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BULLDOG LEDGER JANUARY 2017
BULLDOG LEDGERJANUARY 2017
BULLDOG LEDGER
It is hard to believe I am well into my second year as Director of the Adkerson School of Accountancy. The support I have received from the students, faculty, Advisory Council and leadership within and outside the College of Business has been truly amazing. With this type of continued support, I am confident that the School is destined to accomplish great things, and the best is yet to come. As you navigate through this issue of the Bulldog Ledger, I think you will agree.
I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and the achievements that have been made since I came on board. The School’s undergraduate and graduate programs were ranked 3rd in the nation by CCH’s 2016 Public Accounting Report for accounting programs with 15 or fewer fulltime faculty. Placement rates for graduate students were 100 percent for 2015 and 2016. A new strategic plan was developed, and implementation is underway. The number of students in the Accelerating Students into the Accounting Profession (ASAP) summer camp for high school students increased by 70 percent. Enrollment in the School is up by 5 percent for 2016.
Another highlight was the 2016 Spring Banquet. Attendance was at an all-time high. Undergraduate scholarships were awarded to 109 students, totaling $82,750. Total graduate scholarships/support awarded totaled $404,014. Faculty fellowships were awarded to Dr. Nathan Berglund and Mrs. Angela Pannell. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our donors, and it is a testament to the engagement of our alumni in the life of the School.
We couldn’t be happier with the outcomes of our faculty searches. The new faculty who started in the fall are Dr. Billy Brewster, Visiting Assistant Professor; Dr. Clyde Herring, Associate Clinical Professor and Dr. Bradley Lang, Assistant Professor. These scholars bring diverse experiences and strengths to the program. I am confident their contributions will have a positive impact. I am also pleased with the contributions our current faculty are making, many of which are presented in this publication.
Much of my time last year was devoted to preparing the School for an AACSB accreditation visit that will take place in February 2017. As I move beyond that, one of my priorities is to embark on the fundraising initiative outlined in our new strategic plan. In today’s environment, external funding is necessary to maintaining quality academic programs. The Adkerson School of Accountancy is no exception. Please take a few minutes to read the article from Rob Jenkins, Director of Development, to learn about giving opportunities. If you have questions about this initiative, do not hesitate to contact me.
I hope you enjoy reading the Bulldog Ledger. I encourage you to keep up with what is going on in the School by visiting our website and through Facebook and Twitter. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students, I would like to thank our donors, alumni, employers and friends for their continued support. Your relationship with and support of the Adkerson School of Accountancy is key to its success.
Hail State!
Dr. Shawn Mauldin Director, Adkerson School of Accountancy
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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ASAC Strategic Plan
National Rankings
A New Strategic Funding Initiative
Innovative Camp
Passion and Perspective
Student-Oriented in Meridian
A Fine Faculty and Staff
Ambassadors and Advisors
Faculty Fellowships
Donors
Doubling Down on Internships
Career Fair Leads to Internships
Trinkle Earns Research Recognition
A Gift for Education
Scholarships and Recognitions
The Wright Way
Noteworthy
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CONTENTS
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COVER: ASAC Ambassadors/Director's Student Advisors (from left) Ali Buechner, Katy King, Katie Carroll, Allie Pilgrim and Katie Horn
Follow the Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy
www.business.msstate.edu/programs/adkerson
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The Adkerson School of Accountancy has a new vision and mission to focus its future direction. On February 24, 2016, a months-long initiative culminated in approval of a five-year strategic plan for the School. Implementation began immediately.
“We now have a strong tactical plan for building on what has already been achieved, to secure Mississippi State’s place as a nationally preeminent institution for accounting education and research,” states ASAC Director Dr. Shawn Mauldin.
“We started the process early last fall with the appointment of a strategic planning committee and through an online SWOT analysis sought the input of key stakeholders – faculty, alumni, employers, students, Advisory Council members and staff involved in recruitment, advancement and career services,” says Mauldin. “On December 3, 2015, we brought them together in a professionally facilitated retreat. Interacting in large and small groups, these stakeholders offered feedback about our core values, vision, mission and
long-term goals. The committee then compiled the participants’ input and, with continued involvement of stakeholders, finalized a strategic plan.”
“This is not a document that will collect dust on a shelf like so many other strategic plans do,” continues Mauldin. “We have a faculty committee and an Advisory Council oversight committee that will ensure we stay focused and on task.”
Committee members with Mauldin included faculty members Dr. Nathan Berglund, Assistant Professor; Dr. Kevin Ennis, Associate Professor; Dr. John Rigsby, Associate Professor; Steve Sanders, Instructor and Dr. Brad Trinkle, Assistant Professor.
Following are some of the plan’s highlights.
ASAC STRATEGIC PLAN
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The Adkerson School of Accountancy strives to be widely respected as a leader in accounting education, high-quality research and professional engagement.
The mission of the Adkerson School of Accountancy at Mississippi State is to prepare students for successful careers in accounting and business by fostering an environment that promotes innovative teaching and curricula, high-quality research, collaborative relationships and service.
Integrity: We are committed to ethical and professional behavior.
Innovation: We strive to create, leverage and implement forward-looking ideas, methods and technologies.
Diversity: We embrace the opportunity to work and interact with individuals who have unique and different perspectives and backgrounds.
Excellence: We value excellence in teaching, research and service to our school, profession and community.
Leadership: We embrace our role as leaders in academia and the business world.
Several broad key strategic issues were identified from the strategic planning process that shape the Adkerson School of Accountancy’s long-term strategic goals.
• Resources• Promoting the School• Outreach and Engagement • Academic and Research Reputation• Recruiting and Retaining High-Quality Faculty • Enrollment and Recruiting High-Quality Students
• Enhance Resources• Enhance Visibility of the School• Grow and Improve Academic Programs• Recruit, Develop and Retain High Quality
Faculty/Increase Academic Reputation
For each goal, the plan specifies a series of action items and outcome measures, along with the individuals and groups responsible for each. To enhance resources, for example, one action item is to increase the number of endowed chairs and professorships, securing commitments to reach a total of five. For the goal of growing and improving academic programs, one of the objectives is to reinstate the PhD program by 2019.
Enhancing the visibility of the School calls for promoting the reputation and image of the School and enhancing contact with employers, alumni and potential donors. This will be accomplished through a range of steps such as creating a plan to improve rankings, enhancing web and social media presence and developing a process to better recognize the accomplishments of alumni, faculty and students.
Toward the goal of recruiting and retaining high quality faculty and increasing the School’s academic reputation, some of the aims include adding a faculty position for a PhD program and increasing faculty participation on editorial boards and at academic conferences.
Many more inspiring, ambitious aims are charted in the ASAC 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. Read more about it at www.business.msstate.edu/programs/adkerson, and consider how you might get involved.
Vision
Strategic Issues
Core Values
Goals
Mission Statement
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For the first time, the Adkerson School of Accountancy has achieved top 50 rankings for both the undergraduate and the master’s programs. The Commerce Clearing House Public Accounting Report’s 35th Annual Professors Survey has MSU debuting in its Top 50 national rankings at 28th for the master’s program and 31st for undergraduate.
