BULLDOG LEDGER JANUARY 2017
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BULLDOG LEDGER JANUARY 2017
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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
BULLDOG LEDGER
CONTENTS
6 8 2 ASAC Strategic Plan
4 National Rankings
5 A New Strategic Funding
Initiative
6 Innovative Camp
8 Passion and Perspective
9 Student-Oriented in
10 17 Meridian
10 A Fine Faculty and Staff
12 Ambassadors and Advisors
13 Faculty Fellowships
14 Donors
16 Doubling Down on
Internships
19 22 17 Career Fair Leads to
Internships
18 Trinkle Earns Research
Recognition
19 A Gift for Education
20 Scholarships and
Recognitions
22 The Wright Way
Follow the Richard C. Adkerson
School of Accountancy 23 Noteworthy
COVER: ASAC Ambassadors/Director's Student
Advisors (from left) Ali Buechner, Katy King,
www.business.msstate.edu/programs/adkerson Katie Carroll, Allie Pilgrim and Katie Horn
BULLDOG LEDGER 1
ASAC STRATEGIC PLAN
The Adkerson School of Accountancy has a new vision long-term goals. The committee then compiled the
and mission to focus its future direction. On February participants’ input and, with continued involvement of
24, 2016, a months-long initiative culminated in stakeholders, finalized a strategic plan.”
approval of a five-year strategic plan for the School.
Implementation began immediately. “This is not a document that will collect dust on a
shelf like so many other strategic plans do,” continues
“We now have a strong tactical plan for building on Mauldin. “We have a faculty committee and an Advisory
what has already been achieved, to secure Mississippi Council oversight committee that will ensure we stay
State’s place as a nationally preeminent institution focused and on task.”
for accounting education and research,” states ASAC
Director Dr. Shawn Mauldin. Committee members with Mauldin included faculty
members Dr. Nathan Berglund, Assistant Professor;
“We started the process early last fall with the Dr. Kevin Ennis, Associate Professor; Dr. John Rigsby,
appointment of a strategic planning committee and Associate Professor; Steve Sanders, Instructor and
through an online SWOT analysis sought the input Dr. Brad Trinkle, Assistant Professor.
of key stakeholders – faculty, alumni, employers,
students, Advisory Council members and staff involved Following are some of the plan’s highlights.
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
2 BULLDOG LEDGER
Vision Goals
The Adkerson School of Accountancy strives to be widely • Enhance Resources
respected as a leader in accounting education, high- • Enhance Visibility of the School
quality research and professional engagement. • Grow and Improve Academic Programs
• Recruit, Develop and Retain High Quality
Mission Statement Faculty/Increase Academic Reputation
The mission of the Adkerson School of Accountancy For each goal, the plan specifies a series of action items
at Mississippi State is to prepare students for successful and outcome measures, along with the individuals and
careers in accounting and business by fostering an groups responsible for each. To enhance resources, for
environment that promotes innovative teaching example, one action item is to increase the number
and curricula, high-quality research, collaborative of endowed chairs and professorships, securing
relationships and service. commitments to reach a total of five. For the goal of
growing and improving academic programs, one of the
Core Values objectives is to reinstate the PhD program by 2019.
Integrity: We are committed to ethical and professional Enhancing the visibility of the School calls for promoting
behavior. the reputation and image of the School and enhancing
contact with employers, alumni and potential donors.
Innovation: We strive to create, leverage and implement
forward-looking ideas, methods and technologies. This will be accomplished through a range of steps such
as creating a plan to improve rankings, enhancing web
Diversity: We embrace the opportunity to work and and social media presence and developing a process to
interact with individuals who have unique and different better recognize the accomplishments of alumni, faculty
perspectives and backgrounds. and students.
Excellence: We value excellence in teaching, research and Toward the goal of recruiting and retaining high quality
service to our school, profession and community. faculty and increasing the School’s academic reputation,
some of the aims include adding a faculty position for
Leadership: We embrace our role as leaders in academia a PhD program and increasing faculty participation on
and the business world. editorial boards and at academic conferences.
Strategic Issues Many more inspiring, ambitious aims are charted in the
ASAC 2016-2020 Strategic Plan. Read more about it
Several broad key strategic issues were identified from the at www.business.msstate.edu/programs/adkerson, and
strategic planning process that shape the Adkerson School consider how you might get involved.
