Mike Tearney
After graduating from WSU, I moved to Columbia and attended the University of Missouri, where I earned a 
doctorate in accounting. I then taught at Drake University in Iowa before moving to New York City to work for KPMG, one of the world’s largest audit, tax and advising firms.
At KPMG, I worked in the Department of Professional Practice – Accounting Group. That group developed firm-wide policies for the implementation of all new accounting standards. It was a great job, but I hated the commute from Weston, Connecticut, which was 3 to 3 and ½ hours daily door to door.
My wife Barbara Kopietz (Wichita Southeast, 1961) and I returned to academe at the University of Kentucky, where we have been since 1983. My move to Kentucky came with the opportunity to help form and head up the university’s new School of Accountancy. After a few years, I was appointed the Senior Associate Dean of the Gatton College of Business and Economics. Part of my responsibility in that role was to direct all international programs as well as maintain business school accreditation.
That experience led to my next and last job. I was a consultant for over 50 business schools, 30 of which were outside the United States, to help them either achieve or maintain international business school accreditation. I did that for approximately 10 years, which allowed Barbara and me to see the world. Among the most unique trips we took, included a couple of African safaris, one in Kenya and the other in South Africa; a trip to Nepal, which included a helicopter ride over base camp for Mt. Everest; and a one-week train ride through Rajasthan, India on the Palace on Wheels Train.
Since then, I have done as little as possible, which includes golfing five days per week from May to October, driving antique cars (5 different cars), and mowing the pastures on our small farm. My five antique cars include a 1930 Model A Town Car, a 1931 Model A Roaster, a 1940 Packard 120, a 1953 Chevy Bel Air Convertible, and a 1975 Chevy K5 Blazer. I am the second owner of the 1953 Chevy, and it is 100% original. I am the original owner of the Blazer, which is currently being restored. Below, Mike on parade with Barbara, their grandson, and 1931 Model A Roadster.
Our small farm was once part of a much larger farm that dates back to the early 1800’s. The farm was divided into 25-acre plots in 1978. Our plot includes the old frame farmhouse that was constructed around 1890. It was completely renovated prior to our purchasing it in 1983. We have built on to it a couple of times and completely remodeled it in the mid-2000’s. Since there is a cemetery on our plot, we will be here for an eternity.
Below, Mike with his 1940 Packard 120
Below, Mike at the wheel of his 1953 Chevy Bel Air
Mike,
Love the Bel Air and the others! Well done. Congratulations on an interesting life. I think accounting is a great professional accomplishment, and I worked with KPM and others. Academically, you know undergraduate accounting is a major path for people to move to middle class incomes and professional life. It means a lot. I taught property taxation to representatives of many nations in Taiwan every fall for a decade, again trying to help other nations. Your time is a lot more meritorious than my teaching first year finance to a subsequently convicted inside trader, Marty Siegle. Thanks for the essay.
Gene C
So nice to hear of such an idyllic life! The time in New York and Connecticut, travel in Africa, and life in Kentucky sounds like a busy and productive life. Love the cars, and I know the class has a lot of car jockeys—not the least of which is Gene Carter! I remember all those years at College Hill Methodist Church and those boring Sunday school classes! Finally got to put that behind me! You were much better behaved than I! Would love to hear about some of your African trips!
Mike, happy birthday! I also love Makers Mark and am an Ambassador, having dipped some bottles, and been the recipient of several nice Christmas gifts. I have also enjoyed some similar travels as I wrote in ”My life in Travel” here. We missed you on our Zoom call today!