20 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE PROFESSOR HOSTETTER Rachel Hostetter, Class of 2018, was an Accounting major. Now, she is an adjunct professor at KU. Professor Rachel Hostetter, the newest faculty member in the business administration department, is excited to be back at KU. When she was a student, she completed a year of school and then joined the Army. Stationed in Texas, she earned her Associate’s degree, and when she completed her time in the military, she transferred back to KU for her Bachelor’s degree. Now a professor at KU, Professor Hostetter is passionate about telling students her journey. “Being back here is so special. I can show students how you don’t have to put yourself on a narrow path, and there are so many different options within your career.” RETURNING HOME TO HER ALMA MATER After graduating from KU, Professor Hostetter began her master’s degree in forensic accounting while working full-time in Philadelphia. She had always thought about teaching, but it was not until last year when the dream became a reality. Staying connected with her professors, she was invited to guest lecture in different classes over the last year, where she learned about an opening in the department. “My eyes lit up,” she said, recalling how she felt learning about the opportunity. During the interview process, she spoke with Dr. Mostafa Maksy, her former professor, bringing the experience full circle. Once hired, Professor Hostetter admits it was an adjustment to see her former professors now as her colleagues. “My first day, I went up to Dr. Kaufinger, and I asked him what I should call everyone. And he told me, “You’re one of us now,” and that I should call everyone by their first name.” ADVICE FOR STUDENTS As a new faculty member, Professor Hostetter knows the importance of networking, and wants her students to see the benefits. Each week, she offers students bonus points for completing different networking activities. She also tells students to pursue internships at some point in their academic careers. Professor Hostetter focuses on making connections with her students. She is relatable to students and uses that to get to know them. “My students see me as a recent graduate. They know I walked the same halls as they do, and I had the same professors they do.” She believes many of her opportunities came from the people she knows. Her best advice for students: “Stay in contact with people. Network. You never know who will take you places.” FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
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