N E W S F R O M T H E AU B U R N U N I V E R S I T Y S C H O O L O F AC C O U N TA N C Y
SUMMER DžΘDžDŽ
THRIVING
through
DISRUPTION
14
student spotlight Leading through Change: Willoughby, Kassen, and Todd
16
internship spotlight The Virtues of Virtual: Katherine Votaw and Casey White
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outstanding alumnus Realizing Potential: Joey Pierson
TOTAL NUMBER OF 2020 INTERNSHIPS
149
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HOURS
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Beta Alpha Psi service to the Auburn community from 2019 to 2020
ONEHUNDREDPERCENT Beta Alpha Psi seniors obtaining an internship for 2021:
DECL ARED ACCT MA JORS A S OF FALL 2020
87%
MACC STUDENTS ON A GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP WITH TUITION SUPPORT ACCT GRADUATES
270
{ Summer 2019 — Spring 2020 }
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
director’s MESSAGE ĭ×ďë ğ×ďéĔď ĆĔýďëé ĩûë ĭâĭğď õ×ãĭĊĩĿ ýď DžΘΘdž ×õĩëğ completing his doctorate at Virginia Tech. Currently, he serves as Taylor Professor and director of the School of Accountancy.
School of Accountancy 301 Lowder Hall 405 W Magnolia Avenue Auburn, Alabama 36849
I
N MARCH OF 2020, Auburn University announced we would be moving to a remote operations model and classes would be offered online. All of this occurred while the University was on spring break. Many other universities (and even programs on our own campus) struggled with this transition and the short notice. The Harbert College, and especially the School of Accountancy, was a notable exception. We were able to quickly leverage our 20 years of distance education and offer both our campus and online students a high-quality alternative. While no one anticipated the year, I have been amazed at the resiliency, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit of our students, alumni, and faculty. It is a special time to be part of the Auburn Family. We have truly thrived through disruption. In the summer of 2020, the University saw students lose internships, study abroad trips, and other opportunities. The School of Accountancy responded with additional course offerings and increased summer enrollment over 40%. Our commitment to our students continued into the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters where almost all SOA campus classes provided traditional face-to-face components while maintaining appropriate safety protocols. Our employers had to quickly pivot and evaluate what a meaningful experience would look like for their interns. Students learned valuable skills on individual accountability, networking, and being a valued team member while working remotely. Everything from Summer Leadership Programs to Meet the Firms went virtual for the very first time. I think we can safely say the process was successful, with 100% of Beta Alpha Psi seniors obtaining a Spring 2021 internship through virtual recruiting. We have heard from so many of you about the trials of working from home during a pandemic, but have also been impressed and blown away by the strides individuals and firms made when faced with difficult times. We will share several of these stories throughout the magazine. My hope for the future of our school and the accounting profession has never been stronger. We have witnessed students and alumni rise to the challenge and show that the Auburn Family has what it takes to be successful, no matter the situation. I look forward to hearing more of your stories and hope you are as inspired as I am by what we have included in these pages. War Eagle! Duane Brandon, PhD Taylor Professor and Director school of accountancy
334.844.5340 harbert.auburn.edu
The SOA Connection is a publication of Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business (HCOB) produced and distributed to alumni and friends of the School of Accountancy.
MANAGING EDITOR Andee Hodo, Director Accounting Graduate and Online Programs
CONTRIBUTORS Colby Lakas Director, Accounting Recruiting and Professional Development Allie Dyleski Administrator, Accounting Graduate and Online Programs Will Solomon Former President, Beta Alpha Psi Kate Jackson, Freelance Writer
PHOTOGRAPHY T2 Photography, t2photography.com LAYOUT DESIGN Kate and Robert Finkel PRINTING Craftmaster Printers Auburn, AL SUMMER 2021
3
4
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
in THIS issue Θlj
F E AT U R E S T O R Y
Thriving Through Disruption
12 Student News 22 Faculty News 28 Alumni News
32 Program Support
SUMMER 2021
5
FEATURE STORY
6
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
FEATURE STORY
THRIVING
through
DISRUPTION DISRUPTION. PERSEVERANCE. ADAPTATION.
Those are a few words that can be used to describe the unprecedented year of 2020. Auburn School of Accountancy students, faculty and alumni have proven they can rise to the challenge and not only embrace the disruption caused by COVID-19, but also transform and thrive. Stories from around the country show that accounting alumni have the skills and motivation needed to embrace change and make the most of any situation.
