DBA Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Rick Mergenthaler
Some of the best and brightest minds in business call Smeal their professional home. Our faculty's contributions to teaching and research are heard around the world. And their commitment to partnering with our students is seen, heard, and experienced in our classrooms and beyond.
Here, we introduce you to Dr. Rick Mergenthaler, Associate Professor in Accounting
What DBA course(s) are you teaching?
ACCTG 502: Accounting Research and Analysis
What are you excited to cover/explore and why?
I’m excited to explore accounting research that explores how accounting information affects managers’ decisions, the firm’s constituents, and the likelihood of regulation and litigation.
What are some of your main goals/expectations as a professor to DBA students?
My primary goal is to students to consume and produce high quality research from archival data using theory, research design, and econometrics.
How would you summarize your research expertise?
I love exploring how accounting information affects the firm and its constituents. I also enjoy exploring how accounting information affects SEC enforcement and the likelihood of litigation.
How would you describe your research approach?
I use theory, careful research design, and econometrics to provide high quality evidence.
What was the most helpful advice you’ve received from a professor/manager that still holds true?
The most meaningful things in life are hard to achieve.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself and/or about your interests outside of teaching.
I’ve been married to the love of my life for 25 years and have seven wonderful children. I love playing, coaching, and watching basketball. I’m an avid college sports fan—as time allows given my hectic life.