Meet Melodee Hills, a seasoned accounting professional with 17 years of experience, now leading as a Corporate Accounting Manager. Pursuing her DBA at UM-Flint, she values perseverance, mentorship, and lifelong learning. With aspirations to transition into business strategy and academia, she’s also passionate about ethical workforce practices in the wine industry. A Clippers fan, wine enthusiast, and traveler, Melodee’s journey is one of growth, leadership, and impact.

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? 
A: I am currently the Corporate Accounting Manager for a national provider of rental uniforms and workplace supplies. Over my 17-year tenure, I have progressed from a Staff Accountant to my current leadership role.

Q: What is your job like day to day?
A: Each day brings new challenges. Recently, my company completed a spin-off to become its own publicly traded entity, giving me the opportunity to learn new processes while guiding my team through significant reporting changes. In addition to this, I play a key role in monthly, quarterly, and annual closes, leveraging my expertise in account hierarchy management, user training, and strategic problem-solving.

Q: Why did you choose to attend UM-Flint for your degree(s)?
A:I chose to attend UM-Flint for my degree because of its strong reputation and well-connected alumni network, which provided valuable opportunities for professional growth. The flexibility of a fully online program was also a key factor, allowing me to balance my education with my career and personal commitments. Additionally, the cost was more competitive compared to other reputable programs, making it a practical and high-value investment in my future.

Q: What is the most important thing you learned while you were at UM-Flint? 
A: The most important lesson I learned at UM-Flint is that anything worth having doesn’t come easy. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also opportunities for growth. I realized that it’s okay to ask for help, whether from professors, peers, or mentors, and that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. I also learned to embrace the unknown as a chance to expand my knowledge and skills rather than viewing it as a source of stress or anxiety. Most importantly, my time at UM-Flint reinforced that I am destined for great things and that I had been underestimating my own potential.

Q: Who influenced you most during your time at UM-Flint and why?
A: Dr. Keith Kelley is the most influential person during my time at UM-Flint. As my advisor, he keeps it straight with me—no sugar coating, just honest and constructive guidance. He is incredibly supportive and serves as a valuable resource, providing insights that shape my academic and professional journey. Most importantly, he consistently challenges me to step beyond my comfort zone, pushing me to reach my full potential and see possibilities I might otherwise overlook.

Q: Describe your career path.
A: My career path is evolving in two key directions. First, I aim to transition within the corporate world into a more strategy-focused role, leveraging my 20+ years of accounting expertise to support decision-making and long-term business growth. At the same time, I plan to move into academia as a business faculty member, where I can share my knowledge and experience while researching issues related to business strategy and the migrant workforce in agriculture/viticulture (wine industry). These paths align with my passion for both strategic leadership and education, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in multiple fields.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: Accounting has provided me with a strong foundation in understanding the inner workings of business, and over the past 20 years, I have gained invaluable experience in financial operations and strategic decision-making. However, as I’ve grown in my career, I have developed a deep appreciation for other aspects of business, particularly education and the wine industry. After much thought, I realized that I could make a meaningful impact by advocating for those who may not have a voice—specifically, the migrant workforce. The wine industry, a multi-billion-dollar global market, relies heavily on migrant labor, yet ethical employment practices in this space often go overlooked. By focusing on business strategy while ensuring fair and ethical treatment of migrant workers, I see an opportunity to drive positive change in an area that needs more attention.

Q: What is a long-term career or professional goal you have for yourself?
A: In addition to my focus on business strategy and teaching, one of my long-term career goals is to become a global public speaker specializing in immigration and strategic research within the wine industry. I want to use my expertise to shed light on the critical role migrant workers play in this multi-billion-dollar industry while advocating for ethical business practices. By sharing insights on these important topics, I hope to influence industry leaders, policymakers, and educators, driving meaningful change and fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to workforce management in the wine sector.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: One of my proudest accomplishments so far is being a mentor for new DBA students. Guiding them through their challenges and celebrating their triumphs has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I truly enjoy providing support, sharing insights, and helping them navigate the demands of their academic journey. Seeing their growth and success reinforces my passion for education and mentorship, and it reminds me of the impact that guidance and encouragement can have on someone’s professional and academic development.

Q: Fun Facts! (Examples: sports fan, long term goals, favorite vacation, future travel plans/ideas, or come up with your own!)
A: I’m a big LA Clippers fan and always enjoy catching a game when I can. Beyond basketball, I have a deep appreciation for wine and love exploring different regions and varieties. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I’ve been fortunate to visit some incredible places—but Egypt remains at the top of my must-visit list. The rich history, culture, and iconic landmarks make it a dream destination, and I can’t wait for the opportunity to experience it firsthand.

Q: What is something people may not know about you?
A: While I may come across as lively and outgoing with a big personality, deep down, I’m actually an introvert at heart. I truly enjoy quiet moments and find the most comfort in simple, relaxing experiences—like curling up on the couch in my pajamas and watching a good movie. While I appreciate social interactions, I recharge best in peaceful, low-key settings where I can unwind and just be in the moment.