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You may have seen the name Steve Smith on this blog, or you may have talked to him on the phone or met him in person, but let’s take a closer look at the Senior Director and leader of the MPA Program Office with a quick Q&A.
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, STEVE.
I’ve been happily married to Stuart (a Texas McCombs BBA grad) for 22 years and am a proud dad of two wonderful kids: Mackenzie, who is in her second year at Northwestern University, and Whit, who is graduating from Anderson High this year. I am a native North Carolinian and enjoy hiking and skiing every chance I get. My undergraduate accounting degree is from NC State, and I hold an MS in Accounting from the University of Virginia. I worked in public accounting with Arthur Andersen and PwC, as well as in industry with Dell.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO UT-AUSTIN?
Stuart and I originally moved to Austin 20 years ago when I entered the accounting PhD program. After one year in the program, I realized it wasn’t for me and went to work at Dell. Luckily, eight years later, Ross Jennings asked if I would teach a section of managerial accounting, and Brian MacDonald (the former treasurer at Dell) gave me the go-ahead. Three months later, I left Dell and have been teaching ever since. I took a leadership role in the MPA program three years ago.
WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR THE MPA PROGRAM?
I have two main goals for the program: increasing student diversity and developing a stronger MPA community. We can achieve success in regards to diversity with a more proactive marketing effort. As for building community with our current students, I’d like to create more opportunities for students to engage outside of the classroom through activities like tailgates, dinners, trivia nights, and escape rooms. In terms of community for alumni, I’d like to have even more MPA alums stay engaged with the program in the role of mentors to current students and as a resource to help prospective students understand the benefits of an MPA degree.
WHAT MAKES THE MPA PROGRAM DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PROGRAMS?
There are four things that distinguish our program. It starts with our students. We are fortunate that such a densely talented group of students come to Texas McCombs and the MPA program. Second, we have a faculty that is dedicated to both research and teaching; they create a rigorous, relevant, and stimulating academic environment. Third, the MPA Program Office carefully works with each student to develop a degree plan and offers significant amounts of career counseling. Last but not least, we have great relationships with an engaging and diverse group of employers. This enables our MPA students to learn about the many employment options available to MPAs as they launch their careers.
WHAT CLASSES ARE YOU CURRENTLY TEACHING?
I teach ACC 311 (Fundamentals of Financial Accounting) and ACC 312 (Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting). I enjoy being many students’ first professor for a business course and work hard to spark an interest in accounting.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I played racquetball competitively in high school and early on in college. I won two state junior championships and competed at a national level. Some of my longest and deepest friendships began through racquetball. I tried something new this semester and played doubles intramurals with current MPA student Andrew Bramlett. I don’t move quite as quickly as I once did, but we had a blast! Since Andrew is graduating this year, I’ll be looking for a new partner next year.
Duzi is a traditional Master in Professional Accounting student who is graduating this May. Let’s learn a bit more about him and his time here at Texas McCombs.
Name: Mduduzi “Duzi” Mugoba
Where did you grow up? Zimbabwe
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree? Florida International University
What is your undergraduate degree in? Accounting
Why did you decide to come to the MPA program at Texas McCombs?
It is the best accounting program in the country so couldn’t turn down the offer to come to school here! Also, Texas McCombs is in a great city like Austin with so many cool and fun things to do outside of school. So I would say I chose the program for its prestige and for its location.
What is your MPA academic track? Financial Reporting and Assurance
Why did you decide to become an MPA student ambassador?
The MPA program has given me access to amazing opportunities professionally and socially so would love to give back in any way I can.
What has been one of your favorite classes so far and why?
Well, it’s so hard to choose one particular class because I have loved them all! I will say each professor is so different in their teaching styles and how they present information; it is a fun experience navigating all these different styles. I do have a two classes I just have to mention… The first being Professor Badolato’s Financial Statement Analysis (ACC 380K) course, which was high-paced and intense with so much information coming your way. I loved it because it was perhaps my most challenging class in that involved learning in a very different way compared to anything I had ever experienced before. I learned so much about Financial Statement Analysis (and about myself) which was awesome! My other favorite is Investment Theory (FIN 397) with Professor Brown. The information is so relevant and something I will apply to my life in future. The big takeaway from the class (at least for me) is the investment opportunities available if one is interested in passive investment and personal finance management. The class itself is also challenging but that is a common theme for most classes in the MPA program.
