Continuing the series on talking with UALR alumni Markita Tyler and Christopher
June 27 - July 3, 2016
Submitted by Derek Boyce,
UALR director of annual giving and alumni membership
Recently eight alumni from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock were recognized by Arkansas Business, in their annual “40 under 40.” Derek Boyce, the director of annual giving and alumni membership for UALR recently caught up with this group and shared insights from those chats. This is the second in the series, which the Daily Record is pleased to run.
Markita Tyler: Central Moloney Inc.
2009 Graduate Certificate Accounting, 2010 Master of Science Taxation
Markita, when you were at UALR, what subject provided the best learning experience for you? I would have to say all of my tax classes, I can’t pick just one. That sounds weird because no one likes tax. Because of my chosen career field, that knowledge base has provided a very solid foundation for me. I learned many things that I continue to use on a daily basis.
Are there any opportunities you feel a new college graduate should explore? They should explore as many networking and information sharing opportunities as possible. I wish I would have taken advantage of those when I graduated. You make great contacts.
Was there something enjoyable in your past you wish you could do once again? I would love to relive my undergrad experience. I enjoyed my classes, for the most part that is, joining a sorority (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.), creating life-long friendships, and the total experience. The time between leaving home as a high school graduate and becoming a full-fledged adult, is never fully appreciated when it’s happening. I had the time of my life as an undergrad, you have very few responsibilities (bills) and you’re just learning who you are.
Is there any one thing you would like to take the time to learn more about? I would love to take the time to learn about computer programming, coding, etc. I graduated from high school in 1997, the internet was just beginning to blossom during that time, and technology was nowhere near what it is today.
Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your chosen career? Never be afraid to take the less than glamorous jobs. I feel that by working in pretty much every role in the accounting department, it has given me a great advantage and understanding of the intricacies of accounting and what role every function plays in developing the information you see on financial statements.
Looking at all the people in history, what person would you say you respect the most? My grandfather, Johnnie “Buddy” Talison who passed away in February of last year. He taught me the concept of hard work, and he is definitely the reason I have the work ethic that I do. He always said make sure your work is done, don’t prolong it or put it off, then you can relax.
When all is said and done, and the final chapter is written on your life, what is the most memorable thing you’ve done which you would like to have carved on your tombstone? That I never gave up and I never stopped learning.
What is the one quality you feel best describes you? Determination
If you weren’t in this profession, what do you see yourself doing? I would be an attorney.
What do you do to escape? I read and play videogames on my PlayStation. If time permits, I like to travel.
Chris Bell: Complete Consulting
Bachelor of Science 2006 Business
Chris, when you were at UALR, what subject provided the best learning experience for you? Dr. Cynthia Taylor’s Advanced Governmental Accounting class gave me great insight into my day-to-day work. It’s empowering to understand the why’s behind the what’s.
Are there any opportunities you feel a new college graduate should explore? A new college graduate should seek employment with a company with great internal controls. This allows them to learn processes the right way early in their career. Habits, both good and bad, are hard to break.
Was there something enjoyable in your past you wish you could do once again? Before starting my first business I loved going to the gym, playing basketball, running and strength training. My goal is to get back to doing those things and making them a priority.
Is there any one thing you would like to take the time to learn more about? I would love to learn Spanish. My wife is bilingual, and I am always impressed with the bridges she is able to create by knowing a second language.
Is there any advice you would give to a person who is starting out in your chosen career? Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. ~ Maya Angelou
I would add to this, “Never stop learning!”
Looking at all the people in history, what person would you say you respect the most? Jesus Christ – this is one that needs no explanation.
When all is said and done, and the final chapter is written on your life, what is the most memorable thing you’ve done which you would like to have carved on your tombstone? When the final chapter is written on my life, I pray that I will have claimed the title of a true Christian disciple. Having developed a personal, lifelong, obedient relationship with Jesus Christ transformed into Christ-likeness.
What is the one quality you feel best describes you? I feel that the quality that best describes me is honesty.
If you weren’t in this profession, what do you see yourself doing? I see myself as a university professor, educating and developing tomorrow’s leaders.
What do you do to escape? I love to escape by watching a great movie.
Christopher Bell and Markita Tyler
