MOBILE, Ala. – When meeting Calee Allday, assistant professor of accounting in the Grace Pilot School of Business, “softball player” might not be the first thought that comes to mind. However, not only did Allday compete in the sport, but she went on to play as an All-State pitcher her senior year.
Allday’s drive to succeed and her competitive nature has translated off field and helped her obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Mobile, receiving the School of Business Achievement Award and the President’s Scholastic Award, and successfully running her own business, North Mobile Nutrition, for three years. It is this mindset that she passes on to her students to equip them to overcome any challenges they may face.
We talked with Allday about her love for the field of accounting, how it has aided in her business endeavors and her views on the University of Mobile as a former student.
Q: What is your professional background?
A: I am an alumna of the University of Mobile, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration. I then went on to use my management, marketing and accounting skills to become a young entrepreneur and run a successful small business – North Mobile Nutrition. Even though I am no longer the owner, the business is still thriving under new ownership!
Q: Why did you choose to study and teach in this field?
A: I started to study accounting because I loved numbers. However, I quickly fell in love with the analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking side of it. When using these skills, I get to develop and analyze financial statements on my own, which sparks my interest and makes me feel accomplished.
Q: Why should a prospective student choose to study in your program at UM?
A: Accounting is critical to any industry or business. Because it is always in demand, this gives students endless opportunities and chances for career advancements once they graduate. The accounting program, with the help of our amazing professors, prepares each student for these opportunities. In our courses, we combine accounting theories and concepts with real-life scenarios so our students establish a great foundation of knowledge that will aid them both in and out of the classroom.
Q: How do you integrate real-world experiences and examples into your teaching?
A: One tool I use is case studies because they allow students to apply the concepts they have learned to real-life situations. I also incorporate discussion and analysis of current events to help students gain an understanding of what is happening in the industry today. In my entrepreneurship courses, I love to bring in business owners as guest speakers. Through these talks, they get to share their experiences and give students insight into running a business in the current economy.
Q: What do you believe sets UM apart from other institutions?
A: It is such a tight-knit community, which makes you feel like you are with family from the moment you step on campus. As a professor, this leads me to cultivate a friendship with my students, which is one of my favorite parts of my job.
Students also have the unique opportunity to grow and be shaped both academically and spiritually at UM. As a former student, it was encouraging to know that while you are studying to go into your chosen job field, you are doing it for a higher purpose — to go out into the world and be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Learn More About Accounting at the University of Mobie
Learn more about studying accounting in the Grace Pilot School of Business at the University of Mobile at umobile.edu/um-info. Plan a campus visit or register for a UM Day at umobile.edu/umday-info or call Enrollment Services at 251.442.2222.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered university pursuing excellence “For Christ & His Kingdom.” With a vision to “Multiply Kingdom Leaders for the Glory of God and the Good of the World,” the university honors God by equipping students for their future professions in an environment where they are known.
The university was founded in 1961 and is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention. Located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama, on a campus of over 880 acres, UM offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Learn more at umobile.edu/um-info and connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
Noelle Foster is an intern in the Office of Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Mobile. She is a full-time student in the College of Arts and Sciences, where she is pursuing a degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and Broadcasting along with a minor in History. When she is not studying or researching, Noelle enjoys going on walks, listening to music, and spending time with her family and friends.