Name: Ms. Megan Whitehead
Title: Instructor of Finance
Undergraduate Courses: Personal Finance, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Entrepreneurial Finance, Risk Management and Insurance, and Entrepreneurship
Please tell us a brief bio of your career – how long have you taught at Rankin College of Business, what courses do you typically teach, what are your research interests, what is your educational background, etc.
I’ve been working in the RCB since 2010, but full-time faculty since 2017. Prior to teaching, I was the center director for the SAU ASBTDC and adjunct taught entrepreneurial finance. I primarily teach classes in our financial planning track which is the area of finance I’m most interested in. In 2022 I joined McGaha Investments as a financial advisor and have been taking on clients throughout the last year. The combination of teaching and active practice is an asset for both my students and clients.
One of the most exciting things I’ve been a part of recently is our campuswide financial literacy initiative Mulerider $ense. Helping others realize their potential to manage their finances is something I’m passionate about.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at the Rankin College of Business?
Some of my favorite memories include the times I’ve been able to travel with students. I’ve been fortunate to get the opportunity to sponsor three trips to New York City and accompany students on several other regional trips as well. Seeing our students gain the confidence to travel, some of them flying for the first time, or learning how to navigate public transit systems is incredibly rewarding! I am looking forward to sponsoring my first international trip to Italy in 2023!
What do you enjoy most about your work?
My favorite part of teaching is building relationships with my students. But I also love helping people and learning new things.
I am always growing and evolving in my own studies, but now that I am also practicing what I’m teaching in the real world, I feel I bring a whole new perspective to the classroom.
Knowing the work I do impacts lives is powerful, and I am thankful for the opportunity to play a small part in developing the next generation of business leaders.
What are your hobbies/interests (other than making the RCB/SAU great)? Or When you’re not working, what do you do?
One of my favorite things to do is get outdoors! I specifically love hiking and just returned from a great hiking trip to Utah with Ms. Givens and our former faculty member Ms. Nations. I also enjoy reading and love a variety of genres.
I’m currently training to run in my first half marathon! Joining me will be five of our RCB students too! I enjoy running, but wouldn’t ever call myself a runner – I’m not very fast!
What advice would you offer to a new student beginning their course of study at the Rankin College of Business?
Above all, go to class and do your homework! But, a close second is to get to know your professors. One day you’re going to need a reference letter for a job. That letter will sound so much better coming from someone who actually knows you. Employers are also often reaching out to your professors looking for students. When they know you, you’re more likely to be the first one they think of.
Be sure to build a good rapport with your advisor. They’re the best resource for you as you’re deciding on your planned career path, but they’re also a great resource to help with on-campus resources like tutoring, disability support services, counseling, and scholarship opportunities.
Create good study habits early. Work ahead when you’re able, and make friends in each class so you’ll have study buddies or friends to get notes from when you have to miss class.
And, last but not least. Get involved! There are SO many opportunities available for you to get involved in the RCB. Between FBLA Collegiate, Mulerider $ense, ENACTUS, the Business Student Advisory Council, and many other clubs specific to your degree. There is no shortage of opportunities to find something that interests you.