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
BULLDOG LEDGER 3
NATIONAL RANKINGS
For the first time, the Adkerson School of Accountancy The survey will help ASAC in recruiting students and
has achieved top 50 rankings for both the undergraduate faculty, as well as raise its profile in general.
and the master’s programs. The Commerce Clearing
House Public Accounting Report’s 35th Annual Professors “These rankings show recognition that we have a program
Survey has MSU debuting in its Top 50 national with a strong history, which is continuing to advance,”
rankings at 28th for the master’s program and 31st for states ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin. “Our students
undergraduate. have excellent instruction in the classroom from engaged
faculty, and they have opportunities to connect with
Published in August, the report also shows an impressive professionals and gain real work experience. When they
ascent for Mississippi State among schools of comparable graduate, they’re not only prepared to begin accounting
size. ASAC’s undergraduate program rose to 3rd this careers but also to develop into leaders in the field.”
year for programs with 15 or fewer full-time accounting
faculty, up from 14th in 2015. The master’s program is Mississippi State awards about 100 undergraduate degrees
also now ranked 3rd for schools with 15 or fewer faculty, and 35 to 40 master’s degrees in accountancy annually.
having been 12th last year. This year, as in past recent years, ASAC graduate students
had 100 percent job placement prior to completion of
This year the report initiated regional rankings as well. their education.
Among Southern schools, MSU stands at 7th for
undergraduate and 8th for graduate.
TOP 50 UNDERGRADUATE TOP 50 MASTER’S
RANKINGS (EXCERPT) RANKINGS (EXCERPT)
28. Arizona State University (tie) 26. University of Iowa
28. Oklahoma State University (tie) 27. Miami University (Ohio)
29. Temple University 28. Mississippi State University
30. Mississippi State University 29. University of Utah
31. University of Arizona 30. Arizona State University (tie)
32. Villanova University 30. University of Arizona (tie)
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
UNDERGRADUATE RANKINGS MASTER’S RANKINGS
(Schools With 15 Or Fewer Full-Time Faculty) (Schools With 15 Or Fewer Full-Time Faculty)
1. University of Wisconsin 1. University of Wisconsin
2. University of Virginia 2. University of Virginia
3. Mississippi State University 3. Mississippi State University
4. Utah State University 4. Utah State University
5. University of Oklahoma 5. College of William & Mary
Source: CCH Public Accounting Report Source: CCH Public Accounting Report
4 BULLDOG LEDGER
STRATEGIC FUNDING INITIATIVE
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
BULLDOG LEDGER 5
INNOVATIVE CAMP FIRST IN STATE
In July, the Adkerson School of Accountancy presented Mauldin. “It helps draw some of the best and brightest
its second “Accelerating Students into the Accounting young students into our profession by letting them
Profession” – ASAP – Summer Camp. The inventive try it out and by showing them how they can use an
program serves rising high school seniors who are accounting education.”
considering careers in accounting.
Through a series of fun, creative, hands-on activities,
“This is a pioneering concept – we’re the first in the state ASAP invites participants to test the waters of
to do something like this,” states ASAC Director Shawn 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
Business plan competition winners were (from left) Cole Mosby, Reily Holloway covered in a “What Not to Wear – MSU Career Center
and Noah Winstead. Edition” event and an etiquette dinner.
6 BULLDOG LEDGER
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
Ryan Colvin, Senior Coordinator for the MSU Career Center, talked to students about dinner
accounting student Keisha Robinson was
etiquette.
camp counselor.
Participants also got a glimpse into the Mississippi State “It was an impressive group,” notes Mauldin. “If they
experience, beginning with a scavenger hunt and a formal represent the future of accounting, the outlook is a
tour that helped familiarize them with campus. They were promising one!”
welcomed by Mauldin and by College of Business Dean
Sharon Oswald, and they heard about scholarships and
Campers got a first-hand look at the profession with a visit to HORNE, LLP.
BULLDOG LEDGER 7
PASSION AND PERSPECTIVE
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
As a freshman at MSU, Susan Bell took a co-op parents are alumni. Bell benefited from strong female
accounting position with Mississippi Power Company, role models: her grandmother was in the first class of
working for the utility in the summers. Today, the 1984 women to enroll at State, and her aunt was one of the
alumna leads Ernst & Young’s Americas Power & Utilities first women to graduate in agricultural economics.
Sector Financial Accounting Advisory Services.
“I never had any inkling that there was anything I
Bell began her career in public accounting after couldn’t do as a woman,” she remarks.
completing her undergraduate degree. She interviewed
with firms in several cities, ultimately taking a position Bell contributes time and energy toward removing
with Arthur Andersen in Atlanta. She started out in audit barriers for others. She serves on the board of the
and found she had a passion for it. National Center for Civil and Human Rights and is
immediate past chair of Atlanta’s United Way chapter.
