Marci Leigh Butterfield

Background

I came back to school at age 33 with five children and had my sixth child during my junior year in the accounting program. I did my undergraduate degree and then did my MBA all in five years time and then went on to work for Arthur Andersen which was a wonderful experience but very challenging with my family situation. About a year and a half later, Doctor David Plumlee, who was then the Accounting Department Chair called and asked if I was interested in teaching at the University and it has turned out to be one the highlights of my life! I feel so fortunate to be here.

What did you do before your current job?

As I mentioned above, I worked for Arthur Andersen as an auditor but I also was involved in Real Estate as an agent and I judged private and collegiate gymnastics for about 20 years and got to travel all over the country! What I am still involved with is rearing a family as I am the mother of six children. They are growing older now but I think that is a job that never ends. I hope I can always have an impact for good in their lives.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

When I was younger, I did want to be an English Professor so it is ironic that I now am teaching accounting here at the University of Utah! I love doing webct discussions because I get to help students with writing so it is kind of like coming full circle from my goals as a high school student. My father was a teacher and I know he had an influence on those students that he taught. Mine was not a conscious decision to become a teacher. I was lucky enough to be asked by Professor Plumlee, but it has been such a fulfilling position to see my students succeed that I couldn’t ask for anything better! I have a special place in my heart for those teachers who took extra effort to make my experience in my education memorable so I hope I can make a difference in the lives of my students as well.

I get the opportunity to be with interesting and diverse people every day. How amazing is that! There is nothing like the feeling of being on a college campus. There is excitement and hope. I get to help those that struggle. People who go to college are generally here to learn. You usually are not forced to be here, you are here because you want to be here so it is a fun atmosphere.

I am also the faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi which is the accounting organization at the University of Utah. This gives me the opportunity to work with students in recruiting events, service opportunities, and weekly meetings where we learn more about the accounting profession. I get the pleasure of overseeing a group of about ten officers and getting to know about 100 individuals each semester. These students are fabulous and provide a lot of service to many different organizations and individuals throughout our community. It is a lot of work but so much fun to be involved with these energetic and driven students.

What advice can you give our reader’s about the importance of higher education?

Going back and getting my undergraduate degree in accounting and then my Master’s degree was one of the most challenging things I have ever accomplished in my life but it was so worth it. It has given me opportunities that I never would have had without it. I always tell my students that they are doing the right thing by being in college. They won’t regret it! It lets others know you have the tenacity to finish a program you begin. You have skills that you can implement into a career. You learn to work with others and build relationships that will last a lifetime!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

To be honest, my biggest accomplishment is that I am happily married and have six beautiful children. There aren’t too many people that can say that in today’s society and I have been married for a long, long time!

What do you hope 2009 brings for you?

I worry about the job market for my students so I hope we will see a turn around in the economy soon.

What are some of your hobbies or projects you are working on in your spare time?

I am currently remodeling a lot of rooms in my home so painting and trying to design the different rooms has been taking up most of my free time at the moment. I also love to watch my youngest daughter perform in her dance company. I enjoy scrapbooking and just got introduced to Facebook so I am catching up with friends that I haven’t seen or heard from for a long time!

Who is one of your heroes?

One of my heroes would have to be my mom. She lost my dad at a pretty young age and finished raising several young children on her own. She sang with the Tabernacle Choir for eight years and is on the go 24/7. She is a very smart woman and tries to keep up with all of her children, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren.

I am also impressed with the stories I learn about my students. Some of them come from very difficult circumstances and yet rise above it all to do great and wonderful accomplishments!

What book are you currently reading?

I constantly read books that relate to my faith but I also read books that my daughter is reading so that I can keep up with her interests. The series we are reading right now is called “Chasing Yesterday” which deals with a young teenager who has lost her memory and is seeking to learn about her past. We have both finished the first two books and can’t wait to read the last book!