Dr. Tom Downen, Assistant Professor of Accounting
"Come in with an eagerness to learn and an open mind, devote the necessary time to study and practice, and you can get a lot from the program."
Degrees Held
- Ph.D. in Accounting – Texas Tech University, 2009
- MBA, Executive – University of New Mexico, 1999
- BBA in Accounting – Eastern New Mexico University, 1994
Career Highlights
Authored/co-authored numerous journal articles addressing teaching methods and judgment as well as decision-making in accounting; scheduled to teach in Spain in summer 2019.
In which online programs do you teach?
Which class do you teach online?
MBA 508: Accounting
What types of projects can online students expect in your course?
Discussion boards are used to interact on course topics. Two projects, completed in randomly assigned groups, are also assigned.
What do you want students to learn in these courses?
What is the expected learning outcome?
The course is intended to provide a foundation of understanding for both financial accounting and managerial accounting, including:
- The ability to carefully analyze financial statements and the accounting methods that lead to included amounts
- The evaluation of cost components in manufacturing environments
Why did you start teaching?
I began as a volunteer database trainer in one of my professional positions and discovered that I loved to teach and interact with students.
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
Come in with an eagerness to learn and an open mind, devote the necessary time to study and practice, and you can get a lot from the program.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
Tell us something interesting about yourself that your students might not know.
I play a lot of basketball and golf and engage in other sporting activities. Plus, since moving to the beach, I decided to take up surfing; I haven't gotten very good yet, but I have succeeded in growing surfer hair ;-)