Current Location: Gainesville, FL

Hometown: Mt. Auburn, IL

What was your overall UIS experience like?

I graduated with a BA in Accounting. UIS's flexible schedule and focusing on working students, which was not common at that time, was extremely important to me. I learned Accounting while at UIS, which led me to a 40 year career in all kinds of financial positions. I was a member of the Accounting Club.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

I grew up on a family farm near Mt. Auburn, between Springfield and Decatur. Learning accounting and financial sciences are my fondest memories at UIS. This knowledge then led me to become a global business executive. I went on to become a CPA, passing the CPA exam at one initial sitting, which was very uncommon at that time. This was all heady stuff for a farm boy from Mt. Auburn.

Why did you choose UIS?

Springfield location and flexible schedule for working students.

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

James Michael Matthew is an award-winning author, financial executive, and industrialist with over 40 years of experience. He is the Founder and Chairman of JM Prophecies Corporation. His Company's Mission is Tackling the Major Challenges of Our Times and Building The Selfless Economy. He graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a Masters in Biotechnology Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, an MBA from Michigan State University, and a Bachelors in Accounting and Auditing from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Mr. Matthew has completed postgraduate studies in Law and Sustainability and the Future of Sustainable Business at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, the University of Oxford, and Artificial Intelligence Implications for Business Strategy at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His published works include "Prophecy before Vision," "Reject Self-Serving Power," "Building the Climate Change Bridge," "The Two $20 Trillion Opportunities," "The Leadership Broadcasting Company", "Building the Selfless Economy, and “Building Fjords in the Great Deserts”.

How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?

UIS was the place and institution where I first transitioned from a central IL farm boy to a global business executive and World changing Author.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

I have written 8 books and am currently writing my 9th. Being an Author and building my business are my hobbies and passions. You can review my Company's website at JM Prophecies.

What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?

Have the courage to take risks.