Jonathan Wilson, U’23
What have you been up to since graduating from Saint Mary?
I graduated in 2023 from USM with a bachelor's degree in business management then I went on and did my MBA with a concentration in accounting, where I graduated in August 2025. After graduation, I got my first job as an accounting professor. Since then, I have just been working on learning my new role and focusing on plans as I want to become a CPA.
What is your current job or role, and what do you enjoy most about it?
My current job is the lead accounting instructor at Seward County Community College. The thing I enjoy the most about this is the students. Most of them I can relate to because I went to junior college just like them then transferred to finish my studies. So really enjoy helping them and sharing my experience with them in hopes they can make a smooth transition on to a 4-year university.
How did your time at Saint Mary prepare you for your career?
Throughout my time at Saint Mary, I worked in the Advancement Department and women’s soccer coach. This prepared me for this role because I had the opportunity to communicate with faculty and staff not just as a student but as a colleague. It allowed me to step into my new role understanding how a college operates and the standards I need to uphold as an educator. It’s not just about teaching, it’s also about relationship building which I learnt the importance of throughout my time as a graduate assistant.
What is a memorable experience you had during your time at Saint Mary?
A memorable experience is when the USM men’s soccer team finish 2nd in the conference and went to the conference final. Just that whole season with my teammates and the coaching staff is something I will never forget, every day was great!
Have you stayed in touch with any of your professors or classmates?
Yes, I have stayed in touch with many friends and professors as I look for ideas to develop my skills as a professor.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates?
Don’t be afraid to explore opportunities, especially the ones that are completely out of your comfort zone. I never imagined being a teacher. I hated presenting in front of people. But now I love presenting, and I am comfortable doing it no matter who is watching.
Are there any achievements or milestones you would like to share with the Saint Mary community?
I don’t have much share, as I just started developing my professional career. A goal that I have in the near future is to work towards passing the CPA examination.
How do you stay connected with the Saint Mary alumni network?
I follow the alumni social media accounts; I receive emails of what’s going on, and I try to keep in touch with my friends in the Advancement Office.
What hobbies or interests are you currently pursuing?
I live in a small town, so I honestly just work and go to the gym more often than before.
Do you have any favorite Saint Mary traditions that you still cherish?
No specific traditions come to mind, but I cherish the relationships built and the knowledge gained throughout my time at USM.
Give to the Annual Scholarship Fund Make a Monthly Gift Start an Endowed Scholarship