“I really enjoyed figuring out how businesses operate She has enriched her community through the boards
and how they make money,” she remarks. “I was always of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta
learning, and I love to learn, so I decided to stay in Historical Society and the Woodruff Arts Center.
audit.”
She is also a longtime member and past President of
After twelve years with Andersen, Bell became the first the ASAC Advisory Council, provides scholarship
woman to make Partner in the firm’s Atlanta office. support and has been a featured speaker for classes and
It was a position she held until 2001, when Andersen organizations.
surrendered its licenses in the wake of a conviction (later
overturned) tied to the Enron scandal. Other events that The experience that she has to share shows students the
year, however, helped bring a balanced outlook to career value of commitment. Whatever she takes on, be it for
difficulties. career, community or family, Susan Bell puts in 100
percent – and the results are obvious.
“I was starting my career over,” she says. “It was difficult
8 BULLDOG LEDGERSTUDENT-ORIENTED IN MERIDIAN
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.
(from left) Dr. Joseph Faello, Dr. Kevin Ennis and Dr. Seungjae Shin
Ennis, who has taught at Meridian since 1995, handles
the Tax, Audit and Cost Accounting courses. Assistant which allows either a part-time or full-time course load.”
Professor Dr. Joseph Faello came on board last year and
teaches Financial Accounting and Accounting Systems Student Kristi Matthews comments, “Having professors
I. Dr. Seungjae Shin, a Professor of Information Systems who care about the students – not just their passing a
and Supply Chain Management who joined the faculty in test, but knowing the material and being able to apply it
2003, leads Accounting Systems II. to real situations – makes all the difference in the world.”
MSU-Meridian has 539 students enrolled in three Matthews works in Ellisville, MS, as the Accounting
academic divisions: Business, Arts & Sciences and Manager for Parish Transport Logistics and Lamb
Education. The Division of Business is housed at MSU- Transportation. Her studies have served as an example for
Meridian’s Riley campus, in the city’s business district. the Matthews’ autistic son.
The number of accounting students averages around
40, and most come from the four nearby community “He has seen how hard I work and how much I study and
colleges. The program also enrolls military personnel put into my schooling, and it shows him that you have to
from Naval Air Station Meridian. be committed to what you do,” she remarks.
“Most tend to be nontraditional, place-bound students,” After graduating magna cum laude in December,
observes Ennis. “We’re designed for people who have full- Matthews has continued her education through the
time jobs or families.” master’s degree program at Mississippi College. It is
common for students to move on to graduate school or
The students who are employed see very directly how law school, though many go right to work. The program
what they learn in the classroom translates to the encourages them to pursue professional certification.
professional environment. Class discussions are usually
peppered with examples and questions that come straight Like Matthews, Meridian students typically understand
from their jobs. in a practical way what their education will mean to their
careers and their families. It drives them to excel.
“We’re very oriented to the needs of our students,” says
Ennis. “Classes are small, and they’re taught by faculty “We get very bright students,” states Ennis. “They are
who have practical experience. Scheduling accommodates motivated to do well because they want to improve
those who have jobs – by leaving work an hour early one their lives.”
day a week, they can be enrolled in two college courses,
BULLDOG LEDGER 9A FINE FACULTY AND STAFF
Dr. Billy Brewster
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
Members of the Adkerson School of Accountancy faculty are (from left, front row) Dr. Mark Lehman, Accounting, Organizations and Society.
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.
Dr. Clyde Herring
Dr. Clyde Herring returns to the
The Adkerson School of Accountancy’s faculty and staff Adkerson School of Accountancy as an Associate Clinical
are among the finest there are. Faculty members bring Professor. A member of the MSU faculty from 1987
recognition to Mississippi State nationally and regionally to 2010, he has rejoined us after six years in various
through publication of their research and resultant high roles at Carson-Newman University, including Dean
rankings, as well as through their leadership and service of the Business School, Professor of Accounting and
with a range of organizations. They are also known for MBA Director. During the fall semester he has been
the way they prepare skilled future accountants, not only teaching Advanced Accounting, Survey of Accounting
in the classroom but also in the support and advice they and MBA Accounting and in the spring will add
share with students. Accounting Principles I & II. Previously recognized as
the Mississippi Society of CPAs’ Outstanding Educator,
Joining our highly reputed team at the beginning of the Herring’s research interests are student-oriented, focusing
fall semester were three faculty members and a new key on accounting education. Currently he serves on the
staff member. They have already proven to be strong MSCPA’s Long Range Planning Committee. Herring
contributors! is an MSU accounting alumnus, having earned his
BPA here in 1980, followed by his MPA in 1981. The
10 BULLDOG LEDGERUniversity of Alabama awarded him a
PhD in 1988. In his time outside McCool
Hall, he enjoys family time, travel and
sports.
