By Lauren Sears
Staff Writer
Many students at The College of Saint Rose may choose to be business majors with a certain expectation of what types of professors they might encounter. To many this sterotype might include suits, podiums, and long droning lectures, but one professor here stands out from the rest of her colleagues and the expectations of students.
Professor Rebecca Patterson-Kohler has been teaching full time at Saint Rose since March 17, 2011, focusing on accounting 121 (Financial Accounting), ACC 122 (Managerial Accounting), ACC 320 (Accounting Information Systems) and ACC 570 (Advanced Theory Financial Accounting).
Her favorite part about teaching is creating a spark of interest in her classes.
“For me connecting on a human level with my students is important, that’s why in my ACC 121 class the first writing assignment I give is write a three- to-five page paper about yourself and why you are taking the class,” said Patterson-Kohler.
Several of her former students can attest to Patterson-Kohler’s efforts to connect to her students. “My favorite thing about her is that she is always there for the students. [She also will] honestly tell you that she doesn’t know something but works closely with another professor to figure things out.”
“She also gives us a chance at learning for ourselves in that she makes us find our own way while she slightly guides us,” said Gerald Moore, a graduate student at Saint Rose.
It’s rare that the student consensus on a professor is unanimously positive, but that seems to be the case with Patterson-Kohler. When asked how she feels about this praise, Patterson said, “If I can reach students, and make them retain information, then they can better connect to the material.”
Ashley Sweet, a Saint Rose junior, mentioned that the experiences of the real world Patterson-Kohler brings to the classroom helps students connect to the material even more.
“I was enrolled in the ever memorable financial accounting class with professor Patterson. I had to take it for my business minor and she made it one of the most enjoyable math-related classes ever,” said Sweet.
Sweet continued on to say that “[Patterson] was very helpful and took the time to make sure her class really understood the concepts and how they were applied. She made them relatable to the real world, and therefore more useful.”
Sweet further encouraged students to take courses with Patterson while she remains at Saint Rose.
“I would recommend professor Patterson first and foremost for anyone looking into accounting. I think she offers her students more than a course, but an accounting experience that goes beyond just being lectured. She gives an opportunity to have a wholesome understanding in a tough subject area,” said Sweet.
“I had Rebecca Patterson for Financial and Managerial Accounting to fulfill requirements for my business minor. I have absolutely enjoyed every single class with Rebecca Patterson and would have taken more with her if I could. My favorite thing about professor Patterson is that she uses real-world situations to test out the knowledge of her students while assisting them with familiarity of what their careers may throw at them,” said Edwin Escobar, a business minor at Saint Rose.
Despite the fact that Patterson-Kohler is known as the young, and cool, professor, she still expects all of her students to work hard, complete readings before class, ask meaningful questions, and finish all assignments on time.
When asked if there was anything else readers should know about her besides the accolades from her students, she responded saying, “The perceived conceived notion of me is that I am an easy professor,” stressing the fact that this isn’t necessarily the case. She doesn’t believe in excuses or laziness, and as such her students know that they need to work hard in order to succeed.
Escobar further mentioned that despite the fact that her courses aren’t always easy, he “would definitely recommend any class with professor Patterson to any of my good friends without a doubt.”
He went on to describe a particular positive memory of Patterson, citing her patience and helpfulness.
“One thing I certainly remember is professor Patterson sitting down with me for two hours until I finally got all of my [financial] statements correct. She did not seem to rush me whatsoever and was very patient and understanding. Professor Patterson has got to be one of the best teachers I have had,” said Escobar.
While speaking with her, The Chronicle asked professor Patterson if she had any advice for students regarding entering the business field. In response she explained that, “Moral boundaries are a must. Always be mindful and do not deviate from your moral boundaries.”
Professor Patterson-Kohler will be teaching at Saint Rose until June 2015. While her courses for next semester are officially filled, Patterson has stated that more seats may open in the coming weeks.
Students interested in enrolling in a course taught by Patterson should check the undergraduate course listings on the Saint Rose website.
