Andrew Hartzler
Professor of Accounting
What drew you to want to teach at GC?
Since graduating from Goshen College in 1998, I have worked in the field of public accounting as an auditor and tax consultant and advisor. About four years ago I sensed God was calling me toward a new area of service and I began to pursue a master’s degree as part of that calling. Two months after completing my master’s degree, a position opened in the GC business department. After meeting with GC business faculty and students, touring the campus and teaching a course as a guest lecturer, I knew with certainty that GC was where God was calling me to be. My connection to GC’s values and the local business community made GC a unique fit as a place for God to call me to serve.
What do you love most about teaching GC students?
One of the unique dynamics of GC is the way in which students and faculty can develop close relationships that have a strong mentoring aspect to them. GC professors care about their students, and students sense and respond to that opportunity for mentoring and growth. GC students are passionate about not only becoming leaders in their fields, but conscientious world citizens as well.
What excites you about accounting?
What is most exciting to me about accounting and business is the scope of individuals and organizations that one can touch or interact with in the utilization of business knowledge. Business permeates most facets of our lives and accounting is an integral component to business. Learning business at GC gives students the opportunity to integrate their faith and worldview with their business knowledge and skills.
What do you enjoy doing outside of your academic work?
Outside of academia I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, playing games, riding bikes, watching movies and participating in church activities. I also enjoy studying the Bible and listening to music as both these activities draw me closer to God.
How does the college’s vision (international, intercultural, interdisciplinary and integrative) connect or shape your teaching and work?
The primary components of the college’s vision (international, intercultural, interdisciplinary and integrative) are reflected in the experiences that have shaped my life. From my first international experiences during Study-Service Term in Central America, to subsequent experiences in Mexico and South America, to an extended period of time living in the U.S./Mexico border region, my life experiences have shaped who I am and how I relate to others. Being married to someone of another culture has deepened and expanded who I am and how I see life. My faith also plays an integral role in how I communicate core values and concepts to others. My teaching derives heavily from my experiences in both my personal and business life. Helping students to see how all these areas are interconnected is central to my goals as a professor.
How do you strive to make peace through your work and life?
Being at peace and living at peace with others encapsulates my view of how God calls us to live our lives here on earth. The primary obstacle to living in peace with others and with God is overcoming our pride. To do so requires a daily commitment to humility which recognizes that all of who we are and can be is connected to who we are in Christ.
Is there anything else you would like students to know about you?
Throughout my 16-year career in public accounting, I always enjoyed the role of trainer/teacher of staff who worked under me. There was also a training/teaching aspect to my interactions with business clients over the years as I helped them to use accounting and tax knowledge in a practical way. My passion has become to share with others the perspective I have gained through years of working in the business world. My desire is that students may become business leaders who can utilize what they learn at GC in a practical and meaningful way. I want to help them to learn to integrate all of who they are into what they do. God has called me to serve the students of GC in this way and I am thrilled to live out that calling.