When asked why she was compelled to earn a business education herself, Professor of Accounting Ivy Zhang’s answer is definitive: “I have always been intrigued by the dynamic nature of the business world, where innovation, strategy, and problem-solving intersect.
A business education offered me the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of commerce.”
From the beginning, Zhang was fascinated by how business connects people, organizations, and global markets. She recognized that pursuing a business degree would not only provide her with technical knowledge, but also sharpen her ability to analyze issues from multiple perspectives and solve problems that have real-world impact. This broad foundation gave her the tools to explore where her passions and skills intersected most strongly.
Among the many disciplines within business, accounting stood out. “I was captivated by the ability of accounting to translate complex financial data into meaningful information that helps stakeholders,” she says. “Accounting also offers a dynamic and evolving landscape, with the advent of technology and data analytics revolutionizing the profession.”
This perspective reflects how accounting is no longer limited to recordkeeping. For Zhang, it is a language of business — one that helps companies, investors, and communities understand performance, assess opportunities, and plan for the future. By combining precision with interpretation, accounting has allowed her to bridge the technical side of business with its human impact.
Zhang joined the UCR School of Business in 2018, bringing her expertise and passion to students preparing to enter a wide range of professions. Teaching, for her, is more than sharing knowledge. “One of the primary reasons I chose to be a professor was the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students as a mentor and educator,” she says. “Guiding students through their academic journeys, seeing them overcome challenges, and witnessing their intellectual growth is incredibly gratifying.”
This commitment has shaped her teaching style. She works with both undergraduate and graduate students, adapting her methods to ensure that each classroom becomes a space for curiosity and growth. In her courses, theory is paired with application, and she emphasizes collaboration as much as individual achievement. Group projects, case studies, and simulations give students the chance to test ideas, learn from each other, and build confidence in real-world settings.
“By engaging in practical tasks, students can demonstrate their comprehension and develop essential skills that are transferable beyond the classroom setting,” she says. “My goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to explore new and sometimes complex concepts.”
For Zhang, teaching is not just about delivering content but about cultivating resilience and independence in her students. She strives to prepare them for challenges they will face as professionals, ensuring they leave her classroom not only with technical knowledge but also with adaptability, critical thinking skills, and confidence. Her dedication underscores the central mission of the UCR School of Business: empowering students to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected business world.