His Passion and Ability to Make Accounting Come Alive:
Just as an athletic coach can spot raw talent in a budding athlete, Richard Dumont has a rare gift—he sees potential in students before they even see it in themselves. But for Dumont, the Accounting Program Chair at Post University, teaching is about far more than numbers. It’s about unlocking futures, igniting confidence, and showing students that they are capable of more than they ever imagined.
Jenna Abeyta didn’t come to Post University thinking about accounting. She arrived from Denver, Colorado, focused on ice hockey. But in her freshman year, sitting in Dumont’s class, she caught his attention—not just for her skill with numbers but for her curiosity and drive. “If you’re good at it and you like it,” he told her one day, “then you better think about doing it.”
That moment changed everything.
Today, Abeyta, a 2023 graduate, works in the Denver office of Crowe LLP in International Tax Services. She recently earned her Master of Science in Accounting Technology and Analytics at the University of Denver and now is studying for her CPA exams.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without him,” Abeyta said. “He was the one who suggested accounting as a career path, who connected me with Crowe for my internships, and who has supported me every step of the way—even now.”
It all started with the first accounting course she ever took.
Before becoming a professor, Dumont worked as an accountant—an advocate for the profession who brings real-world insights into the classroom. His students quickly learn that accounting is not just about numbers but also about problem-solving, strategy, and professional opportunities.
“He makes sure to cover the debits and credits and really takes his time explaining things, especially in the beginning,” Abeyta said.
Though Abeyta only had two or three classes with Dumont, his impact extended far beyond the classroom. “He was always there, sitting in the lower level of the library ready to answer any question I had,” Abeyta said. “And it wasn’t just about class. He would ask how I was doing—how my courses were going, how hockey was going, how I was doing.”
That is what sets Dumont apart. He doesn’t just teach—he invests in his students. He recognizes their strengths, helps them find their paths, and ensures they have opportunities to succeed. His office walls, covered with accounting information, wedding photos of graduates, and holiday cards from them, are a testament to the lasting bonds he forms with his students.
“He genuinely cares,” Abeyta said. “He pushes students in the right direction, whether that’s guiding them toward a career in accounting, helping them get internships, or just making sure they stay on track. Once I got to intermediate accounting, his style never changed—he was still there, still supporting me.”
Continuing reading about Professor Dumont in the Spring Summer edition of the Post University Magazine.