Published in August, the report also shows an impressive ascent for Mississippi State among schools of comparable size. ASAC’s undergraduate program rose to 3rd this year for programs with 15 or fewer full-time accounting faculty, up from 14th in 2015. The master’s program is also now ranked 3rd for schools with 15 or fewer faculty, having been 12th last year.
This year the report initiated regional rankings as well. Among Southern schools, MSU stands at 7th for undergraduate and 8th for graduate.
The survey will help ASAC in recruiting students and faculty, as well as raise its profile in general.
“These rankings show recognition that we have a program with a strong history, which is continuing to advance,” states ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin. “Our students have excellent instruction in the classroom from engaged faculty, and they have opportunities to connect with professionals and gain real work experience. When they graduate, they’re not only prepared to begin accounting careers but also to develop into leaders in the field.”
Mississippi State awards about 100 undergraduate degrees and 35 to 40 master’s degrees in accountancy annually. This year, as in past recent years, ASAC graduate students had 100 percent job placement prior to completion of their education.
NATIONAL RANKINGS
TOP 50 UNDERGRADUATE RANKINGS (EXCERPT)
28. Arizona State University (tie)
28. Oklahoma State University (tie)
29. Temple University
30. Mississippi State University
31. University of Arizona
32. Villanova University
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
UNDERGRADUATE RANKINGS (Schools With 15 Or Fewer Full-Time Faculty)
1. University of Wisconsin
2. University of Virginia
3. Mississippi State University
4. Utah State University
5. University of Oklahoma
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
MASTER’S RANKINGS (Schools With 15 Or Fewer Full-Time Faculty)
1. University of Wisconsin
2. University of Virginia
3. Mississippi State University
4. Utah State University
5. College of William & Mary
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
TOP 50 MASTER’S RANKINGS (EXCERPT)
26. University of Iowa
27. Miami University (Ohio)
28. Mississippi State University
29. University of Utah
30. Arizona State University (tie)
30. University of Arizona (tie)
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
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The Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy has a longstanding tradition of producing industry leaders. Mississippi State University transforms lives through education, research and service – continually becoming a greater force in preparing new generations of leaders who will have an infinite impact on the world around them.
Capital campaigns are about excellence, about aspirations and about the future. A fundraising endeavor is a time for alumni, friends, parents, corporations and foundations to join those who have already stepped forward and placed their confidence in our mission and vision. With your help, the impact can be broader and deeper and be felt sooner.
In accordance with our strategic plan, I’m extremely excited to announce a $10 million Strategic
Initiative in Accounting as part of Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign. Our fundraising efforts revolve around 1. Academic Program Enhancements, 2. Faculty Support and 3. Student Scholarships.
To jump start our initiative, an anonymous donor has made a generous gift in memory of lifelong supporter and graduate H. Devon “Von” Graham, Jr. This $1 million memorial gift to the Adkerson School of Accountancy will be used to match and leverage other gifts as it pertains to our fundraising priorities.
As an example, a KPMG Endowed Professorship has been recently established to support MSU accounting faculty. One of the biggest attractors for quality students is high-caliber faculty members. The marketplace for such individuals is competitive, and an edge in recruiting and retaining them is needed. Endowments for chairs and professorships provide additional funds for salaries and research, as well as adding to the prestige of the faculty member and the School. Our University competes nationally and internationally for faculty expertise, and private endowments improve our ability to attract the best teachers.
There are many exciting things happening in the Adkerson School of Accountancy, and with that comes many more opportunities to give. Another recent gift comes in the form of a bequest to Mississippi State University and the Adkerson School of Accountancy. A gift from Mr. Robert Hardin of Tupelo, MS, a 1973 accounting major, will support student scholarships and will also establish an endowed professorship. Many outstanding students have the desire and knowledge to enroll in the School of Accountancy. Through Infinite Impact: The Mississippi State University Campaign, the school is seeking both annual and endowed scholarships to reward high academic achievers. With these student scholarships, we can put competitive offers together to compete for top performing students.
There are many different ways to make a meaningful and lasting impact. I encourage each of you who might be interested in supporting our Strategic Initiative in Accounting to contact me or Zack Harrington, Assistant Director of Development, at 662-325-1888.
Thanks so much for supporting Mississippi State University and the Adkerson School of Accountancy.
Sincerely,
Rob Jenkins MSU College of Business, Director of Development
STRATEGIC FUNDING INITIATIVE
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In July, the Adkerson School of Accountancy presented its second “Accelerating Students into the Accounting Profession” – ASAP – Summer Camp. The inventive program serves rising high school seniors who are considering careers in accounting.
“This is a pioneering concept – we’re the first in the state to do something like this,” states ASAC Director Shawn
Mauldin. “It helps draw some of the best and brightest young students into our profession by letting them try it out and by showing them how they can use an accounting education.”
Through a series of fun, creative, hands-on activities, ASAP invites participants to test the waters of accountancy. This year’s campers worked in groups on projects to be presented in the style of television’s “Shark Tank” program. The two-day competition began with some instruction that introduced basic accounting and research skills. The groups then worked to imagine their own businesses and put together plans for them. They presented their plans to a panel of faculty members and practitioners, which offered feedback and selected a winning team. The winners, Reily Holloway, Cole Mosby and Noah Winstead, received Amazon gift cards.
Exposure to the profession and practicing professionals came in several ways, including a “Why Did I Choose Accounting?” session. HORNE, LLP, sponsored a trip to its Ridgeland, MS, offices, and KPMG led a seminar on interview techniques. Other professional skills were covered in a “What Not to Wear – MSU Career Center Edition” event and an etiquette dinner.
INNOVATIVE CAMP FIRST IN STATE
Business plan competition winners were (from left) Cole Mosby, Reily Holloway
and Noah Winstead.
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Participants also got a glimpse into the Mississippi State experience, beginning with a scavenger hunt and a formal tour that helped familiarize them with campus. They were welcomed by Mauldin and by College of Business Dean Sharon Oswald, and they heard about scholarships and
the admissions process. They also got a feel for college by sitting in with university students on an accounting lecture and staying in campus residence halls. ASAC students served as their counselors.
This past year 17 top high school students participated, up from the 10 of the inaugural camp in 2015. They included Xavier Bodie, Madison Duran, Matthew Ferris, Seth Germ, Rachel Hall, Kyanna Hollin, Reily Holloway, Abigail Mederos, Cole Mosby, Jensen Reed, Cameron Reeves, Elizabeth Stephenson, Cory Tune, Hunter Whitman, Katlin Williams, Noah Winstead and Jackie Woitesek. MSU accounting student Keisha Robinson was camp counselor.
“It was an impressive group,” notes Mauldin. “If they represent the future of accounting, the outlook is a promising one!”
Campers got a first-hand look at the profession with a visit to HORNE, LLP.
Ryan Colvin, Senior Coordinator for the MSU Career Center, talked to students about dinner
etiquette.