Dr. Bradley Lang
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- New and returning faculty members (from left) Dr. Brad Lang, Dr. Billy Brewster and
level Managerial Accounting. Last year Dr. Clyde Herring
he won the Graduate Student Excellence
in Teaching Award for the College of Business at the welcomed his second child – first girl – into the world
University of Central Florida. He is a CPA in Florida, a this past fall.
veteran of the U.S. Navy and a proud family man who
Lorraine Hughes
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.
Lorraine Hughes
BULLDOG LEDGER 11AMBASSADORS AND ADVISORS
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, This year’s Ambassadors, as shown above, are (seated, from left) Katie Horn, Katy King, Allie Pilgrim,
supporters, teachers and employers who Amanda Paris, (standing, from left) Lane Tidwell, Anna Curtis, Ali Buechner and Katie Carroll.
visit campus. Not pictured: Morgan Buchanan and Anna Henderson.
“I enjoy educating prospective students on what “They’re a smart, energetic group,” comments Mauldin.
accounting is,” remarks ambassador Amanda Paris, “I get valuable insight from them into the student
a junior from Vicksburg. “And I love promoting the experience and the student perspective, and that helps
Adkerson School of Accountancy!” inform the direction of the School.”
Now, a significant new role has been added for the first The Ambassadors are selected through a written
time: counseling ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin, who application and interview process. To qualify, they must
meets with the group periodically through the year. be full time junior or senior accounting students with
GPAs of 3.25 overall and 3.0 in accounting courses.
“When we look at educating future accountants, we They must have excellent communication skills and
consult with alumni and other practitioners about what’s enthusiastic personalities, and they must be able to
needed in the marketplace. We have a faculty that stays commit time and energy, even on some nights and
abreast of the latest developments and incorporates them weekends. Also taken into consideration are campus
in the classroom,” says Mauldin. “Why wouldn’t we bring involvement and desire to convey pride in accounting
student input into the equation as well?” and Mississippi State.
This year’s Ambassadors are Morgan Buchanan, Ali The young people chosen as Ambassadors have taken
Buechner, Katie Carroll, Anna Curtis, Anna Henderson, on an important mission as representatives of both our
Katie Horn, Katy King, Amanda Paris, Allie Pilgrim and School and their fellow students. Their leadership is
Lane Tidwell. helping to enhance ASAC, MSU and the accounting
profession.
12 BULLDOG LEDGERFACULTY FELLOWSHIPS
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 Angela Pannell with Steve Sanders
of the accounting profession in this way.
Dr. Nathan Berglund, Assistant Professor of Accountancy, Assistant Professor of Accountancy Dr. Brad Trinkle
holds the John and Flora Watkins Faculty Fellowship. holds the Linda Martin Garrett Faculty Fellowship.
Angela Pannell, Instructor of Accountancy, has been
awarded the Steve and Sherri Sanders Faculty Fellowship.
Dr. Nathan Berglund Dr. Brad Trinkle
BULLDOG LEDGER 13THANK YOU, DONORS!
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.
$20,000 or More
Mr. Charles P. Duckworth Mr. Damon T. Hininger KPMG Peat Marwick Foundation The Fountain Family Foundation
$10,000-$19,999
Mr. William F. Baldwin Mr. Roger C. Boatner, CPA Ernst & Young Foundation Mr. Steve W. Sanders
Mr. Henry A. Beattie, III Mr. Raleigh Cutrer Horne CPA Group Mr. Philip S. Smith
Mr. Howard D. Bland Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP KPMG, LLP
$5,000-$9,999
Ms. Susan R. Bell Frank T. Jackson Gift Trust Mr. Lester L. Litton Watkins Ward & Stafford, PLLC
Mr. Stephen L. Burwell Mr. Ira G. Head R.E. Smith Interests, Inc. Mr. C.D. Whitmire, Jr.
Ms. Ann R. Cleland Mrs. Jan F. Lewis Mr. John D. Scott
$2,500-$4,999
Bank of America Matching Gifts Program CBIZ MHM, LLC Mr. J. H. “Ken” Kennedy, Jr. Mr. Charles W. Robertson
C Spire
$1,000-$2,499
Mr. Douglas J. Abbott Mr. R.B. Coats Haddox, Reid, Eubank, Mrs. Rebecca E. Melton
Betts PLLC
Mr. James R. Armstrong Community Foundation of Noble Drilling Services, Inc.
