Jean Walkenhorst

Assistant Professor of Practice
Phone Number: 402.826.8633Department: Accounting
Office: GA406
Email: jean.walkenhorst@doane.edu
Campus: CRETE
Credentials: BA
Jean Walkenhorst is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Accounting. She started teaching at Doane University in 2018. She became a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Nebraska in 1997. Jean’s highest level of education is obtaining her MPA from University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Professor Walkenhorst brings a wealth of industry experience into the classroom. She currently works as a Client Services Manager at HSMC Orizon, a firm that work with small to mid-size businesses, individuals, not-for-profit organizations, and local governments to assist them with their accounting, assurance and tax needs. Prior to that, she worked at Pekny & Associates for twenty years, providing a range of services to protect the public interest from auditing corporate financials to helping individuals plan their financial futures. Jean also currently serves as the chair of the accounting department.
Education
M.P.A. (Accounting), University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996
B.A. (Business Administration), Doane College, 1994
Courses
- Financial Accounting (ACC 103)
- Managerial Accounting (ACC 104)
- Tax Accounting I (ACC 315)
- Advanced Accounting II (ACC 332)
- Systems and Applied Accounting (ACC 411)
- Tax Accounting II (ACC 415)
- Auditing (ACC 427)
Professional Experience
Certified Public Accountant, HSMC Orizon, 2017-Present
Certified Public Accountant, Pekny & Associates, 1997-2017
Teaching Experience
Doane University, 2018-present
Central Community College, 1997-2012
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996
Professional Accolades
Federation of Schools of Accountancy Outstanding Masters Student Award, Regent Fellowship Award, G.P.A. 4.0, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Summa Cum Laude, Outstanding Achievement Award, GPA 4.0, Doane College
Professional Highlights
- Over twenty years of experience working as a CPA
Why did you become an instructor? How did you become interested in teaching?
I became a teacher as a way of serving my community by sharing my knowledge and experience and to make a difference in people's lives. My interest in teaching began when I was asked to share my knowledge and experience which I obtained as a certified public accountant by teaching a seminar. I found that I truly enjoyed the experience.
What advice do you have for students to be successful in their coursework?
Students have heard time and time again that being organized is a huge key to the success of a student. This is true for all students in all classes, but especially in an accounting course. Organization is particularly important since it helps students learn how to prioritize activities, set and achieve goals, and reduce stress.
What is one of your favorite quotes and why?
"So you never know who you touch. You never know how or when you have an impact, or how important your example can be to someone else" by Denzel Washington. At Doane University, we try to connect with our students on an individualized basis. I give every student feedback on their accounting-related coursework, and I hope to have a positive impact on my students.