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As a freshman at MSU, Susan Bell took a co-op accounting position with Mississippi Power Company, working for the utility in the summers. Today, the 1984 alumna leads Ernst & Young’s Americas Power & Utilities Sector Financial Accounting Advisory Services.
Bell began her career in public accounting after completing her undergraduate degree. She interviewed with firms in several cities, ultimately taking a position with Arthur Andersen in Atlanta. She started out in audit and found she had a passion for it.
“I really enjoyed figuring out how businesses operate and how they make money,” she remarks. “I was always learning, and I love to learn, so I decided to stay in audit.”
After twelve years with Andersen, Bell became the first woman to make Partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. It was a position she held until 2001, when Andersen surrendered its licenses in the wake of a conviction (later overturned) tied to the Enron scandal. Other events that year, however, helped bring a balanced outlook to career difficulties.
“I was starting my career over,” she says. “It was difficult
yet positive in a way, because it taught me resilience. And 9/11 and having a baby put the loss of a job in a different perspective. It was hard, but in the scheme of things, not that important.”
Bell accepted a partnership at Ernst & Young (EY) in Atlanta in May 2002. She continued in audit, but most of her time went into Sarbanes-Oxley consulting. After three years she was asked to lead the newly formed Southeast Risk Advisory Practice. Not long after that, she was named Managing Partner of EY Atlanta – the first female managing partner for any major firm in the city. In 2015, she was tapped for her current position, running a national team that serves utility clients throughout the Americas.
The Starkville native is among the third generation of her family to attend Mississippi State. Her grandfather played football for the Bulldogs in the 1920s, and both parents are alumni. Bell benefited from strong female role models: her grandmother was in the first class of women to enroll at State, and her aunt was one of the first women to graduate in agricultural economics.
“I never had any inkling that there was anything I couldn’t do as a woman,” she remarks.
Bell contributes time and energy toward removing barriers for others. She serves on the board of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and is immediate past chair of Atlanta’s United Way chapter. She has enriched her community through the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Historical Society and the Woodruff Arts Center.
She is also a longtime member and past President of the ASAC Advisory Council, provides scholarship support and has been a featured speaker for classes and organizations.
The experience that she has to share shows students the value of commitment. Whatever she takes on, be it for career, community or family, Susan Bell puts in 100 percent – and the results are obvious.
PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE
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Mississippi State’s Meridian branch has long been a source of excellence in accounting instruction. This fall, the Division of Business there has taken a step further in the opportunities it offers to students.
Previously, students in Meridian have earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting. Beginning this semester, a Bachelor of Accountancy degree will be offered.
“Now we’re seamless with Starkville,” notes Dr. Kevin Ennis, Associate Professor of Accounting.
Ennis, who has taught at Meridian since 1995, handles the Tax, Audit and Cost Accounting courses. Assistant Professor Dr. Joseph Faello came on board last year and teaches Financial Accounting and Accounting Systems I. Dr. Seungjae Shin, a Professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management who joined the faculty in 2003, leads Accounting Systems II.
MSU-Meridian has 539 students enrolled in three academic divisions: Business, Arts & Sciences and Education. The Division of Business is housed at MSU-Meridian’s Riley campus, in the city’s business district. The number of accounting students averages around 40, and most come from the four nearby community colleges. The program also enrolls military personnel from Naval Air Station Meridian.
“Most tend to be nontraditional, place-bound students,” observes Ennis. “We’re designed for people who have full-time jobs or families.”
The students who are employed see very directly how what they learn in the classroom translates to the professional environment. Class discussions are usually peppered with examples and questions that come straight from their jobs.
“We’re very oriented to the needs of our students,” says Ennis. “Classes are small, and they’re taught by faculty who have practical experience. Scheduling accommodates those who have jobs – by leaving work an hour early one day a week, they can be enrolled in two college courses,
which allows either a part-time or full-time course load.”
Student Kristi Matthews comments, “Having professors who care about the students – not just their passing a test, but knowing the material and being able to apply it to real situations – makes all the difference in the world.”
Matthews works in Ellisville, MS, as the Accounting Manager for Parish Transport Logistics and Lamb Transportation. Her studies have served as an example for the Matthews’ autistic son.
“He has seen how hard I work and how much I study and put into my schooling, and it shows him that you have to be committed to what you do,” she remarks.
After graduating magna cum laude in December, Matthews has continued her education through the master’s degree program at Mississippi College. It is common for students to move on to graduate school or law school, though many go right to work. The program encourages them to pursue professional certification.
Like Matthews, Meridian students typically understand in a practical way what their education will mean to their careers and their families. It drives them to excel.
“We get very bright students,” states Ennis. “They are motivated to do well because they want to improve their lives.”
STUDENT-ORIENTED IN MERIDIAN
(from left) Dr. Joseph Faello, Dr. Kevin Ennis and Dr. Seungjae Shin
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The Adkerson School of Accountancy’s faculty and staff are among the finest there are. Faculty members bring recognition to Mississippi State nationally and regionally through publication of their research and resultant high rankings, as well as through their leadership and service with a range of organizations. They are also known for the way they prepare skilled future accountants, not only in the classroom but also in the support and advice they share with students.
Joining our highly reputed team at the beginning of the fall semester were three faculty members and a new key staff member. They have already proven to be strong contributors!
Dr. Billy Brewster comes to ASAC as a Visiting Assistant Professor. Previously, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he served on the faculty for six years. Brewster began his career as a practitioner with Grant Thornton LLP in Dallas in 1997, after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees at UT Arlington. He soon moved to Ernst & Young LLP in Fort Worth, where he was an Audit Manager for several years. His academic career began in 2002, when he became a doctoral student and graduate research assistant at the University of Illinois. In 2008, his PhD was conferred, and he served at Illinois for a year as a Visiting Assistant Professor. Brewster has published in The Accounting Review and Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory. He has served as an ad hoc reviewer for The Accounting Review, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory, the International Journal of Auditing and Accounting, Organizations and Society.
Dr. Clyde Herring returns to the Adkerson School of Accountancy as an Associate Clinical Professor. A member of the MSU faculty from 1987 to 2010, he has rejoined us after six years in various roles at Carson-Newman University, including Dean of the Business School, Professor of Accounting and MBA Director. During the fall semester he has been teaching Advanced Accounting, Survey of Accounting and MBA Accounting and in the spring will add Accounting Principles I & II. Previously recognized as the Mississippi Society of CPAs’ Outstanding Educator, Herring’s research interests are student-oriented, focusing on accounting education. Currently he serves on the MSCPA’s Long Range Planning Committee. Herring is an MSU accounting alumnus, having earned his BPA here in 1980, followed by his MPA in 1981. The
A FINE FACULTY AND STAFF
Dr. Billy Brewster
Dr. Clyde Herring
Members of the Adkerson School of Accountancy faculty are (from left, front row) Dr. Mark Lehman,
Dr. John Rigsby, Dr. Shawn Mauldin, (2nd row) Dr. Nathan Berglund, Dr. Noel Addy, Dr. Clyde
Herring, (3rd row) Dr. Ryan Seay, (4th row) Dr. Billy Brewster, Dr. Brad Lang, Dr. Alan Stancill,
(5th row) Steve Sanders, Angela Pannell, Dr. Frances McNair and (6th row) Dr. Brad Trinkle.