BKD, LLP Greater Memphis Mrs. Olivia B. Host
Mr. Robert P. Shannon, Jr.
Mr. Kevin L. Bouchillon Ms. Catherine D. Denman Mr. Hollis Hulett
Mr. Bob Shearer
Mr. Chad L. Boyd Ms. Patricia Duckworth Mr. David C. Langston
Mrs. Amy Wilson Smith
Mr. Ollie D. Boykin, Jr. Mr. Gerald J. Ford Mr. Kenneth J. Leikam
Ms. Sherri M. Swindle
Mrs. Donna W. Bruce Mr. Vincent D. Foster Mr. Michael M. Lowther
T.E. Lott & Company, PA
Mr. Timothy T. Burns Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. Matthews, Cutrer & Lindsay, PA
The Benevity Community
Mr. James W. Chapman Mr. Jerry M. Goolsby Mr. Kenneth P. McDonald Impact Fund
Mr. Larry C. Chapman Mr. Joseph E. Green Mr. Robert P. McKeough Mr. Stephen R. Woo
Mr. Harold B. Chism Mr. Michael E. Guel, CPA Mrs. Simone T. Meeks Mr. Robert R. Wright, II
14 BULLDOG LEDGER$500-$999
Mr. John G. Amato Mr. Larry E. Everett Dr. & Mrs. Shawn Mauldin Ms. Melissa C. Randolph
Mr. Mallard Beasley, Jr. Exxon Education Foundation Mr. L.R. McMillan, II Mrs. Maureen H. Scott
Mr. Charles L. Cleveland Mr. Matthew K. Gnemi Mr. Ronnie G. Michaels Mr. John P. Skrmetti
Mrs. Sue P. Cumberland Green Agricultural Services, Inc. Mr. David R. Mills Mr. Christopher S. Taylor
Ms. Laura A. Dalton The Samuel Roberts Noble
Dr. Dora R. Herring Mr. Jonathan Moorehead Foundation, Inc.
Dixon Hughes Goodman
Foundation, Inc. Mr. William W. Iupe Mrs. Amanda R. Price Mr. Dale S. Thompson
Mr. Justin E. Doggett Mr. Ross C. King Mr. Stanley P. Purvis Mr. Lawrence E. Wilson
$1-$499
Dr. Noel Addy, Jr. Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Foundation Mrs. Virginia B. Keasler Mr. David B. Roberts
Mr. Jose J. Alcaraz, III Dr. Joseph P. Faello Mr. Marcucio J. Kelly Ms. Pamela M. Roberts
Mr. Gary Anderson Dr. Larry E. Farmer Mrs. Wendy R. Lacey Mrs. Carole C. Robison
Mr. Justin M. Arras Mr. Cecil M. Felder, III Mrs. Shirley H. Lane Lieutenant Colonel Robert E.
Ross, Sr., USA
Mr. Leonard Bedell Mr. Wade J. Finger, Jr. Mr. J. Walton Lipscomb
Mrs. Kayla Ryan
Ms. Elise Bell Freeport-McMoRan Foundation Lowery Asset Consulting, LLC
Mr. Christopher D. Sammons, Jr.
Ms. Suzanne C. Biggers Mr. Thomas E. Garmon Mrs. Sarah F. Lutz
Ms. Carol G. Scott
Mr. Ralph M. Billingsley Ms. Amanda M. Gaskin Mr. James R. Lynch
Dr. Robert A. Seay
Mr. Monte W. Bishoff Ms. T. Ashely Gibson Mr. Christopher R. Madison
Mr. Bobby S. Shackouls
Mr. Robert B. Bradford Ms. Elizabeth M. Grimes Mr. James W. Martin
Mr. William A. Simmons, CPA
Ms. Tiffany D. Brady Ms. Tiana L. Grover Mrs. Mona P. Maxwell
Mrs. Deanna M. Slay
Mr. Phillip R. Branch Ms. Elaine M. Grush Mrs. Margaret McGee
Ms. Celeste R. Bryce Mr. Willliam D. Gutermuth Mrs. Carol A. McIntosh Mrs. Julie W. Smith
Dr. Thomas E. Buttross Mr. George M. Harrigill Mr. Leslie V. McNeal, III Ms. Chloe E. Spence
Mrs. Suzanne S. Campbell Mr. Charles M. Hawkins Mrs. Jennifer B. McPherson Mr. Harry C. Stahel
Ms. Jimmie L. Carnaggio Mrs. Deborah A. Henderson Mr. Hubert W. Miazza Mr. James E. Starks, Jr.
