Kansas City Chiefs and SOM: New opportunities with remote learning
Last spring, when UAF announced that all instruction would be moved online for the rest of the semester, the world turned upside down. Everyone – students, faculty, and staff – had to think creatively and adapt quickly. Accounting instructor Amy Cooper realized the new online format for her classes opened up new opportunities for guest speakers. She started by inviting a friend who lives in Washington, D.C. – a Certified Fraud Examiner who is an expert in fraud and white-collar crime – to speak during a class session on the topic. From there, she realized the sky was the limit for guest speaker opportunities!
“Every year, I show a short, pre-recorded video on the topic of management accounting to my Principles of Managerial Accounting class,” Cooper shared. “The video features Dan Crumb, CFO of the Kansas City Chiefs, and I wondered – what about a personal visit, instead?” She reached out to Crumb via LinkedIn and he was happy to visit her class to share his knowledge and experience with the students directly. “I enjoy sharing my work experiences with students to help them gain insight into a career in accounting or finance, and how they will have opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom on the job,” said Crumb.
Cut to August, and Crumb reached out and offered to speak to Cooper’s class again during fall semester. Thanks to his generous offer, the next cohort of students watched the usual 5-minute video featuring Crumb – and then learned that he’d be joining the next class session to speak to them in person. “I’ve mentored and given lectures to many students over the years at different universities around the country, but never to anyone in Alaska,” said Crumb. “It is a privilege to speak to UAF students and I thoroughly enjoy my time with them. They always ask great questions and I am grateful to Professor Cooper for reaching out to me.” The discussion and questions covered everything from managing finances for a big organization and how to prepare the stadium to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic to whether or not he would receive a Super Bowl Ring. (The answer is yes – all full-time employees who receive benefits receive a ring!) One of the pieces of advice that resonated with students was to “think like the owner.” “Crumb said it is a good idea to think of a business’s budget as one’s own money, since that ensures that you’ll have a greater emotional involvement regarding purchases,” said accounting student Nicole Nielsen.
Although the changes brought on by the pandemic can be challenging, it’s good to note how this “new normal” has opened up new opportunities, as well. Online learning allows the CFO of an NFL team in Kansas to easily visit students in an accounting class in Alaska – and to come back every semester. “Being an athlete, I found I could relate to what he was talking about. The talk definitely helped me gain a better understanding of what the business side of the professional sports world looks like and I am thankful for his time,” said accounting student Harrison Israels. Students benefit by learning from a variety of professionals with interesting jobs and real world experiences, and gain exposure to the wide range of opportunities that await them once they graduate.
“My advice to students,” said Crumb, “is to be adaptable to change and embrace technology. Don’t be surprised at how fast things change. Be committed to lifelong learning and innovation. Don’t underestimate the importance of building the right culture in the organization you work for.”