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University of Alabama awarded him a PhD in 1988. In his time outside McCool Hall, he enjoys family time, travel and sports.
Dr. Bradley Lang is a new Assistant Professor in the Adkerson School of Accountancy. Prior to joining the faculty at Mississippi State, he was working on his PhD at the University of Central Florida. Lang’s research focuses on the effects of information technology on judgment and decision-making, generally in the area of managerial accounting. His research has already been published in Behavioral Research in Accounting and the Journal of Information Systems. Brad’s teaching interests include managerial accounting and accounting information systems. This past semester he taught Principles of Managerial Accounting and graduate-level Managerial Accounting. Last year he won the Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching Award for the College of Business at the University of Central Florida. He is a CPA in Florida, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a proud family man who
welcomed his second child – first girl – into the world this past fall.
Lorraine Hughes has joined ASAC as Academic Coordinator. She retired from MSU’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics in 2015, having served 15 years as a mathematics teacher and an undergraduate advisor. She is a 1978 graduate of New York Maritime College and holds a 2000 master’s degree in mathematics from MSU. Prior to MSU, she sailed with Exxon Marine, worked for Lykes Brothers Steamship Company and taught high school mathematics and science. Now, as Academic Coordinator, she advises undergraduate accounting students and works with graduate students as well. She promotes the School and the University at high school and junior college recruiting events, and she is the faculty sponsor for the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance. Lorraine and husband Ben are the proud parents of four daughters, one of whom – Maureen – is an ASAC alumnus.
Dr. Bradley Lang
Lorraine Hughes
New and returning faculty members (from left) Dr. Brad Lang, Dr. Billy Brewster and
Dr. Clyde Herring
Lorraine Hughes
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In promoting the Adkerson School of Accountancy and achieving the best possible experience for students, one of the richest resources is our students themselves.
This is the reason that a select group is named to the Accounting Ambassadors/Director’s Student Advisory Council each year.
These ambassadors assist prospective students with the enrollment process, lead campus tours and assist with student orientation. They take part in various outreach and recruiting activities such as college and career fairs. They also represent the school as hosts for alumni, supporters, teachers and employers who visit campus.
“I enjoy educating prospective students on what accounting is,” remarks ambassador Amanda Paris, a junior from Vicksburg. “And I love promoting the Adkerson School of Accountancy!”
Now, a significant new role has been added for the first time: counseling ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin, who meets with the group periodically through the year.
“When we look at educating future accountants, we consult with alumni and other practitioners about what’s needed in the marketplace. We have a faculty that stays abreast of the latest developments and incorporates them in the classroom,” says Mauldin. “Why wouldn’t we bring student input into the equation as well?”
This year’s Ambassadors are Morgan Buchanan, Ali Buechner, Katie Carroll, Anna Curtis, Anna Henderson, Katie Horn, Katy King, Amanda Paris, Allie Pilgrim and Lane Tidwell.
“They’re a smart, energetic group,” comments Mauldin. “I get valuable insight from them into the student experience and the student perspective, and that helps inform the direction of the School.”
The Ambassadors are selected through a written application and interview process. To qualify, they must be full time junior or senior accounting students with GPAs of 3.25 overall and 3.0 in accounting courses. They must have excellent communication skills and enthusiastic personalities, and they must be able to commit time and energy, even on some nights and weekends. Also taken into consideration are campus involvement and desire to convey pride in accounting and Mississippi State.
The young people chosen as Ambassadors have taken on an important mission as representatives of both our School and their fellow students. Their leadership is helping to enhance ASAC, MSU and the accounting profession.
AMBASSADORS AND ADVISORS
This year’s Ambassadors, as shown above, are (seated, from left) Katie Horn, Katy King, Allie Pilgrim,
Amanda Paris, (standing, from left) Lane Tidwell, Anna Curtis, Ali Buechner and Katie Carroll.
Not pictured: Morgan Buchanan and Anna Henderson.
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To provide the best possible accounting education, the Adkerson School of Accountancy strives to ensure that our students learn from exceptional instructors who also lead the field in research and service to the profession.
Demand for intelligent, imaginative, engaged faculty members is high, and it seems to grow with every passing year. Faculty fellowships are a major advantage in attracting and retaining the educators needed to teach our students and to enhance the profile of the School. They also provide resources and offer recognition of excellence. We are grateful to our supporters who invest in the future of the accounting profession in this way.
Dr. Nathan Berglund, Assistant Professor of Accountancy, holds the John and Flora Watkins Faculty Fellowship. Angela Pannell, Instructor of Accountancy, has been awarded the Steve and Sherri Sanders Faculty Fellowship.
Assistant Professor of Accountancy Dr. Brad Trinkle holds the Linda Martin Garrett Faculty Fellowship.
FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS
Angela Pannell with Steve Sanders
Dr. Brad TrinkleDr. Nathan Berglund
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Mr. Charles P. Duckworth Mr. Damon T. Hininger KPMG Peat Marwick Foundation The Fountain Family Foundation
Mr. William F. Baldwin
Mr. Henry A. Beattie, III
Mr. Howard D. Bland
Mr. Roger C. Boatner, CPA
Mr. Raleigh Cutrer
Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP
Ernst & Young Foundation
Horne CPA Group
KPMG, LLP
Mr. Steve W. Sanders
Mr. Philip S. Smith
Ms. Susan R. Bell
Mr. Stephen L. Burwell
Ms. Ann R. Cleland
Frank T. Jackson Gift Trust
Mr. Ira G. Head
Mrs. Jan F. Lewis
Mr. Lester L. Litton
R.E. Smith Interests, Inc.
Mr. John D. Scott
Watkins Ward & Stafford, PLLC
Mr. C.D. Whitmire, Jr.
Mr. Douglas J. Abbott
Mr. James R. Armstrong
BKD, LLP
Mr. Kevin L. Bouchillon
Mr. Chad L. Boyd
Mr. Ollie D. Boykin, Jr.
Mrs. Donna W. Bruce
Mr. Timothy T. Burns
Mr. James W. Chapman
Mr. Larry C. Chapman
Mr. Harold B. Chism
Mr. R.B. Coats
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis
Ms. Catherine D. Denman
Ms. Patricia Duckworth
Mr. Gerald J. Ford
Mr. Vincent D. Foster
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
Mr. Jerry M. Goolsby
Mr. Joseph E. Green
Mr. Michael E. Guel, CPA
Haddox, Reid, Eubank, Betts PLLC
Mrs. Olivia B. Host
Mr. Hollis Hulett
Mr. David C. Langston
Mr. Kenneth J. Leikam
Mr. Michael M. Lowther
Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, PA
Mr. Kenneth P. McDonald
Mr. Robert P. McKeough
Mrs. Simone T. Meeks
Mrs. Rebecca E. Melton
Noble Drilling Services, Inc.
