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This issue of the Exchange features Dr. Eric Blazer, associate professor of business administration at Millersville University.
Q: How long have you been working at Millersville University?
A: I am in my 15th year at Millersville.
Q: Where did you go to school? Major?
A: I went to Virginia Tech for both undergraduate and graduate school. As an undergraduate I had a double major in accounting and finance. I then earned a master’s in accounting and my doctorate in finance.
Q: What attracted you to the college you chose?
A: I went to Virginia Tech because I planned on becoming an electrical engineer and Virginia Tech has an outstanding engineering program. That and it had a short one to two page application and tech didn’t require and essay! After my freshman year I did a one year co-op with IBM, after which I changed my major.
Q: What do you like most about Millersville University?
A: The students. My favorite part of the job is the time in the classroom and working one-on-one with students. I wouldn’t be happy at a research institution where teaching takes a back seat to research.
Q: What is your favorite business class to teach? Why?
A: My favorite class to teach is managerial finance. It provides a good blend of my fields, finance and accounting. More importantly it is a hands-on class that requires students to dig in, use Excel and make a lot of real-world connections.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about being a professor?
A: The most rewarding part of being a professor is getting the emails and letters from former students that thank you for challenging them and caring.
Q: We understand that you’re a runner. How long have you been running?
A: I have been running for about 25 years. I swam in high school and thought my older brother was bit odd for running cross-country (and other reasons). After graduating from college I began competing in triathlons and couldn’t avoid running if I wanted to finish a race. Now, running is my passion.
Q: What do you find most rewarding about running?
A: The most rewarding aspect of running, particularly trail running, is the challenge. Can I run a little faster, or more often these days a little farther? It is a great way to relieve stress and clear my mind.
Q: As a runner, what goals have you set and accomplished?
A: I have completed eight marathons and two 50-mile trail runs. It may sound odd, but my biggest goal is to remain healthy and keep running until I am 80. I do a lot of cross-training (usually swimming) and haven’t had any significant injuries for more than 25 years.
Q: Do you have any other running goals set for yourself?
A: When I turn 50 I might try a 100-mile trail run or an Ironman triathlon.
Q: What is one thing (anything) you wish to accomplish in your life?
A: At this point my biggest goal is that my wife and I stay close and involved with our kids once they leave home.
Q: What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
A: My dad worked for the CIA. As a kid I lived in Korea for three years and Taiwan for two years.
Q: What do you love about accounting/finance?
A: There is always something new happening. To stay current you have to keep up with economic, business and political news.
Q: Why did you choose to be an accounting/finance/business professor?
A: In college my fiancée’s parents were both professors at Virginia Tech. They had a flexible work schedule, and a marvelous lifestyle. I also enjoyed the one-on-one relationships I had with my undergraduate professors.
Q: What is the hardest part about being a professor?
A: Putting up with the slow pace of change in academia.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza.
Q: What do you always carry around in your giant water bottle?
A: Diet Coke! The accountant in me takes advantage of Turkey Hill’s cheap refills.
One reply on “Eric Blazer”
Dr. Blazer is a special man that is for sure! He definitely knows how to make people laugh and he definitely knows how to teach… the combination is truly hard to find. Even though he might have the reputation of being one of the hardest business professors, he is actually one of the best! He wants his students to learn and succeed and he is always giving 100 percent. Some days you might see him slacking though; instead of walking to the pool he’ll drive, then come back an hour later saying he didn’t even swim, he just wanted a hot shower. You gotta love this man. He makes my days here at Millersville more interesting!