Assistant Professor, Business and Accounting
How do you harness the pillar of experiential learning and apply it in your everyday teaching?
I'm big on self-reflection. Students often have experiences outside the classroom, but they don't always connect them to what they're learning. So, I make it a point to bring those connections to light. Whether it's in management classes or other subjects, I encourage students to reflect on their own experiences. How does what we're learning apply to your life outside of school? For instance, in management classes, many students have been employees and have experiences, so we delve into how they'd approach a specific situation from different perspectives, like that of an accountant, manager, investor, or business owner.
Are there any specific activities, initiatives or practices that you prioritize when mentoring students?
Our E360 program, which requires internships, is fantastic. I encourage students not just to do one, but three internships, ideally at different companies. I tell them, the great thing about internships is you can be at a place for three months and it looks great on your resume, but once you graduate if you only have a job for three months it’s often a negative on your resume. I often remind students that every job before their mid-20s is a learning opportunity. If they're not growing and learning, it's time to reassess. Whether it's through work or coursework, the focus should always be on personal and professional development.
What brings you the most satisfaction in your job?
Probably when students come back after they’ve had my class and say, “hey, I remember something you taught me and I could use help applying it to my business.”
What are the characteristics of a successful student at DelVal?
I would say the biggest thing is showing up. I don’t even take attendance but I would say there is a big correlation between grades and a student’s attendance. And second would be asking questions. Our best students are the ones that are engaged and asking questions when they don’t understand something. I think if our students just do those two simple things then they’ll be alright.
How do you describe DelVal and the DelVal student?
I think the students are actually some of the brightest students I’ve seen. Okay. I see a big difference in students, in terms of motivation, some are highly motivated and some were probably not ready for college. The top third of my students here are probably the best students I've ever had.
What would be your sales pitch for DelVal if you're trying to sell the school and the programs to somebody that is maybe thinking about coming here?
Well first, if you are interested in specific industries related to agriculture, you’re not going to find a better school in this region – this is the school to come to for that. In terms of the other programs I think it’s what you are getting out of the school as a whole, not necessarily just what you’re getting out of one program alone. I’m a big proponent of business minors for everyone and I think we do a really good job with that here. Another benefit of DelVal is that we are a face-to-face university and that’s a huge benefit now a days. We’re not online and we’re not a school where you just sit in a large hall and watch a lecture. Here, we can interact and ask questions or provide feedback.
If you were to be a YouTube influencer or TikTok influencer, what would the subject of your content be?
So I just finished a stand-up comedy class so my mind is kind of there right now. I think my channel would be taking business topics and doing short comedy skits or bits with them. The other day I was making a joke that compares accounting to a day at the beach. I’ll let you use your imagination or come take a class with me to find the punch line.
About Jeffrey Wehrung
Dr. Jeff Wehrung is a strategy and leadership development coach, public speaker, business professor, and father of seven. Jeff is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Business and Accounting at Delaware Valley University.
Prior to joining DelVal, Wehrung was the Associate Dean of Business at Kutztown University where he promoted retention and recruitment efforts, oversaw the MBA program, assisted in assessment and assurance of learning processes, and advanced community engagement. Jeff was previously Chair for the School of Business at Black Hills State University (BHSU) where he oversaw all full-time and adjunct business faculty serving students across two locations. Jeff also served as a Special Assistant to the Provost at BHSU, where he was responsible for the coordination of academic programs for a new location at the Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Prior to working in academia, Jeff was the Quality Assurance Manager for multiple precast concrete and concrete pipe manufacturing facilities, as well as a sales engineer in the wastewater treatment industry. He is an executive team member and advisor to various businesses in the precast concrete and construction supply industries and consults in the formation of leadership development and employee retention programs for the construction industry