Mrs. Lindsay Jones Carruth Mrs. Vicky D. Henson Ms. Tammy Mills Dr. J.B. Stroud, Jr.
Mr. Bill R. Carty Dr. Clyde E. Herring Mrs. Marilyn F. Moake Mrs. Belinda B. Styres
Mr. John D. Cauble, Jr. HHH Properties Corp. Mr. Christopher V. Moore Mr. W.E. Swanson
Mrs. Rebecca Clearman Mrs. Sharon H. Hibbert Ms. Norma J. Moore Dr. Gregory P. Tapis
Mr. William A. Cochran Mr. A.W. Hickman Ms. Laurie E. Morgan Ms. Rebecca G. Terry
Mr. Michael C. Collins Mr. Ralph C. Hiden Mr. Brooks Mosley The Greater New Orleans Foundation
Mr. Fred O. Cornett, Jr. Mr. Gene Holcomb Mr. Grady L. Myrick, Jr. Dr. Paula B. Thomas
Mrs. Amy M. Corpuz Mr. John R. Holditch New Orleans Country Club Mr. Stacy E. Thomas
Ms. Emily Craft Mr. Nathan L. Holladay Mrs. Ginger G. Nieman Mr. James W. Tillman
Mr. Nathaniel J. Cummins Mr. Paul R. Hopkins, CPA Mr. Curt H. Osiek Ms. Allison Townsend
Ms. Emily B. Daniels Mr. W.S. Hornsby, III Mrs. Geraldine K. Overstreet Mrs. Patricia R. Upton
Mr. Howard R. Davis, Jr. Mrs. Leslie C. Howell Mr. R.W. Payne Mr. Charles M. Veazey
Ms. Selena N. Davis Mr. Willie G. Howell, Jr. Mr. James N. Peneguy Verizon
Mrs. Whitney G. Denham Mrs. Helen F. Hubley Ms. Caroline Powell Mr. Russell L. Wall
Ms. Krystal A. Diaz Ms. Julie C. Jackson Mr. Steven G. Prestridge Mrs. Kelly F. Ward
Donald and Company CPA’s, PLLC Mr. Landon R. Janes Ms. Julia G. Puryear Mr. Hugh B. Weaver
Mr. Michael A. Donald Ms. Lindsey B. Janous Ms. Pamela R. Ray Ms. Ali Grace Williams
Mr. William R. Doss Mr. Robert E. Jenkins, Jr. Regions Financial Corporation Ms. Audrey C. Williams
Mr. Henry M. Drake, Jr. Mr. John W. Johnson Mr. Ben H. Riggs Mr. Perry G. Winstead
Mr. Homer B. Dyer Mr. Joe Don Jones Ms. Lauren E. Riley Mr. Jim P. Wise
Mrs. Amy Edwards Mr. Keith Jones Mr. Charles W. Ritter, Jr. Mr. Reed G. Wood
BULLDOG LEDGER 15DOUBLING DOWN ON INTERNSHIPS
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
Geoffrey Taylor with Sen. Roger Wicker the mill, when I analyzed the equipment, I could see why
you depreciate it.”
Internships immerse students in the practice of
professional accounting. The benefits are clear: real At Georgia-Pacific, she would collect data and analyze
work experience, preparation for the professional trends for a piece of equipment to determine how
environment, networking opportunities, a competitive productive it was and if it was being used in the most
edge when seeking employment and, frequently, offers of cost effective way. She also had tasks in inventory and
employment. other areas. At FedEx, she worked in the tax department,
gaining experience with income tax, tax planning and
Many students at the Adkerson School of Accountancy analysis and international, transportation and sales and
participate in internships, and they find the experience use tax.
to be an invaluable component of their education. A
handful, however, seek out multiple opportunities. Why “They were two very different environments. One was
do they do so? Is there really that much more to be more corporate, and at the other I sometimes put on a
gained from a second or third internship? hard hat to go check the equipment,” she remarks.
