Brian Huels
June 16, 2020
Written by Craig Schreiner
In WHY I TEACH, Brian Huels, an assistant professor of accounting in the College of Business and Economics, talks about how he cherishes the moments he receives news from students of their triumphs after graduation: like when alumnus Jacob Mende texted him “Jacob Mende, CPA” after passing his exam for certification.
“My favorite part about teaching is that, every semester, I get the opportunity to work with and help a new group of students while at the same time being able to watch the students from the prior year move on and conquer great things in their lives — new jobs, new skills, passing professional exams, internships, helping others, etc. Some of the most meaningful moments for me are when students follow up after graduation to share their successes as well as how their college experience prepared them for the next stages in their life.”
Assistant Professor of Accounting Brian Huels draws on the whiteboard as he teaches in a classroom in Hyland Hall. (UW-Whitewater photo/Nick Pook) 
It hasn’t been that long since Huels was a UW-Whitewater student himself — first as an undergraduate, earning a BBA in accounting in 1998, and then in the first-ever cohort of the UW-Whitewater Doctor of Business Administration, seen receiving their degrees in December 2017 (Huels is sixth from the right in the front row). Now, Huels calls the university his campus home — as an instructor. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
WHY I TEACH is a series about the dedicated faculty at UW-Whitewater’s two campuses who make every day a teachable moment — and every place a learning place — by their expertise and example.