Mackie with her dogs, Mazey (left) and Willow (right)
Courtesy | Deanna Mackie
In this Quick Hits, Professor of Accounting Deanna Mackie talks curling, using red pens for grading, and her favorite works of art.
Why accounting?
It’s like a puzzle. All the pieces need to fit together to see the big picture.
What collegiate sport should Hillsdale add next?
Curling. It will be the next big thing, plus it’s a lot of fun.
If you had to pick one of the women’s dorms to live in, which would you pick?
Dow House, because I love the history of old homes. A close second is New Dorm, because Penny’s is right there.
How old were you when you first considered becoming a professor?
I had always thought about teaching, but it was after teaching my first night class a few years after graduating that I considered becoming a professor.
What is your favorite book of the Bible?
One of my favorite stories is the story of Moses, which is in four different books of the Bible. It is a great example of God’s plan for our lives and how He is always by our side.
What is the purpose of a university?
I think Martin Luther King Jr.’s letter, “The Purpose of Education,” to his campus newspaper in 1947 describes it beautifully. He summarizes it by stating, “Intelligence plus character —that is the goal of true education.”
What are the best and worst things about Hillsdale as a geographical area?
I love living in small towns and the sense of community. You are a few hours from large cities and also can get away up north. The worst part is having to drive almost an hour to go shopping.
What is your favorite genre of music?
It depends on the day. It could be country (although not the old stuff my dad listened to), Christian, classical, or if I’m feeling nostalgic some good ol’ 1980s hair band music.
Are you a fan or a critic of using red pens to grade paper assignments?
I’m a red pen fan.
Has the purpose of commerce changed as it has evolved over time?
I don’t think the underlying purpose of commerce has changed over time, but the environment in which it takes place has. Most recently it is the pressure to meet certain public expectations, — and we are exploring those impacts in our fraud class this semester.
What’s your favorite painting or piece of artwork?
Handprint pictures my daughter made of her and her brother’s handprints when she was about 10 as a gift for Mother’s Day.
What do people misunderstand about the subject you teach?
Accounting is a lot more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It is really about communication.
What do you think of AI?
It’s exciting, but it’s also scary. It is like any technology — its value will be determined by how we choose to use it. I’m curious to see the impact it has on the lives of my kids and grandkids.
What was the first musical instrument you played?
The piano, and later the clarinet.
What’s your favorite species of pet?
Dogs.
