Angela Brooks joined the finance department last fall after years of instructing as an adjunct professor at the CUW Centers around Milwaukee. Professor Brooks brings a ton of professional, on-the-job insight into her classes. She has experience in both the corporate world and small-business ownership. She is a great asset to the Batterman School of Business and the financial studies program.
Share a bit of your background.
Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I was intrigued by the business and commerce presence in the city. This inspired me to study business and industry, specifically accounting. Completely focused on my career in the corporate world, I was blindsided by my passion for teaching and education when my mentor strongly encouraged me to teach my first math course at a university. Still corporate-driven, I moved to Chicago, Illinois to work in health care administration.
I returned to Milwaukee on an entrepreneurial mission. I owned and operated a pack-and-ship company for over seven years. During this time, I was able to reconnect with my joy for teaching in higher education by teaching as an adjunct instructor at several local universities, including Concordia University Wisconsin. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities, community outreach, vacationing, and spending time with my family.
What brought you to CUW initially?
My journey with Concordia began as an adjunct instructor at one of the satellite center locations. My business was located in the same building structure as the CUW center, so I would frequently communicate with the center director about opportunities to get back into the classroom. After 15 years of being an adjunct at CUW, I was blessed with the opportunity to become a full-time faculty member last year.
What is your favorite course to teach?
Answering this question is like choosing a favorite child! I find something unique and interesting about all the courses I teach. I really enjoy teaching the introductory accounting courses because I love exposing often-uninterested business students to the interesting and fun areas of the accounting discipline.
What is your favorite course project?
Over the years, I have really enjoyed the group business plans and group project management plans and presentations. I feel like a proud parent when I see the final product of all the hard work and dedication the students put into developing their ideas into something extraordinary.
What do you like best about mentoring students?
I enjoy building meaningful relationships with students while offering a supportive presence in their life. It is incredibly rewarding to help students navigate academic, personal, or professional challenges and see them succeed. Also, students bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and different experiences that I can learn from and stay connected to current trends and developments.
Favorite Bible verse?
Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Helpful advice you’ve received?
In order to get, you have to give. If you support, guide, and lead others, if you make contributions to their lives, you will reap the best rewards.
What is your favorite destination you visited, and why?
This past Christmas I visited Madagascar. My experience of traveling to the African continent was amazing and life changing. I had a chance to visit newly connected family members who were located through ancestral research. There is so much beauty and uniqueness to the island of Madagascar. I look forward to visiting again soon!
At Concordia, we offer a BS degree in Finance as well as an online MBA in Finance. If you’re interested in our programs but not quite ready to apply, you can connect with a counselor and request more information.