What are your plans after you graduate?
I was offered (and accepted) a full-time position at EY and will be working in Houston in their assurance practice. I start in the fall, so while I wait on my start date I plan on taking at least two parts of the CPA exam and enjoying some Texas sun. I am also a fan of the cold drinks that go with the nice, hot summer weather. 🙂
Can you tell us more about the MPA intramural soccer teams you have played on?
Oh yes! It was something that myself, Jeff Chen, and Tyler Wilford were thinking about when the spring semester started. In fact, we just wanted to play some form of intramural sport. Then I ran into Ray Lee (our Team Captain) at a Diversity and Inclusion talk, and he mentioned that he was trying to organize a team to play soccer but couldn’t find enough people. So we exchanged numbers, then I gave Ray Jeff and Tyler’s numbers and they went on to create the team (so all the credit of starting the team should go to me because I had all the contacts haha). But in all seriousness, it was just a way for us to get together as MPAs and do something outside of class. It turned out great because we have a couple of people who have played soccer before, so we were able to be competitive and make it to the playoffs for the men’s league (which we lost under dubious circumstances), but now we have a co-ed team with more MPAs and hopefully more success!
Anything else you’d like to share?
I would say that as important as the classes are, I have enjoyed meeting different people more than anything. The MPA program is very challenging and one can get extremely busy, but I think the most value I have received from the program is meeting new people and actually making meaningful connections outside of the conventional “networking.” It’s important to keep that in mind for anyone looking to join the MPA program.
The Mighty MPAs smile for a team photo with Steve Smith, Senior Director of the MPA program. Duzi Mugoba is pictured in the bottom row, third from the left.
Meet Sam Henderson, a current tMPA student here at Texas McCombs. He’s Texas-grown but has worked all over the U.S., and now he is back in the Lone Star State. Here’s his story.
Who inspires you right now?
This sounds cheesy, but my fellow students. I am constantly being impressed by the caliber of people that surround me! They inspire me every day to do better.
What motivates you?
My current and future family. I want them to be proud of me and the work I am putting in to make our collective lives better in the future.
How is the MPA Program helping you accomplish your goals?
I’m a career changer and the MPA program is not only giving me the hard skills necessary to succeed in the future, but they are actively helping to map out my future, beyond the program. They are truly dedicated to ensuring a bright future for us.
What do you like about Austin?
Austin has always been the home-base for my family. I’ve moved around the nation quite a bit for work, but always come back to Austin for visits with family. The food and music culture are incredible and despite the recent growth, it still maintains a small-town feel.
How does Austin compare to your hometown of Houston?
Even though I claim Houston as my hometown (and while I still have love for it), the sheer size can make livability an issue. I often find I don’t participate in as many activities in Houston because of the travel time involved. Austin makes it so easy to participate in a wide range of activities, all relatively close to campus.
What led you to apply to the Texas McCombs MPA Program?
It’s the number one accounting program in the nation! Of course, the proximity to my family played a big part in my decision, as well.
What is your advice to students debating whether they should apply to the Texas McCombs MPA Program?
The program is first rate, the town is fun, and your fellow students make you better. There is no downside… don’t hesitate to apply.
How have you benefited from the MPA recruiting process?
Recruiting is tough. It is a huge time suck and will weigh heavily on your mind even when you shouldn’t be focusing on it. The Recruit McCombs website makes it easy to organize your career options, and the MPA career advisors help you throughout the process, making sure you put your best foot forward.
How do you think your experience in the Texas McCombs MPA program stands out?
It stands out in so many ways: your fellow class cohorts, professors with prestigious national standing, MPA program faculty willing to go the extra mile for you to succeed, and a recruiting base that ensures you have the opportunity to get with top companies. All of these experiences stand out and it is impossible to unwind all the benefits they collectively give you. The entire program is geared towards challenging you to be better in all aspects.
Alright, Sam… Your turn to fill out this questionnaire:
If you would like to connect with Sam, you can email him on our Student Ambassadors page.
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