Dr. Megan Hanna’s Journey from Numbers to Narrative
For Dr. Megan Hanna, Business Faculty Program Manager and instructor at Yavapai College, education and storytelling are deeply personal. Her connection to the Prescott campus goes back to childhood when she and her sister would accompany their mother to class. While their mom studied, the sisters would immerse themselves in books and coloring sessions at the campus library, planting early seeds of curiosity and learning.
Originally from Prescott Valley, Dr. Hanna’s academic path began with a Bachelor of Science in Business specializing in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Her professional aspirations initially centered on becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and she pursued this by working as a staff accountant for a large home builder and later for the Yavapai County Treasurer’s Office.
“I was determined to become a CPA and even started applying to firms,” she recalls. “But then I interviewed for a credit analyst position at a local bank. That opportunity nudged me in a new direction.”
Thirteen Years in Banking and a Shift in Identity
That role led to a 13-year career in commercial banking across Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Washington. While in Utah, Dr. Hanna spent five years managing, writing, and editing the bank’s lending policies. It was during this time that her colleagues began calling her a writer—an identity she initially resisted.
“I always thought of myself as a finance person who could write well,” she said. “But over time, I realized that writing had become a core part of who I was.”
Her evolving professional identity inspired her to pursue a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Data Analytics at Grand Canyon University. Around the same time, she began writing for an online business and finance publication. Quickly promoted to editor, she led a national team of writers, further cementing her dual identity as both a finance expert and a storyteller.
Teaching Through Storytelling and Data
Now a full-time faculty member at Yavapai College since 2023, Dr. Hanna primarily teaches business statistics. But for her, the subject is far more than formulas and figures. “I approach everything as a story,” she explains. “What do the numbers tell us? What’s the narrative within the data?”
Her teaching philosophy blends analytical rigor with creative expression. From writing credit policies to ghostwriting for banking executives, Dr. Hanna’s past experiences have shaped a unique pedagogical approach that resonates with students.
“In high school, I once dreamed of being an archaeologist,” she said. “Then my chemistry teacher suggested chemical engineering, but after taking an accounting elective at Yavapai College, I knew I’d found my calling.”
Embracing the Future with Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Hanna recognizes that modern education and business are rapidly evolving. One of the biggest challenges she faces is keeping up with the pace of change, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
“I’m putting in the work to understand AI tools because I know my students will be using them,” she said. “It’s essential for their academic success and future careers.”
She sees AI not as a threat but as an opportunity to enhance learning and business practices. “What excites me about business is how all the pieces fit together. It’s a complex system, and when we make changes, those ripple effects can be profound.”
Community, Belonging, and the Bigger Picture
For Dr. Hanna, success isn’t just measured in professional milestones but in creating a sense of belonging for her students. “Helping students feel like they belong—that’s my biggest win,” she said. “I remember what it was like juggling work, school, and being a young mom. That experience helps me connect with them.”
She emphasizes the importance of understanding her students’ unique backgrounds and challenges. “You have to take the time to know them, to know where they’re coming from. That’s how you make a difference.”
Yavapai College, with its seven campuses and over 100 degrees and certificates offered, provides the perfect platform for educators like Dr. Hanna to impact lives. The college also offers four baccalaureate degrees and hosts a wide range of student services and community events.
Dr. Hanna’s story is one of personal growth, professional reinvention, and a deep commitment to education. By fusing finance with storytelling, she’s redefining how students engage with business and analytics. Her journey is proof that with curiosity, flexibility, and heart, education becomes not just a career, but a calling.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.