Mr. Robert P. Shannon, Jr.
Mr. Bob Shearer
Mrs. Amy Wilson Smith
Ms. Sherri M. Swindle
T.E. Lott & Company, PA
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
Mr. Stephen R. Woo
Mr. Robert R. Wright, II
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program
C Spire
CBIZ MHM, LLC Mr. J. H. “Ken” Kennedy, Jr. Mr. Charles W. Robertson
The Adkerson School of Accountancy would not be what it is – or become what it will become – without the partnership of our extended family. We gratefully acknowledge and thank the many alumni, firms, foundations and friends who have generously supported our undergraduate and graduate educational programs.
We are gratified to list below those who provided support for the Adkerson School of Accountancy from December 2015 through September 2016. Every effort has been made to ensure a complete and accurate listing. However, please let us know if a correction is needed.
THANK YOU, DONORS!
$20,000 or More
$10,000-$19,999
$5,000-$9,999
$2,500-$4,999
$1,000-$2,499
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Mr. John G. Amato
Mr. Mallard Beasley, Jr.
Mr. Charles L. Cleveland
Mrs. Sue P. Cumberland
Ms. Laura A. Dalton
Dixon Hughes Goodman Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Justin E. Doggett
Mr. Larry E. Everett
Exxon Education Foundation
Mr. Matthew K. Gnemi
Green Agricultural Services, Inc.
Dr. Dora R. Herring
Mr. William W. Iupe
Mr. Ross C. King
Dr. & Mrs. Shawn Mauldin
Mr. L.R. McMillan, II
Mr. Ronnie G. Michaels
Mr. David R. Mills
Mr. Jonathan Moorehead
Mrs. Amanda R. Price
Mr. Stanley P. Purvis
Ms. Melissa C. Randolph
Mrs. Maureen H. Scott
Mr. John P. Skrmetti
Mr. Christopher S. Taylor
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Dale S. Thompson
Mr. Lawrence E. Wilson
Dr. Noel Addy, Jr.
Mr. Jose J. Alcaraz, III
Mr. Gary Anderson
Mr. Justin M. Arras
Mr. Leonard Bedell
Ms. Elise Bell
Ms. Suzanne C. Biggers
Mr. Ralph M. Billingsley
Mr. Monte W. Bishoff
Mr. Robert B. Bradford
Ms. Tiffany D. Brady
Mr. Phillip R. Branch
Ms. Celeste R. Bryce
Dr. Thomas E. Buttross
Mrs. Suzanne S. Campbell
Ms. Jimmie L. Carnaggio
Mrs. Lindsay Jones Carruth
Mr. Bill R. Carty
Mr. John D. Cauble, Jr.
Mrs. Rebecca Clearman
Mr. William A. Cochran
Mr. Michael C. Collins
Mr. Fred O. Cornett, Jr.
Mrs. Amy M. Corpuz
Ms. Emily Craft
Mr. Nathaniel J. Cummins
Ms. Emily B. Daniels
Mr. Howard R. Davis, Jr.
Ms. Selena N. Davis
Mrs. Whitney G. Denham
Ms. Krystal A. Diaz
Donald and Company CPA’s, PLLC
Mr. Michael A. Donald
Mr. William R. Doss
Mr. Henry M. Drake, Jr.
Mr. Homer B. Dyer
Mrs. Amy Edwards
Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Foundation
Dr. Joseph P. Faello
Dr. Larry E. Farmer
Mr. Cecil M. Felder, III
Mr. Wade J. Finger, Jr.
Freeport-McMoRan Foundation
Mr. Thomas E. Garmon
Ms. Amanda M. Gaskin
Ms. T. Ashely Gibson
Ms. Elizabeth M. Grimes
Ms. Tiana L. Grover
Ms. Elaine M. Grush
Mr. Willliam D. Gutermuth
Mr. George M. Harrigill
Mr. Charles M. Hawkins
Mrs. Deborah A. Henderson
Mrs. Vicky D. Henson
Dr. Clyde E. Herring
HHH Properties Corp.
Mrs. Sharon H. Hibbert
Mr. A.W. Hickman
Mr. Ralph C. Hiden
Mr. Gene Holcomb
Mr. John R. Holditch
Mr. Nathan L. Holladay
Mr. Paul R. Hopkins, CPA
Mr. W.S. Hornsby, III
Mrs. Leslie C. Howell
Mr. Willie G. Howell, Jr.
Mrs. Helen F. Hubley
Ms. Julie C. Jackson
Mr. Landon R. Janes
Ms. Lindsey B. Janous
Mr. Robert E. Jenkins, Jr.
Mr. John W. Johnson
Mr. Joe Don Jones
Mr. Keith Jones
Mrs. Virginia B. Keasler
Mr. Marcucio J. Kelly
Mrs. Wendy R. Lacey
Mrs. Shirley H. Lane
Mr. J. Walton Lipscomb
Lowery Asset Consulting, LLC
Mrs. Sarah F. Lutz
Mr. James R. Lynch
Mr. Christopher R. Madison
Mr. James W. Martin
Mrs. Mona P. Maxwell
Mrs. Margaret McGee
Mrs. Carol A. McIntosh
Mr. Leslie V. McNeal, III
Mrs. Jennifer B. McPherson
Mr. Hubert W. Miazza
Ms. Tammy Mills
Mrs. Marilyn F. Moake
Mr. Christopher V. Moore
Ms. Norma J. Moore
Ms. Laurie E. Morgan
Mr. Brooks Mosley
Mr. Grady L. Myrick, Jr.
New Orleans Country Club
Mrs. Ginger G. Nieman
Mr. Curt H. Osiek
Mrs. Geraldine K. Overstreet
Mr. R.W. Payne
Mr. James N. Peneguy
Ms. Caroline Powell
Mr. Steven G. Prestridge
Ms. Julia G. Puryear
Ms. Pamela R. Ray
Regions Financial Corporation
Mr. Ben H. Riggs
Ms. Lauren E. Riley
Mr. Charles W. Ritter, Jr.
Mr. David B. Roberts
Ms. Pamela M. Roberts
Mrs. Carole C. Robison
Lieutenant Colonel Robert E. Ross, Sr., USA
Mrs. Kayla Ryan
Mr. Christopher D. Sammons, Jr.
Ms. Carol G. Scott
Dr. Robert A. Seay
Mr. Bobby S. Shackouls
Mr. William A. Simmons, CPA
Mrs. Deanna M. Slay
Mrs. Julie W. Smith
Ms. Chloe E. Spence
Mr. Harry C. Stahel
Mr. James E. Starks, Jr.
Dr. J.B. Stroud, Jr.
