A closer look into the life and career of Dr. Yu Zhang, Chair of Undergraduate Business and Associate Professor in the School of Business & Communication at Mount St. Joseph University.
Dr. Yu Zhang, Ph. D., is a faculty member at Mount St. Joseph University in the School of Business & Communication. She is the Chair of Undergraduate Business and an Associate Professor who teaches various undergraduate accounting courses. Yu Zhang started her journey in eastern China, obtaining her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai. Following graduation, she entered the workforce in China but wanted to pursue her true passion for accounting. This led Yu to move to the United States to attend the University of Texas at Arlington where she earned her M.S. and Ph. D. in accounting. After achieving her Ph. D., she taught accounting at Nicholls State University in Louisiana for several years. In 2021 she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to join Mount St. Joseph University as a faculty member. In addition to being the Chair of Undergraduate Business and an Associate Professor at the Mount, Yu has also had her accounting research published in a number of academic journals.
Early Life & Career:
“I’m from a small city in eastern China, near Shanghai. Growing up, I always dreamed of living in a big city, so when the time came for me to pursue my undergraduate degree, I chose to study at the East China University of Science and Technology in Shanghai. I majored in Business Administration, thinking it would open doors to many opportunities. After graduating, I joined a state-owned enterprise in China as a management trainee, where I rotated through four different positions: accounting, marketing, sales, and production.
During my time in the accounting department, I realized my true passion. I discovered that accounting is the backbone of any business, playing a crucial role in its long-term sustainability. I also enjoyed the challenge of working with numbers and analyzing data. Despite this, I was eventually assigned to the marketing department, which led me to more actively seek out accounting roles elsewhere. Eventually, I found a position at a German family firm with a branch in China, where I worked with their accounting team.
However, as I progressed in my career, I realized that in order to advance further, I needed to pursue a degree in accounting. So, I began researching graduate programs. After considering several options, I chose the University of Texas at Arlington, partly because my cousins had graduated from there. I applied for a graduate degree in accounting and was accepted. With my strong undergraduate GPA and high GMAT score, I was awarded the Graduate Dean Master’s Fellowship. During my time as a graduate student, I also obtained a teaching assistant position, which became a pivotal moment in my career. I graded papers and assisted professors in explaining difficult concepts to students. It was through this role that I discovered my love for teaching and interacting with students. Encouraged by my professors, I applied to the Ph.D. program in accounting at UTA and was accepted.
After completing my Ph.D., I began teaching accounting at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where I spent seven fulfilling years. However, after some time, I felt the need for a change.” (Dr. Yu Zhang, Ph. D.)
Cincinnati & the Mount:
After spending several years teaching in Louisiana, Dr. Zhang was ready for a change of atmosphere. She wanted to live in a state with distinct seasons and wanted to continue to grow professionally in a new environment. This led her to Cincinnati, Ohio where there are four distinct seasons and a vibrant city atmosphere. In 2021 she became a faculty member at Mount St. Joseph University within the School of Business & Communication where she teaches a variety of undergraduate accounting courses. “My favorite course to teach is Cost Accounting because it helps students understand the internal financial processes that drive business decisions. I enjoy seeing them develop critical thinking skills to analyze costs and improve efficiency. Additionally, I also enjoy teaching Auditing because it emphasizes attention to detail and ethical decision-making. It's rewarding to guide students through evaluating financial statements and ensuring transparency, which are crucial skills in the accounting profession.”
In addition to her duties as the Undergraduate Business Chair and an Associate Professor at the Mount, Dr. Zhang has also had her accounting research published in a number of academic journals. “I have published various accounting papers in several journals, including Review of Accounting and Finance, International Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Performance Evaluation, Journal of Accounting and Taxation, and Research on Professional Responsibility and Ethics in Accounting. Currently, my research interests focus on retirement preparedness. My latest article, 'The Retirement Plan Dilemma: Who Is Best Prepared for Retirement in Today’s Environment,' was published in the May 2024 issue of the Journal of Accounting and Finance. I appreciate all the papers I've written because they allow me to share my research with peers, receive valuable feedback, and contribute to ongoing scholarly discussions.”
School of Business & Communication:
During the summer of 2024, the School of Business at the Mount restructured into the new School of Business & Communication. The restructuring influenced changes in departments, faculty, and leadership. “During this period of transition, Dr. Charles Kroncke stepped in as Acting Dean, and I am deeply grateful for his leadership. I’m also honored by the trust the Mount’s leadership has placed in me by appointing me as Chair of Undergraduate Business. Supporting a larger number of students and faculty has been incredibly fulfilling. These experiences have deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact and contributing to the success of both our students and the university.
Adding to this positive momentum, we welcomed new communication faculty members, Lisa Crews and Robert Bodle, as well as four new business faculty members: Jim Barge, Maria Seta, Phil Muldoon, and Jeffrey Stewart. Their arrival has brought renewed warmth and vibrancy to the School of Business and Communication, making it an exciting and lively place once again.”
Serving the Student Experience:
“This fall, I took on the responsibility of organizing the MSJ high school business plan competition. Through this experience, I connected with many teachers from high schools around Cincinnati and got to know some of the region's brightest students. Although their presentations were still developing and their data analysis skills had room for growth, I was deeply moved by their passion for business. This experience reinforced my belief that Mount St. Joseph University can provide these young minds with the essential training and skills they need to thrive in the business world. My hope is to attract these talented students to MSJ, where we can nurture their potential and help them become future business leaders.
Another significant aspect of my journey at MSJ has been participating in numerous co-op site visits. I’ve had the opportunity to visit several companies and organizations, including Fidelity Investments, Unistrut Midwest, Medpace, TQL Stadium, and more. During these visits, I engaged with managers who spoke highly of our students and expressed their eagerness to see more MSJ graduates join their teams. Their feedback emphasized the critical role we, as educators, play in developing and supplying the talent that industries need.
To me, investing in students’ growth and achievement is more than just a professional duty—it’s a personal mission. Watching students transform into capable professionals who contribute meaningfully to society is incredibly rewarding. By fostering their skills and ambitions, we are not only shaping their futures but also strengthening the broader community. This commitment to their success drives my passion as a professor at the Mount.”
Personal Life:
“When I’m not teaching, I spend most of my time reading the latest accounting research papers and working on my own research projects. My passion for numbers and finance extends beyond the classroom, so in my spare time, I also enjoy exploring investment strategies and analyzing financial trends. Reading The Wall Street Journal is one of my favorite activities, especially staying updated on financial news and market developments. This continuous learning not only deepens my own knowledge but also enriches what I bring back to my students in the classroom.”
The School of Business & Communication at Mount St. Joseph University is moving FORWARD due to leaders like Dr. Yu Zhang. Her travels, her passion for accounting, her extensive career in higher education, and her research make her a uniquely qualified faculty member of the School of Business & Communication. Thank you, Dr. Yu Zhang, for all the people you serve as the Chair of Undergraduate Business and an Associate Professor!