“Usually a big decision for accounting students is The ASAC Career Fair opened the door for Skurzewski
between tax and audit,” observes Geoffrey Taylor. “This to these two companies. Taylor likewise connected
will help me know what kind of work I enjoy – and give with Georgia-Pacific at the annual event. The MSU
me more to work with when I start graduate school.” Career Center’s Kelly Atwood advised him when he
began pursuing a corporate internship and Southwest in
Taylor graduated in December 2016. Before starting particular.
grad school next fall, he will have completed two
accounting internships. At Southwest Airlines’ Dallas Taylor also credits his professors for their support. He
headquarters in the spring, he will work in tax, helping realized many – particularly Dr. Noel Addy – are well
prepare returns and performing research. Next summer, acquainted with what various internships entail and
he will be in one of Georgia-Pacific’s mills, in what because they also know their students’ strengths, could
16 BULLDOG LEDGERCAREER FAIR LEADS TO INTERNSHIPS
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:
BKD Georgia-Pacific PACCAR
Brenda Nicols-Freeno, CPA Haddox Reid Eubank Betts PwC
Carr, Riggs & Ingram HORNE Reynolds, Bone & Griesbeck
CBIZ MHM International Paper T.E. Lott & Company
Deloitte Jackson State University Warren Averett
Dixon Hughes Goodman KPMG Watkins, Ward and Stafford
Ernst & Young Matthews Cutrer & Lindsay
FedEx MSU Poultry Science Department
offer counsel on what Wicker during his sophomore year. His tasks ranged
might be the best fit. from giving Capitol tours to constituents to gathering
Dr. Alan Stancill helped the Senator’s briefing materials, but he was also able to
him prepare for his sit in on meetings that interested him and gained new
Southwest interview, perspective on laws that govern accounting.
reviewing financials and
identifying questions “One of the senior advisors on staff had helped draft the
to ask. Preparation was Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The semester before, I had been
vital – the company had reading about it in class, and now I was talking to the
some 25,000 applicants people who had written it!” he shares, noting that all his
in 2016 and the internships will give him insight in determining a career
previous year had hired path and the type of location and atmosphere he prefers.
311 interns.
Skurzewski’s internships have affirmed her choice of the
Both of these ambitious accounting profession and redoubled her commitment to
Hannah Skurzewski
students will ultimately her studies.
have three internships
under their belts. Skurzewski has accepted another “They were very different types of work, but both have
internship with Georgia-Pacific for next summer in helped me to know it’s all worth it!”
Lexington, KY. Taylor interned with Senator Roger
BULLDOG LEDGER 17TRINKLE EARNS RECOGNITION
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
Dr. Brad Trinkle’s research in the field of accounting has come through grants to further his research from
information systems is drawing ever-increasing attention PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the National
among both practitioners and academics. Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
The grant from PwC was for research examining the
The Adkerson School of Accountancy Assistant Professor adoption of XBRL for both internal and external
has earned an international reputation among researchers purposes. The NASBA grant was used to examine CPA
in his field, attested by the high interest in his work Exam pass rates and characteristics of the test takers.
shown by leading professional journals. The Brigham
Young University Accounting Rankings show that over Trinkle joined the ASAC faculty in 2011 and is an
the last six years, Trinkle is tied as the second most outstanding representative of the Adkerson School of
productive accounting information systems researcher Accountancy and Mississippi State, raising the profile of
among Southeastern Conference schools and tied as our school while making a real impact on the accounting
eighteenth worldwide. The rankings consider the number profession.
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
18 BULLDOG LEDGERA GIFT FOR EDUCATION
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.”
Horne’s John Scott (right) with ASAC Director Shawn Mauldin
The contribution will
support ASAC’s mission
in three areas: undergraduate scholarships, graduate Recognition Board to hosting recruiting events for high
scholarships and the newly created Horne Strategic school students interested in MSU. Scott is a member of
Initiative Fund. The fund will serve as a flexible resource the ASAC Advisory Council, and the firm often provides
to support high impact programs and various needs. speakers for events.
Horne has long been involved with the Adkerson School The firm has also developed a presence in Starkville
of Accountancy. Over the years the firm has established with the acquisition of Horne Cyber Solutions, a
several graduate and undergraduate scholarships. It subsidiary providing cybersecurity and other information
has partnered with the school in other ways, ranging technology services for clients. The Jackson, MS-based
from sponsoring the school’s Horne LLP Interactive firm has 17 locations, primarily in the Southeast.
BULLDOG LEDGER 19SCHOLARSHIPS AND RECOGNITIONS
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!
