Meet a Colleague: Colin Reid Colin Reid serves as a professor of accounting.

W&L News Office
September 16, 2026

Q. How long have you worked at W&L?
I am in my 12th year at W&L.

Q. What is your favorite course to teach, and why? 
I really enjoy teaching the early accounting courses like Intro to Accounting or Corporate Financial Reporting. Like many areas of study, the perception of what the subject is can be drastically different from the reality. I always like getting feedback from students along the lines of “I thought this class was going to be really awful, but it’s not that bad … I actually think I like it!” I embrace the low expectations!

Q. If you chose a different path, what other career would you have.
I’ve always really admired craftsmen – wood workers, welders, etc. We visit Maine each summer for vacation, and I’ve read several stories about Maine boat builders. I love the idea of being a boat builder in Maine. I’d probably make it to lunch on the first day before I started complaining about my hands and back. I’d likely ask if they needed any help with their bookkeeping and if they could supply a proper office chair with nice lumbar support. The only thing I can really build is a good sandwich and a model in Excel — and now AI has taken Excel!

Q. Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the West, primarily in Amarillo, Texas. I also lived in Dallas and Bozeman, Montana as a child. Amarillo was probably the most formative. I mean, when they play “Amarillo by Morning” on the radio every morning on your way to school, you’re forever “looking for eight when they pull that gate.”

Q. What was your favorite subject in school?
When I was young it would be a hard call between lunch and recess. We had a microwave available in the lunchroom so I could bring Bagel Bites. Do you know the kind of trading power you have in a lunchroom when you have hot Bagel Bites? All that to say, I’m very grateful to a number of professors that helped me find a love of school and learning during my time in college and grad school — so much so that I’ve really never left.

Q. What three words describe you best?
Purposeful, efficient and loyal.

Q. Who is the most famous person you have met and where did you meet them?
The most recent famous person that I met was four-time NBA all-star Latrell Sprewell. Professor Irani and I were together at an event, and I got a picture with Latrell. We actually watched a Knicks-Celtics playoff game in the same area together. I’m a Celts fan but had to tone it down a bit given Latrell’s loyalty to the Knicks.

Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I continue to grow annoyed at the replacement of human interaction by technology like at the grocery store, airport or restaurants — and that’s saying a lot coming from an introvert.

Q. What do you like to do away from work?
I enjoy time with Jess (wife) and Sloane (daughter). We can generally find a way to have fun in any situation. I also like to run. I generally choose a race or two to train for each semester. It gives me something to build towards, and I love the feedback loop. There’s nothing better than a couple of hours spent on a country road in Rockbridge County.

Q. What is your least favorite chore at home?
I happily embrace all chores at home with a “can do” attitude and a smile (Jess and Sloane may see this).

Q. What is the most adventurous thing that you have ever done?
Probably saying yes to a job offer in Boston right out of grad school. We weren’t familiar with the area and didn’t know anybody there. It was probably the most challenging few years in many respects, but we have a love for Boston and New England that endures today. We visit 2-3 times per year. It’s a good reminder for me that just because something is challenging and difficult doesn’t mean that it should be avoided.

Q. What is your all-time favorite food or food dish?
Every few years Jess makes lasagna around my birthday in January. It has a mixture of meats, a béchamel sauce, a red sauce, and takes hours to make. Fantastic! I know that you are thinking, “Really, just lasagna?” Yeah, and a siren song is just a song if you haven’t experienced it.

Q. Where would you choose to build your dream home?
I’d probably pick a small college town, maybe in the mountains. I imagine it might have a bustling downtown with some cool shops, especially a good running shop, good restaurants, and maybe a pub or two to meet friends after work. If it had beautiful country roads to run and a long running trail along a river, that would be great too.

Q. What is your all-time favorite book?
I read “Septology” by the Norwegian author Jon Fosse a couple of years ago. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s written in a single stream of consciousness with very little punctuation or clear breaks. I’ve never read anything like it before. You are caught in the thoughts of the main character’s mind as he contemplates things large and small. I loved it. It’s best paired with a fisherman’s sweater and the winter holidays.

Q. If you could choose one series to binge-watch, what would it be?
My favorite series is “The Sopranos.” I know, I know. I can already hear a contingent yelling that “The Wire” is better, but they are wrong. Although, I’m not sure I could binge “The Sopranos” and stay in a healthy headspace. I start craving Italian sandwiches and become ambivalent to the violence. So if I actually have to binge something it’s probably going to be “Parks and Rec.”

Q. What is your all-time favorite movie?
“It’s only after we have lost everything that we’re free to do anything.” I would tell you the name of the movie but that would violate the first rule.

Q. What song or artist could you play on repeat?
When I’m on a long run and get lost in the pain cave, I’ll usually listen to a mix of Fleet Foxes, Death Cab for Cutie, Bon Iver and Noah Kahan.