Q&A with Mindy Nett, Associate Professor in Kent’s Accounting Program

Interested in earning your master’s in accounting as a Golden Flash? Learn more about our online program through the eyes of the Kent State faculty. We recently interviewed Mindy Nett, a Certified Public Accountant and professor, to get her insights.

Nett worked in public accounting for 22 years before deciding to bring her expertise to the classroom. She is involved in various programs on campus and teaches in both the graduate and undergraduate programs. Read on to get a better understanding of why professors like Nett make Kent State the ideal destination for earning your Master of Science in Accounting.

What is your role at the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship and how long have you been in this role?

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting. I’ve been at Kent State full-time since 2014, but previously taught part-time, since 2009. I serve on many departmental, college and university committees.

What are your areas of expertise?

My technical area of expertise is taxation. Before coming to Kent State, I worked at global public accounting firms for over 15 years on a variety of clients in the retail, manufacturing, technology, real estate, and service industries. I then transitioned to an internal role as a managing director in charge of learning for U.S. tax professionals, where I gained extensive experience with learning design and delivery.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part for me is building the connections between the classroom and the working world, aligning what students learn to what they will be doing on the job. I enjoy talking to students about their career interests and how to best prepare for success. I also enjoy networking with professionals to learn what new knowledge and skills they are looking for as the profession evolves.

I have a passion for tax and enjoy igniting a tax spark – even if it is small – in every student, because taxes touch all individuals and businesses in some way.

What research topics or special projects are you currently working on?

I lead Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at Kent State. This program connects IRS-certified student volunteers with elderly and low-income taxpayers who need assistance filing their tax returns. It is incredibly rewarding to see students so engaged in not only taxes, but also in giving back to the community. Preparation starts in the fall for our filing season, which runs in the spring.

Any recent media interviews on your work?

I was interviewed by Kent State TV2 about the VITA program. You can check out the video on their YouTube channel.

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style is very application oriented. Tax laws are inherently complex. Simply reading the Internal Revenue Code or even a textbook may still leave many wondering how the tax rules work. My professional background allows me to bring the real-world application of challenging tax topics to students through a mix of technical lectures, problem-solving, and even preparing tax projections and research memos. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues to align and build content across the program.

What do you enjoy most about working with Kent State graduate students?

I love the authenticity of our students; they are diverse and inclusive and build connections with each other. They are engaged learners who make my job fun!

What are some of the benefits of the MSA for students?

I firmly believe in the personal and professional value of a master’s degree. Further, our MSA program is designed to align with CPA Evolution and the changes coming to the CPA exam, so it is excellent preparation for the CPA exam that also provides students with credits necessary to meet the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure.

Undergraduate students who apply early for the MSA can obtain dual credit (both undergrad and graduate) for certain courses. The accounting department also awards a very generous amount of scholarship dollars each year, with several earmarked just for MSA students.

What are some benefits of an online graduate program?

Our MSA program is entirely online, so there is tremendous flexibility for students when it comes to both when and where they complete classwork. This is especially valuable for students who work or those with family commitments.

What is your favorite thing about Kent State University?

I love so many things about Kent State, so picking just one is so hard! We have strong leadership, amazing faculty, bright students, and engaged alumni. Overall, it’s a wonderful community to learn and grow within.

Are you involved with students in any capacity other than teaching?

I am the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, the national honor organization for financial information students and professionals.

We host professional meetings with accounting firms and companies that recruit at Kent State. We also participate in charitable activities and social events. Along with the officers, I attend an annual national meeting to network with other chapters and participate in our national volunteer day, which is focused on children’s literacy.

Start Your Application Process

Kent State students are fortunate to have Mindy Nett as a part of our accounting faculty. Not only does she care about her students and their success, but she also works diligently to foster a great learning environment inside and outside of the classroom.

Mindy Nett and our other professors can prepare you for life after college, giving you the tools you need to thrive. Start working toward your master’s degree at Kent State by applying to our program today.