Meet DBU's Newest Professor of Accounting, Grace Paterson

"I am deeply committed to enhancing the resilience and work ethic of today's students, and I am excited to continue to grow our program and build relationships with students."

Professor Grace Paterson was born into a Christian family in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She and her two younger siblings moved around a lot when she was young, and she spent most of her childhood in Houston. Her family returned to Tulsa when Grace was a teenager, and she spent her high school years there. After graduating high school, Grace attended Baylor University, earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees in accounting. She also earned her Certified Public Accountant Certificate (CPA) shortly after graduating.

Grace met her husband in an accounting class at Baylor University. Her husband works at a private equity firm in Dallas, and they both attend Northway Church. They love the community they've found there and are thankful for the Lord strengthening their walks with Christ through their church community.

As Grace moved into her professional career after graduation from college, she began working as a private wealth tax consultant at Deloitte, a professional services network. Grace has a strong passion for working with individuals and providing advisory services. Throughout this season in her career, Grace learned invaluable skills in tax consulting, teamwork, and leadership. She thoroughly enjoyed her time in the public accounting world but discovered that the industry, especially during the busy seasons, was not sustainable for her long term.

The Lord intervened as she looked for a career change and opened the door to work as a professor at Dallas Baptist University. "The opportunity to join DBU's team was God opening a door I could have never opened myself. I am truly grateful for this chance to pursue my passion for teaching and mentoring students." Grace loves that DBU encourages her to express her faith in Christ and share the transformative power it holds in her life. She has always had a strong appreciation and respect for Christian higher education. Hence, the opportunity to work with students and prepare them for God's calling for their future is one of Professor Paterson's favorite things about her job.

Professor Paterson teaches the first two introductory accounting courses and a graduate-level fraud and forensic accounting class. "I firmly believe in the importance of equipping students with not only technical proficiency but also a strong ethical foundation rooted in Christian principles." She enjoys including discussions about integrity, honesty, and stewardship in her curriculum to empower her students to navigate complex ethical dilemmas they will inevitably face in their careers.

"In a time when the importance of a college degree is scrutinized, I am committed to ensuring that my students receive a high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary for job security in the ever-evolving job market." Professor Paterson also encourages her students to think critically, communicate effectively, and approach complex problems with creativity and innovation. She loves providing feedback and watching her students grow from semester to semester. Professor Paterson is grateful for the opportunity to watch her students develop throughout their careers at DBU and beyond.