SUMMER 2021
7
FEATURE STORY
A Portal to PPP
Both Sides
Innovation is key in a crisis, and innovate is just what Jay Robbins’s Atlanta-based AGL CPA Group did in late March when they created the P3, an online portal helping business owners, CPAs, and other financial advisors navigate the federal Paycheck Protection Program. According to Robbins (BSBA ’05), PPP loans were vital for many pandemic-affected businesses, but the time-sensitive, complicated, and ever-changing application process to get those loans was daunting to most business owners. To help their own clients, AGL developed the software behind P3 to create a cost-effective, one-stop-shop platform for PPP applicants. However, they soon realized P3’s usefulness to other firms, especially smaller ones, so they released it to the mass market. In the months after, the P3 portal continued to help navigate the PPP process, and AGL is exploring new ways to use this adaptable software to help the CPA profession.
Is there a difference between virtual and in-person internships with the same firm? Yes, said SOA recent graduate Mackenzie Johnson, but in a good way. Johnson has seen internships at PwC from both vantage points. He interned at PwC’s Charlotte office in 2019 and received valuable hands-on experience and made great personal connections. His 2020 PwC internship was virtual, which saved him money on housing costs and opened his eyes to how productive virtual work can be. “It was a change and that is not always comfortable, but ironically, it was empowering,”he said. “It reassured me that I am flexible and I can adapt.”
J AY ROBBINS
8
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
MACKENZIE JOHNSON
FEATURE STORY
Flexibility IS THE KEY TO A
happy life Associate Professor Kerry Inger
Distance Recruiting
MEGAN L ANSDEN
In the 14 years Megan Ziemak Lansden (BSBA ’04; MAcc ’06) has recruited students for Ernst & Young’s Birmingham office, she’s has gotten face-toface time with the candidates; but this year was a different story. Thanks to COVID-19, recruitment events have become totally virtual, which limits social interactions but provides other advantages. “(Virtual) conversations are a lot more focused and intentional, and in some ways, we get to know students faster,” she said. However, virtual can also be intimidating. “It has a blind date feel at times, at least the first time,” she said. Her advice to students is to relax, be themselves, and ask questions. The first step, though, is to be proactive and apply. “Rest assured, we are still recruiting and hiring for internships and full-time jobs,” she said. “Make sure we see you this year!”
The Art of Engagement KERRY INGER
It’s not easy engaging students when half are sitting in class and the other half are sitting at home, but SOA Associate Professor Kerry Inger and the students in her federal tax research class got creative and made it work. Inger taught the class in a HyFlex instructional format that allows students to attend online or in-person. Though Inger, like many SOA faculty, was accustomed to teaching online and in the classroom, blending the two formats had its challenges, but they worked through technology glitches and attendance-keeping needs together and maximized Zoom for lectures, small group discussions, student presentations, and online office hours. They also found a much-appreciated Zoom-free way to handle some of the group presentations: podcasting, which resulted in some 30 episodes on the implications of everything from COVID-19 to fantasy sports. Inger believes many of these adaptations will be useful long after the pandemic is over; she says she learned that, “Flexibility is the key to a happy life.”
SUMMER 2021
9
FEATURE STORY
BUSINESSES NOW KNOW THEY HAVE
TO BE
agile
A N D T H E Y N E E D A FA B R I C T H AT CO N -
N E C TS O R G A N I Z AT I O N S A N D A L LO W S T H E M TO
pivot quickly. Victoria Titus, BSBA ’04; MAcc ’05
Auditing the Pandemic G R E G J E N K I N S,
T I N A L O R A A S, A N D
J O N AT H A N S TA N L E Y
Some professions are well suited to the work-from-home paradigm, but what about the audit sector, where on-site visits and auditor-client relationships are key components of the process? That’s the question SOA researchers Drs. Greg Jenkins, Jonathan Stanley, and Tina Loraas wondered about last spring as they, too, worked from home. They wanted to know the breadth of experiences people in the audit environment were having, including everything from their personal experience of working from home to their professional experience communicating with clients. And they wanted to know in the moment, so they quickly developed and disseminated a survey to auditors in firms ranging in size from small to large. Though they are still analyzing the responses, early results highlight the dichotomy of experiences among respondents. Ultimately, they hope this project will capture the moment while helping look toward the future.
