![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161213061316im_/http://www.cob.unt.edu/peoplepics/150/Hightower_Sonja.jpg)
Sonja Hightower
Ph.D. Student
Phone: 940.565.3080
Office: BLB 357A
Email: Sonja.Hightower@unt.edu
Biography
Sonja Hightower is in her first year as a Ph.D. student at UNT. Her primary research interests involve capital markets research, international accounting, factors associated with accounting and disclosure choices and the impact of those choices on the auditing profession. Sonja expects to complete her degree in 2020.
Sonja has over 20 years of work experience in Accounting, Finance, and Banking. Before starting the Ph.D. program, Sonja was a lecturer at the University of North Texas and East Central University, OK. She has taught Auditing, Forensic Accounting, Accounting Theory, Cost Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Managerial Accounting. Prior to her change to Academia, Sonja worked as the Senior Vice President of Internal Audit and Compliance at Vision Bank, N.A., Oklahoma. Sonja holds several professional credentials, including the CPA, CGMA, CMA, and CIA. She earned her MBA at Oklahoma State University and her B.S. at East Central University. Additionally, Sonja earned a degree in Banking/Finance in Germany. Sonja and her husband, Sharrod, enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.