. She has a passion for SUU and all that the school has to offer. As an accounting professor, she has taught the following classes:
- ACCT 2010 Accounting Principles
- ACCT 2020 Managerial Accounting
- ACCT 3010 Financial Accounting I
Pearson says “it is a pleasure every day to come to work and be part of an exciting, collaborative environment where people are generally happy to help improve the learning experience for all!”
The feeling is mutual. Pearson was recently named Outstanding Educator at SUU, Educator of the Year by the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, and was honored with the Student Influencer Award in 2016 and 2017.
Pearson loves teaching students the importance of accounting in a business and a personal environment, but she has a special love for budgeting.
“The most important part of accounting is that it is the language of business. All companies need to know how to determine if they are profitable. An understanding of cash flow and net income is essential in being successful in business.”
One thing Pearson’s wishes she could tell every student?
“I always tell my students to get all the education they can so they are prepared for an amazing career path full of lots of opportunity! The students are the best part of being a professor,” said Pearson. “Every semester I am rejuvenated and excited about the future as I know these amazing students will do great things.”
Along with her work as a professor, Pearson works as a certified public accountant (CPA). Her professional accounting career has allowed her to meet and associate with successful entrepreneurs, providing them with financial advice that will help them better meet their goals and objectives within their organizations. She enjoys working with clients around the country.
This article was published more than 5 years ago and might contain outdated information or broken links. As a result, its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Tags: School of Business Faculty
