Adam Benard

WHY WEBER STATE

I chose Weber State because I was an alumnus of the University, and my undergraduate experience was great. The smaller class sizes, the availability of professors to meet with, and the quality of education. All of these attributes are at a price point that I couldn’t find at any other university. 

WHY MASTER OF ACCOUNTING

I chose this major because of the experiences I had in my own business and in other businesses I managed. I knew that accounting was the language of business and that I had some areas where I needed more knowledge. It was a great experience being in the classes, thinking about my businesses, and seeing how all the pieces of a business come together in the numbers, and gaining that clarity. 

PERSONALIZED EDUCATION

What stands out to me about my time at Weber State? The short answer is the professors. They are amazing. 

When I think about Weber State, the thing that stands out to me the most is the professors' desire for students to succeed. I didn’t fully appreciate it during my undergraduate years, but the availability of professors in the accounting department to discuss not just classes but also the situations I was encountering in business was extremely helpful. 

PROFESSOR IMPACT

It is difficult to pull professors from the accounting department, as I had most of them across all the leveling classes and the Master's program. These professors made an extraordinary difference:

Lisa Hopkins: Lisa’s availability in the tutoring center each morning during her office hours to answer questions and discuss the accounting program and how to achieve my goals was amazing.

Dave Folsom: His ability to communicate difficult accounting principles, even if it took time to visit him in his office. I was lucky enough to have him 3 times. 

Valerie Chambers: Her “Audit” and “Risk Assessment and Internal Controls” classes were the highlights of my semesters. Her passion and excitement were contagious. 

Darcie Costello and Eric Smith: Participating in the VITA program is rewarding for students. Their leadership and guidance continue to make that possible at Weber State. Being able to work closely with Darcie, Eric, other students, and MTax graduates to serve the community each week was an amazing privilege. 

It would be a disservice to Patti Glover not to mention her here. She does an amazing job. Talking with her each semester to get the leveling courses and Master classes situated was very valuable. She is an amazing resource for the graduates. 

ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS

The advice I would give to someone just starting is: don’t be afraid to talk to your professors; they want you to succeed. They want you to understand the topics and subjects they teach. Lean into their passion. 

Next, find a way to relate the subject matters to something you are interested in or currently doing in your life outside of school. Accounting is used everywhere; find a way to apply it in your life. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Next, for me, I will continue to operate my current business, Oak Hills Reception and Event Center, with my amazing wife. We are planning on expanding and vertically integrating a farm and flower business to help provide flowers and vegetables to the event center. I am also continuing my studies to complete the CPA exams and am working towards a career as a CPA.  

GRATITUDE

That person I am most grateful to would be my wife, Shirelle. Several years ago, in the week between Christmas and New Year, I came to her and said, “Hey, I would like to go back to school to get a degree in accounting to help me understand business better.” Her response was overwhelmingly positive. She continued to support and operate our business while I headed back to school. 

Thank you for your continued support, for always having a dream with me, and for continually striving to be better as a team.