Student Recognition
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
Outstanding Graduate Students (from left) Sara McNair, Thomas Baxter,
Brett Garraway and Mai Hoang Quynh Le [not pictured: Grace McKellip]
Graduate Assistantships
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
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]
20 BULLDOG LEDGERScholarships
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, BKD’s Donna Bruce with BKD Accounting Excellence Scholarship
Hannah Gray, Brittany Johns recipients (from left) Bailey Butler, Ryan Cailteux, Victoria Lightner and
Keisha Robinson
CBIZ Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Ali Evans, Kenneth
Garraway KPMG Accounting Excellence Scholarship: William Brown,
Ann Mrozinski, Andrew Word
Dixon Hughes Goodman Freshman Accounting Excellence
Scholarship: Victoria Lightner Philip & Sandra Smith Endowed Scholarship: Adekunle
Arunaogun, Carrie McBride, Daniel Newman
Don Whitmire Scholarship: Morgan Cleavelin, YoungJin
Park, Annie Parker Reginald F. McDonald Annual Scholarship: Adekunle
Arunaogun, Daniel Crews
Donald & Linda Garrett Freshman Endowed Scholarship:
Bailey Butler, Haley Sutton, Caylinne Williams Roger Hill Memorial Scholarship: Jamie Allen, Zane Parker
Ernst & Young Annual Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Stephen Burwell Endowed Scholarship: Mara Baker, Griffin
Harrison Ciskowski, James Curtis Brown, Richard Chesnutt, Catherine Christie, Anna Curtis,
James Edwards, Daniel Garraway, Brian Haadsma, Elizabeth
Frank Jackson Graduate GAP Scholarship: Will Anding, Kimbrell, Kristen Johnson, Sawyer Leopold, Hannah Mantini,
Emily Ellsworth, Keelyn Frey, John He, Winburne Hughes, Lara Marshall, Anne Tatum McPherson, Jalisa Slater, Bailey
William Kuhn, Peyton O’Bannon, Elizabeth Patterson, Wright
Huiwon Yang
T.E. Lott & Company Accounting Excellence Scholarship:
Frank Jackson Graduate GAP Scholarship: Sarah Dorsey Shenika Roberson
Haddox Reid Eubank Betts LLP Accounting Excellence Troy Baldwin Memorial Accounting Scholarship: Morgan
Scholarship: Molly Carroll Buchanan, Thomas McDonald
Horne Accounting Excellence Scholarship: Katelyn Eaton, Warren Averett Scholarship: Anna Louise Henderson
Ali Evans, Hannah Gray, Leyna Hendley, Jacqueline Monnet,
Taylor Newton Wayne F. Cottingim Memorial Scholarship: Maxwell
Dombrowski
Horne Annual Graduate GAP Scholarship: Wesley Hulett,
Michelle Lewis William M. Gulledge, Sr. Memorial Scholarship: Ranarios
Hancock, Lane Tidwell, John Trinca
Jobie Melton Accounting Memorial Scholarship: Zachary
Ford, William Keeler, Kyle Watson, Joshua Wright
View more photos from the Adkerson School of
Joseph McIlwain Annual Scholarship: Ann Marie Ory Accountancy Spring Banquet at www.bulldogledger.com.
BULLDOG LEDGER 21THE WRIGHT WAY
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 “I’ve sung since I was young, and I knew I’d keep it up
interview at some of the conferences and has accepted a in college,” says Wright, who participated in national
spring 2017 tax internship with the Jackson firm. and state honor choirs in middle school and high school.
“Without it, I wouldn’t be nearly as happy as I am.”
Wright intentionally got a jump on the internship
interview process, which typically takes place during the She is a member of the Mississippi State Singers. As
fall, to help keep her full autumn schedule manageable. the university’s premiere vocal ensemble of about 50
members, the choir requires a commitment to three
She serves as President of the MSU chapter of the practices a week. While the group is composed of both
Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, an voice majors and non-majors, it was Wright who was
organization for which she was a founding officer in tapped as the soprano soloist in Fauré’s “Requiem”
2014. It now boasts about 75 members. The group performed last February with the Starkville-Mississippi
focuses on connecting with professional peers as well State University Symphony Orchestra. She also took part
as active community service, such as tax preparation in the Singers’ spring performance tour in Austria and the
assistance for low-income families. Czech Republic.
“Our main project this fall was the ‘Professional After graduation in December and her spring internship,
Perspective’ event, where we invited accounting Wright plans to start on her master’s degree and complete
professionals representing different types of careers it by May of 2018. No doubt she will continue to go all
to speak about their jobs and about how women can out to succeed. When asked how she manages to do so
succeed in the accounting world,” Wright notes. well in so many areas, her modest reply comes back:
The accounting major is also an artist. “Scheduling helps. I’m an extensive planner!”
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