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Suzy Carter

Suzy Carter

Associate Professor of Practice

Phone Number: 402.467.5311
Department: Economics
Office: FBCDL
Email: suzy.carter@doane.edu
Campus: LINC

Dr. Mary Sue (Suzy) Carter is Associate Professor of Practice in Economics in the College of Business at Doane University. Dr. Carter started teaching at Doane University in 1989, immediately after completing her Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. She currently teaches classes at the undergraduate level and serves as the Assessment Coordinator for the College of Business. In 2013, she was bestowed the Impact Award for making a positive difference on oneself, on others, on the environment, and on life, at Doane University. She has been frequently consulted for ACBSP accreditation and has assisted other institutions in earning that accreditation.

Education
Ph.D. (Economics), Texas A&M University, 1989
M.A. (Economics), University of Missouri - Columbia, 1984
B.S. (Economics/Political Science), Southwest Missouri State University, 1980

Courses

  • Macroeconomics and Literacy (ECO 203)
  • Microeconomics and Business (ECO 204)
  • Statistics (BUS 215)
  • Intermediate Microeconomics (ECO 304)
  • Quantitative Methods (BUS 339)

Professional Experience
Assessment Coordinator, College of Business, Doane University, 2019-Present
Assistant to the Dean of Non-Traditional Programs, Doane College, 2006-2012
Strategic Ministry Advancement Officer, Back to the Bible, 2000-2005
Writer, Solid Sounds, 2002-2005
Chair of the Division of Business and Economics, 1989-2000

Teaching Experience
Doane University/College, 1989-Present
Wesleyan University (Adjunct), 2002-2015
Southeast Community College (Adjunct), 2001-2002
Drury College, 1984-1987
Texas A&M University, 1982-1984, 1987-1989
University of Missouri-Columbia, 1980-1982

Professional Accolades
Certification in Applying the QM Rubric, 2017
Impact Award, Doane University, 2013
Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Doane University, 2007

Professional Highlights

  • Campus Coordinator, ACBSP Accreditation, Doane University
  • Region 5 President/Attendee, National and Regional ACBSP Conferences
  • Consultant, ACBSP Accreditation, Southeastern Community College
  • Author/Presenter, Economics of Healthcare, Council on Economics Education National Meetings
  • Attendee, Higher Learning Commission Annual Meetings
  • Affiliated to Delta Mu Delta, Nebraska Economics and Business Association, and National Association of Economics Educators
  • Volunteer, Youth with a Mission in Nicaragua, 1995-1998

Why did you become an instructor? How did you become interested in teaching?

I fell into teaching. I loved the study of economics and statistics and was working on a Master's degree in economics at the University of Missouri Columbia. To get me started, my parents had given me their life savings ($800). By the time I had rented an apartment, paid my first tuition payment and turned on the lights, I was broke. I needed a job.


The Chair of the Economics department called me out of my class one day and said, "Do you want a job?" I said, "Does it pay money?" He said, "Yes." He gave me a textbook and said, "You're a teacher." The next morning at 7:30 am I taught my first class. I was awful but after the students left the room, I sat at the big desk at the front and thought, "I want to do this for the rest of my life." That was over 40 years ago. I hope I have gotten better at it. But I still learn something new every day and I love it!

What advice do you have for students to be successful in their coursework?

To be successful in my class (and in any class, for that matter), I think you should follow a few rules: show up, ask questions, and talk about it.


First, always show up - don't just warm the seat. Show up. Expect to learn something. If you expect little, you usually get it. Second, ask questions. There are no dumb questions, just those who do not ask questions. Lastly, talk about it. Tell others what you have learned. You never really know anything until you can explain it to someone else.

What is one of your favorite quotes and why?

I'm not sure it is a quote, but it is my motto. "It is better to be righteous than right." By that I mean, sometimes you have to let the other fellow be right, even if it costs you. Because sometimes, if you press your point and exercise your rights, you can crush someone. It is better to know in your heart that you did the right thing, the kind thing, than to prove you are right.