Mrs. Belinda B. Styres
Mr. W.E. Swanson
Dr. Gregory P. Tapis
Ms. Rebecca G. Terry
The Greater New Orleans Foundation
Dr. Paula B. Thomas
Mr. Stacy E. Thomas
Mr. James W. Tillman
Ms. Allison Townsend
Mrs. Patricia R. Upton
Mr. Charles M. Veazey
Verizon
Mr. Russell L. Wall
Mrs. Kelly F. Ward
Mr. Hugh B. Weaver
Ms. Ali Grace Williams
Ms. Audrey C. Williams
Mr. Perry G. Winstead
Mr. Jim P. Wise
Mr. Reed G. Wood
$500-$999
$1-$499
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Internships immerse students in the practice of professional accounting. The benefits are clear: real work experience, preparation for the professional environment, networking opportunities, a competitive edge when seeking employment and, frequently, offers of employment.
Many students at the Adkerson School of Accountancy participate in internships, and they find the experience to be an invaluable component of their education. A handful, however, seek out multiple opportunities. Why do they do so? Is there really that much more to be gained from a second or third internship?
“Usually a big decision for accounting students is between tax and audit,” observes Geoffrey Taylor. “This will help me know what kind of work I enjoy – and give me more to work with when I start graduate school.”
Taylor graduated in December 2016. Before starting grad school next fall, he will have completed two accounting internships. At Southwest Airlines’ Dallas headquarters in the spring, he will work in tax, helping prepare returns and performing research. Next summer, he will be in one of Georgia-Pacific’s mills, in what
is titled an “Accounting, Audit, Tax, Treasury and Finance Internship.” Besides exposure to various areas of accounting, the two experiences will enable him to compare the corporate and industrial arenas.
He adds, “I’ll also get to experience living in different parts of the U.S. The Georgia-Pacific mill is likely to be in a small town, and Southwest is in a big city.”
Hannah Skurzewski has interned with Georgia-Pacific at its Hosford, FL, building products mill and with FedEx at its Memphis base.
“After taking my two Principles classes, I wanted to get out there and experience accounting in the real world and be sure it’s what I want to do,” says the junior, who interned earlier than most students. “In my coursework, it’s helped me visualize how the information is useful. At the mill, when I analyzed the equipment, I could see why you depreciate it.”
At Georgia-Pacific, she would collect data and analyze trends for a piece of equipment to determine how productive it was and if it was being used in the most cost effective way. She also had tasks in inventory and other areas. At FedEx, she worked in the tax department, gaining experience with income tax, tax planning and analysis and international, transportation and sales and use tax.
“They were two very different environments. One was more corporate, and at the other I sometimes put on a hard hat to go check the equipment,” she remarks.
The ASAC Career Fair opened the door for Skurzewski to these two companies. Taylor likewise connected with Georgia-Pacific at the annual event. The MSU Career Center’s Kelly Atwood advised him when he began pursuing a corporate internship and Southwest in particular.
Taylor also credits his professors for their support. He realized many – particularly Dr. Noel Addy – are well acquainted with what various internships entail and because they also know their students’ strengths, could
DOUBLING DOWN ON INTERNSHIPS
Geoffrey Taylor with Sen. Roger Wicker
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A range of firms and companies recruit at the Adkerson School of Accountancy each year, knowing they will find highly
educated students who are prepared for the professional environment. The annual ASAC Career Fair is a primary venue
where representatives meet our students and decide whom to interview not only for employment but also for internships.
The 2016 Career Fair – sponsored by ASAC, the MSU Career Center and Beta Alpha Psi – was held August 31 at
The Mill Conference Center in Starkville. It was well attended, with more than 167 students present and 28 firms and
companies represented. One result was that 2016’s numbers of employers and interns has been significantly higher
than ever before, with 22 firms and organizations hiring 65 ASAC students. Internships allow our students to try out a
particular firm or field of accounting while providing professional experience that gives them an edge when beginning
their careers. It is not uncommon for full-time offers to be extended to them upon completion of their internships.
The following firms have hired ASAC interns for the spring and summer of 2017:
offer counsel on what might be the best fit. Dr. Alan Stancill helped him prepare for his Southwest interview, reviewing financials and identifying questions to ask. Preparation was vital – the company had some 25,000 applicants in 2016 and the previous year had hired 311 interns.
Both of these ambitious students will ultimately have three internships
under their belts. Skurzewski has accepted another internship with Georgia-Pacific for next summer in Lexington, KY. Taylor interned with Senator Roger
Wicker during his sophomore year. His tasks ranged from giving Capitol tours to constituents to gathering the Senator’s briefing materials, but he was also able to sit in on meetings that interested him and gained new perspective on laws that govern accounting.
“One of the senior advisors on staff had helped draft the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The semester before, I had been reading about it in class, and now I was talking to the people who had written it!” he shares, noting that all his internships will give him insight in determining a career path and the type of location and atmosphere he prefers.
Skurzewski’s internships have affirmed her choice of the accounting profession and redoubled her commitment to her studies.
“They were very different types of work, but both have helped me to know it’s all worth it!”
CAREER FAIR LEADS TO INTERNSHIPS
BKD
Brenda Nicols-Freeno, CPA
Carr, Riggs & Ingram
CBIZ MHM
Deloitte
Dixon Hughes Goodman
Ernst & Young
FedEx
Georgia-Pacific
Haddox Reid Eubank Betts
HORNE
International Paper
Jackson State University
KPMG
Matthews Cutrer & Lindsay
MSU Poultry Science Department
PACCAR
PwC
Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck
T.E. Lott & Company
Warren Averett
Watkins, Ward and Stafford
Hannah Skurzewski
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Dr. Brad Trinkle’s research in the field of accounting information systems is drawing ever-increasing attention among both practitioners and academics.
The Adkerson School of Accountancy Assistant Professor has earned an international reputation among researchers in his field, attested by the high interest in his work shown by leading professional journals. The Brigham Young University Accounting Rankings show that over the last six years, Trinkle is tied as the second most productive accounting information systems researcher among Southeastern Conference schools and tied as eighteenth worldwide. The rankings consider the number of publications that authors have in the ten foremost accounting journals.
Trinkle – who holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) global certification – focuses his research on understanding how people justify their actions and how they manipulate others or how others can manipulate them. He targets his interests
in research streams on information security, where he investigates individuals’ information security behaviors. He also studies voluntary disclosures via social media, investigating investors’ perceptions of voluntary disclosures of financial information via social media.
Trinkle’s research has resulted in 20 academic articles in journals such as the Journal of Information Systems and the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems. He is a member of the Editorial Board for the Journal of Information Systems as well.
Beyond academia, Trinkle’s work is making a difference in the practice of accounting. Earlier this year, his research was featured as the cover story for D&A Magazine, a publication of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. The article in the Spring 2016 issue was titled “Nudge: How to Persuade a Professional Accountant.” It examined his research on the effect that managers’ use of influence tactics has on CPAs’ task commitment. The article can be accessed at www.cpaontario.ca/Resources/Publications/DA_July2016/index.htm#?page=28.
Further affirmation of the value of Trinkle’s work has come through grants to further his research from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The grant from PwC was for research examining the adoption of XBRL for both internal and external purposes. The NASBA grant was used to examine CPA Exam pass rates and characteristics of the test takers.
