NICOLE Morris
Company: Champlain College
Title: Associate Professor of Accounting
Age: 39
Favorite Part of Job? As a faculty member, this question is easy. I have the joy and privilege of engaging with students everyday in the classroom. 
Helping students appreciate their own capacity for learning and growth is an honor that I cherish.
Most Inspiring Mentor: I have been privileged to be surrounded by strong and inspiring women throughout my career. As my career blossomed here in Vermont, these incredible women are: Renee Bourget-Place, during my time at KPMG; Kelly McDonough, while at Vermont Federal CU; and Thane Butt throughout my tenure at Champlain College. They all believed in my ability to achieve my dreams.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Maybe only funny looking back on it now, but I cried when I found out I was being blessed with twin daughters. As much as I had dreamed of having girls, at the time, it was unimaginable with my 15 month old son. I laugh because as Eleanor Roosevelt is quoted as saying "Women are like tea bags. You never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water." These beautiful children showed me how much I was capable of.
Favorite Vermont Escape: I love the beauty and serenity of being at the top of Bolton Valley with my family skiing.
Favorite Downtime Activity: My favorite downtime activity is sitting by a campfire with friends and family...while eating s'mores of course!
Favorite Super Hero: My mom and grandmother are my favorite superheroes. At this point in my life, a person with superpowers is someone who can ground me and help me see the magical powers that I possess within.
Favorite Social Media: My only form of social media is facebook. I enjoy it as a time to connect with old friends.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: My husband. I would love to just meet him at The Spot on the waterfront for a drink overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain.
What is the best career advice you have received? Pursue your passions and don't live life with regrets.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I see Dr. Morris (having obtained my Phd) still at Champlain College, engaged in the classroom with her students and I see a vibrant consulting business working with some of the best minds in Vermont surrounding issues of sustainability and certification.
What motivated you to live and work in Vermont? Quality of life. I love our community's beauty and commitment to children. I also sincerely appreciate the recognition, like Rising Stars, that is afforded to you in a small state. I was also just honored by the VT State Society of CPAs as a Woman to Watch - this stuff only happens in Vermont!
Career Highlights: Becoming a professor continues to be an all-time highlight of my career.
Community Involvement: My service to the students of Champlain includes many committee engagements, however I am most proud of my role as the advisor to the Stiller Women in Business and Champlain College Accounting Club. Through my work on Green Revolving Fund I am able to shepard sustainability initiatives at the College while increasing student engagement and voice in these initiatives. Most recently in my work through the Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry I have taken on the role as a faculty mentor to an individual student looking to grow their capacity in the field of Appreciative Inquiry. For the CPA profession, I have volunteered my time for the State Society of CPAs and also at the AICPA as a mentor, CPE reviewer, and as a member of the Student Recruitment Committee.
Outside of my work and professional life, I am devoted to my wonderful family and our community. I am active in our schools and local community select board committees and events. Last year, after hearing that the community tree lighting would no longer happen in Williston, I took this event over and convinced a friend to come along for the journey. Together we solicited donations and entertainment for a wonderful event attended by more than 100 people in our community. I have also coached for Girls on the Run, and mentored a young 8th grader in his 8th grade challenge to raise funds and build a community gaga ball pit.