Twenty years ago, Lucie Jeneski Stairs came to Delaware from the Czech Republic. She spoke little English, but had a talent for numbers and a passion for education.

While working on an associate degree in accounting at Del Tech, a mentor suggested she go on for her B.S. degree at Wilmington University.

“I had Lucie in three classes and was most impressed not only with her dedication and work ethic, but also that she was a pleasure to work with,” says Dr. Donald Stuhlman, chair of Economics at the College of Business (COB).

Stairs continued to climb the academic ladder, earning an MBA and a doctoral degree in Education Leadership from Delaware State University. She became a U.S. citizen and enjoys a successful career as a compliance officer.

[I] was most impressed not only with her dedication and work ethic, but also that she was a pleasure to work with.” – Dr. Donald Stuhlman

“We kept in touch and when she completed her MBA I moved quickly to hire her as an adjunct,” Dr. Stuhlman recalls.

Stairs has been teaching corporate finance and introductory accounting classes at WilmU for several years and is continuing to grow in academia.

“This coming fall I am moving her into our financial statement analysis course,” Dr. Stuhlman says. “This is a critical course for our students and with her accounting and finance background she is a perfect fit.”

Says Dean Kathy Kennedy-Ratajack, “it is exciting to have adjuncts in the College of Business who have the practical experience as well as a full understanding of the student-centric approach at WilmU. We are proud to welcome Lucie to the COB Wildcat family.”