Trinkle joined the ASAC faculty in 2011 and is an outstanding representative of the Adkerson School of Accountancy and Mississippi State, raising the profile of our school while making a real impact on the accounting profession.
TRINKLE EARNS RECOGNITION
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Horne, LLP, recently announced plans for a significant new investment in accounting education at Mississippi State. The CPA and business advisory firm has pledged $75,000 over the next three years for the Adkerson School of Accountancy.
“Horne LLP is proud to partner with the College of Business and the Adkerson School of Accountancy,” says Horne Partner John Scott, a 1982 alumnus. “We have many successful team members from MSU and look forward to many more joining us in the future.”
The contribution will support ASAC’s mission in three areas: undergraduate scholarships, graduate scholarships and the newly created Horne Strategic Initiative Fund. The fund will serve as a flexible resource to support high impact programs and various needs.
Horne has long been involved with the Adkerson School of Accountancy. Over the years the firm has established several graduate and undergraduate scholarships. It has partnered with the school in other ways, ranging from sponsoring the school’s Horne LLP Interactive
Recognition Board to hosting recruiting events for high school students interested in MSU. Scott is a member of the ASAC Advisory Council, and the firm often provides speakers for events.
The firm has also developed a presence in Starkville with the acquisition of Horne Cyber Solutions, a subsidiary providing cybersecurity and other information technology services for clients. The Jackson, MS-based firm has 17 locations, primarily in the Southeast.
A GIFT FOR EDUCATION
Horne’s John Scott (right) with ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin
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The annual ASAC Spring Scholarship Banquet offers a time when we recognize deserving students and thank the Adkerson School of Accountancy’s supporters. The top graduating seniors and master’s students are honored, and graduate assistants are named for the following academic year. Many scholarships are awarded, and often students get to meet those who have contributed to their education in this invaluable way. Thanks to all alumni, firms and friends who help support MSU accounting students!
SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECOGNITIONS
MSCPA Outstanding Graduating Senior: Keelyn Frey
FSA Outstanding Graduate Students: Brett Garraway, Sara McNair
Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards: Will Anding, Keelyn Frey, Lyndsey Marlene Hopkins, Youngjin Park, Abigail Wellman, Bailey Wright
Outstanding Graduate Student Awards: Thomas Baxter, Brett Garraway, Mai Hoang Quynh Le, Grace McKellip, Sara McNair
Adkerson School of Accountancy Graduate Assistantship: Will Anding, Emily Ellsworth, Matthew Hatcher, Winburne Hughes, John He, Wesley Hulett, William Kuhn, Michelle Lewis, Blake Townsend, Huiwon Yang
Dora R. Herring Endowed Graduate Assistantship: Sarah Dorsey
J.H. Kennedy, Jr. Endowed Graduate Assistantship: Peyton O’Bannon
Mark David Brasfield Memorial Graduate Assistantship: Elizabeth Patterson
Graduate Assistantships
Student Recognition
2016-2017 ASAC Graduate Assistants (from left) Matthew Hatcher,
Emily Ellsworth, William Kuhn, Huiwon Yang, Wesley Hulett and Blake
Townsend [not pictured: Winburne Hughes, John He, Michelle Lewis and
Will Anding]
Outstanding Graduate Students (from left) Sara McNair, Thomas Baxter,
Brett Garraway and Mai Hoang Quynh Le [not pictured: Grace McKellip]
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Benjamin Head Memorial Scholarship: Jonathan Guel
BKD Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Bailey Butler, Ryan Cailteux, Victoria Lightner, Keisha Robinson
Boatner Graduate GAP Scholarship: Blake Townsend
Bob McCullough Endowed Scholarship: Caylinne Williams
C Spire Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Nicholas Cobb, Hannah Gray, Brittany Johns
CBIZ Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Ali Evans, Kenneth Garraway
Dixon Hughes Goodman Freshman Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Victoria Lightner
Don Whitmire Scholarship: Morgan Cleavelin, YoungJin Park, Annie Parker
Donald & Linda Garrett Freshman Endowed Scholarship: Bailey Butler, Haley Sutton, Caylinne Williams
Ernst & Young Annual Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Harrison Ciskowski, James Curtis
Frank Jackson Graduate GAP Scholarship: Will Anding, Emily Ellsworth, Keelyn Frey, John He, Winburne Hughes, William Kuhn, Peyton O’Bannon, Elizabeth Patterson, Huiwon Yang
Frank Jackson Graduate GAP Scholarship: Sarah Dorsey
Haddox Reid Eubank Betts LLP Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Molly Carroll
Horne Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Katelyn Eaton, Ali Evans, Hannah Gray, Leyna Hendley, Jacqueline Monnet, Taylor Newton
Horne Annual Graduate GAP Scholarship: Wesley Hulett, Michelle Lewis
Jobie Melton Accounting Memorial Scholarship: Zachary Ford, William Keeler, Kyle Watson, Joshua Wright
Joseph McIlwain Annual Scholarship: Ann Marie Ory
KPMG Accounting Excellence Scholarship: William Brown, Ann Mrozinski, Andrew Word
Philip & Sandra Smith Endowed Scholarship: Adekunle Arunaogun, Carrie McBride, Daniel Newman
Reginald F. McDonald Annual Scholarship: Adekunle Arunaogun, Daniel Crews
Roger Hill Memorial Scholarship: Jamie Allen, Zane Parker
Stephen Burwell Endowed Scholarship: Mara Baker, Griffin Brown, Richard Chesnutt, Catherine Christie, Anna Curtis, James Edwards, Daniel Garraway, Brian Haadsma, Elizabeth Kimbrell, Kristen Johnson, Sawyer Leopold, Hannah Mantini, Lara Marshall, Anne Tatum McPherson, Jalisa Slater, Bailey Wright
T.E. Lott & Company Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Shenika Roberson
Troy Baldwin Memorial Accounting Scholarship: Morgan Buchanan, Thomas McDonald
Warren Averett Scholarship: Anna Louise Henderson
Wayne F. Cottingim Memorial Scholarship: Maxwell Dombrowski
William M. Gulledge, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Ranarios Hancock, Lane Tidwell, John Trinca
Scholarships
BKD’s Donna Bruce with BKD Accounting Excellence Scholarship
recipients (from left) Bailey Butler, Ryan Cailteux, Victoria Lightner and
Keisha Robinson
View more photos from the Adkerson School of Accountancy Spring Banquet at www.bulldogledger.com.
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When Bailey Wright is in, she’s all in. This smart, energetic accounting student works hard at whatever she takes on, be it education or career preparation or pastime.
Wright began at Mississippi State without a major, but she soon found accounting was a good fit. Now a senior, Wright is an ASAC Ambassador and a member of Beta Alpha Psi. She holds a 4.0 GPA, is enrolled in MSU’s Shackouls Honors College and is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honoraries. She is due to graduate this December – a semester ahead of most of her classmates.
“The accounting program does a good job of teaching us what we need to know and also preparing us for our professional careers,” says the Pascagoula, MS, native. “The internship program is great – they connect with a lot of firms and really encourage you to participate.”
Wright attended four summer leadership conferences in 2016, exploring firms in Birmingham, AL; Jackson, MS; Memphis, TN, and Nashville, TN. She was able to interview at some of the conferences and has accepted a spring 2017 tax internship with the Jackson firm.
Wright intentionally got a jump on the internship interview process, which typically takes place during the fall, to help keep her full autumn schedule manageable.
She serves as President of the MSU chapter of the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, an organization for which she was a founding officer in 2014. It now boasts about 75 members. The group focuses on connecting with professional peers as well as active community service, such as tax preparation assistance for low-income families.
“Our main project this fall was the ‘Professional Perspective’ event, where we invited accounting professionals representing different types of careers to speak about their jobs and about how women can succeed in the accounting world,” Wright notes.
The accounting major is also an artist.
“I’ve sung since I was young, and I knew I’d keep it up in college,” says Wright, who participated in national and state honor choirs in middle school and high school. “Without it, I wouldn’t be nearly as happy as I am.”
She is a member of the Mississippi State Singers. As the university’s premiere vocal ensemble of about 50 members, the choir requires a commitment to three practices a week. While the group is composed of both voice majors and non-majors, it was Wright who was tapped as the soprano soloist in Fauré’s “Requiem” performed last February with the Starkville-Mississippi State University Symphony Orchestra. She also took part in the Singers’ spring performance tour in Austria and the Czech Republic.
After graduation in December and her spring internship, Wright plans to start on her master’s degree and complete it by May of 2018. No doubt she will continue to go all out to succeed. When asked how she manages to do so well in so many areas, her modest reply comes back:
“Scheduling helps. I’m an extensive planner!”
THE WRIGHT WAY
BULLDOG LEDGER 23
NOTEWORTHY
Beta Alpha Psi officers this year are (from left) LaCiera Ford-Bass, Alex Phillips, Abigail Poole, Ann-Marie Ory, Elizabeth McCulleen, Katherine Cagle. Not pictured: David Darnell.
Congratulations to all our 2016 graduates — we are proud of you! Mississippi State awarded 136 accounting degrees in 2016, including 97 undergraduate, 28 Master of Public Accountancy and 11 Master of Taxation degrees. Recipients included May 2016 graduates (from left) Lasabre Charleston, Jakaris Byrd, Kendall Cavett, Kelly Cobler and Jarred Cowley.
Once again, ASAC graduates have a 100 percent job placement rate. All our spring 2016 master’s candidates – in tax and in public accounting – secured positions prior to completing their degrees.
The Adkerson School of Accountancy has landed near the top of Accounting Degree Review’s 30 Most Affordable Graduate Accounting Programs. Of the 170 schools with AACSB accreditation, Mississippi State ranks 6th. Accounting Degree Review is an independent online resource for students, providing reviews and data-based rankings of degree programs.
Spring 2016 MTX graduate Sara McNair earned the second highest score in Mississippi on the FAR section of the CPA Exam.
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Former Academic Coordinator Krystle Dixon received double recognition from the University last spring. She was awarded Mississippi State’s top honor for advising, the Irvin Atly Jefcoat Excellence in Advising Award, and the MSU President’s Commission on the Status of Minorities presented her with its 2016 Staff Award.
Dr. Clyde Herring, Associate Clinical Professor of Accountancy, was tapped to join the Long Range Planning Committee of the Mississippi Society of CPAs (MSCPA).
Assistant Professor Dr. Brad Lang serves as an ad hoc reviewer for the International Journal of Accounting Information Systems. He also presented at the 2016 Pre-ICIS Workshop on AIS and had a paper accepted by the Journal of Information Systems entitled “Potential Employees’ Ethical Perceptions of Active Monitoring: The Dark Side of Data Analytics.”
Dr. Shawn Mauldin, ASAC Director, serves as President of the North Central Chapter of the MSCPA. He also serves as Vice Chair of AACSB International’s Accounting Accreditation Committee and leads its Accounting Accreditation Seminar. AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
A big “thank you” to BKD, which sponsored a paint party October 20 for members of the MSU Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance (AFWA). The event, held at Jilly Bean’s Pail of Paint in Starkville, gave members a needed mid-semester break and a relaxed opportunity to spend time together – while also flaunting their Bulldog spirit!
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Haley Sutton (left) earned the MSCPA’s Undergraduate Scholarship, and Laikyn Starkey received the organization’s Graduate Scholarship.
Jan Lewis is the 2016 Alumni Fellow for MSU’s College of Business. The 1985 accounting alumna is a Tax Partner with Haddox Reid Eubank Betts PLLC.
Beta Alpha Psi members challenged the ASAC faculty to a softball game in the fall. The students came out the victors, though it was a fun and connecting experience for all. This semester, BAP members have also been tutoring on a daily basis, and they co-sponsored the ASAC Career Fair in August.
Alumnus Tyler Morgan, staff accountant with T.E. Lott & Company, received the Silas M. Simmons Bronze Medal at the 2016 MSCPA Annual Business meeting for his score on the 2015 CPA Exam. The gold, silver and bronze medals recognize the state’s highest scores after successfully passing all four sections without re-examination.
Instructor Angela Pannell has been reappointed to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s Education Committee for a fourth term.
Lee Adams, Ergon, Inc.
Jennifer Allen, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of MS
Chris Anderson, Baptist Health Systems
JR Armstrong, May & Company
Susan Bell, Ernst & Young, LLP
Chad Boyd, Deloitte
Chuck Braddock, PWC
Paul Breazeale, Breazeale, Saunders, & O’Neil, Ltd.
Raleigh Cutrer, Matthews, Cutrer, & Lindsay, P.A.
Bill Felder, Harper, Rains, Knight, & Company, P.A.
Jerry Goolsby, BKD LLP
David Hopkins, KMPG LLP
Paul Hopkins, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP
Wendy Lacey, Warren Averett, LLC
Dan Learned, International Paper
Jan Lewis, Haddox Reid, Eubank, Betts
Brooks Mosley, Security Ballew, Inc.
Ben Pace, CSPIRE Wireless
Allen Poole, Sedgwick Claims Management Services
Stephanie Preston, UCB, Inc.
Steve Sanders, Ernst & Young, LLP
John Scott, Horne, LLP
David Simmonds, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company
Jennifer Sinclair, St. Dominic Jackson Memorial Hospital
Lee Stafford, Watkins, Ward, and Stafford
Sherri Swindle, FedEx Corporation
Stacy Thomas, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C.
Gary Walker, Lyle, Walker & Co., P.A.
Don Whitmire, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc.
Larry Wilson, T.E. Lott & Company
AS
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Richard C. Adkerson School of Accountancy
P.O. Box EF, Mississippi State, MS 39762
Discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran's status is a violation of federal and state law and MSU policy and will not be tolerated. Discrimination based upon sexual orientation or group affiliation is a violation of MSU policy and will not be tolerated.