10
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Caring More BROOK E WA LK ER
Ever since Brooke Walker (BSBA ’97; MAcc ’98) landed her dream job at Chick-fil-A nine years ago, she has been delighted to be a part of a forward-thinking, caring company, but never so much as in 2020. As Chick-fil-A’s director of sales tax, Walker was at the table as Chick-fil-A took steps to adjust to COVID-19—steps like fast-tracking plans to create third-party delivery partnerships and improving the company’s already legendary drive-through service. She’s also been part of Chick-fil-A’s herculean efforts to provide support and care for its employees and franchisees—efforts such as organizing virtual baby, wedding and holiday celebrations; providing aid for franchise operators negatively impacted by the pandemic; or supporting parents needing tutors for their children. As she noted, Chick-fil-A’s famous caring culture—one first instilled by its late founder, Truett Cathy—has always been there. “The pandemic was just an opportunity to care even more.”
MARY MCMULLEN
Collaboration Innovation
Preparing and sitting for the CPA Exam is demanding in the best of times, so imagine doing it in the midst of a global pandemic. That’s the scenario many MAcc students faced in March 2020, including Mary McMullen (BSBA ’19; MAcc ’20) who had completed two Exam sections and was studying for the REG section when COVID-19 closed campus. Back home in Louisiana, she spent an anxious month trying to find an open test center, finally getting a seat at one in Mississippi. Though it was stressful, McMullen said the delay proved beneficial. “I had an extra month to study,” she said, “and I got a lot more sleep than I might have otherwise. It taught me to be flexible and make-do when things change.”
FEATURE STORY
Testing Patience
VICTORIA TITUS
Victoria Titus (BSBA ’04; MAcc ’05) took a job with Slack, a six-year-old startup offering a cutting-edge collaboration system, in 2019 because she liked the company’s ethos and its commitment to “reducing the work of work.” She had no idea how much that would matter in 2020. Slack works by bringing people, information, and communication tools together on a single platform, accessible with a single login. An ingenious concept for businesses and individuals (i.e. organizing family vacations and Fantasy Football grids) before March 2020, Slack became essential to Amazon, Verizon, grocery chains, and other companies as they navigated the pandemic. Titus thinks it will be just as useful in the future. “Businesses now know they have to be agile,” she said. “And they need a fabric that connects organizations and allows them to pivot quickly.”
Sheltering in Place S TA N L E W I S
Stan Lewis (BSBA ’05) has spent much of his career with Goldman Sachs living in big cities like Hong Kong, London, and, most recently, New York City. But ever since March 2020, Lewis and his family have enjoyed small-town living. The Lewises came to Auburn, where he and his wife both have family, when the pandemic hit expecting to shelter in place for a few weeks. One year later, they’re still here, working remotely as their kids attend local schools. Sure, Lewis misses things about working in the city, including having face-to-face time with his team and clients—“People are a big part of my job,” he said, “and you can't stay engaged with your team and collaborate like you do in the office.” But he and his family have grown fond of life on the Plains, including an ever-expanding network of family and friends and, in the case of his three-year-old son, the pleasure of running barefoot across a lush, green lawn.
SUMMER 2021
11
STUDENT NEWS
12
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
STUDENT NEWS
student NEWS
V
IRTUAL LEARNING was a new concept for most campus accounting students this past year, but they did not let that distract them from accomplishing their goals. Beta Alpha Psi members were able to provide 2,500 service hours, even amid a pandemic. With over 400 declared accounting majors in the Harbert College of Business, 149 students still successfully completed an internship and 270 students graduated and moved on to the next phase of their career. Master of Accountancy students excelled on the CPA Exam with an 87% pass rate across all four sections, beating the MAcc all-time average, while completing classes and holding a graduate assistantship position. Accounting students proved to be resilient, focused and among Harbert College’s best.
SUMMER 2021
13
STUDENT NEWS
student SPOTLIGHT
Leading through Change: Willoughby, Kassen, and Todd —
W
hen the pandemic hit in March 2020, three SOA seniors were just starting new campus leadership positions. Though each were confronted by unprecedented challenges and dashed expectations, they didn’t falter. Instead, they proved their leadership prowess— and learned valuable lessons — by focusing on their fellow students instead of on their personal disappointments. Montgomery-Lee Todd, incoming president of Kappa Kappa Gamma, discovered her own adaptability as she worked to keep her sorority sisters connected during the initial shutdown and on through fall semester, including recruitment. Caroline Willoughby, SGA’s newly elected treasurer, set to work addressing such basic student needs as mental health, food security, and financial concerns. She learned the value of patience. And Hays Kassen, SGA’s new vice president, put his focus on helping develop and implement new ways for SGA to lead and serve through this and future crises, what he described as “the biggest learning experience of my life.”
From Top to Bottom: Caroline Willoughby, Hays Kassen, and Montgomery-Lee Todd. 14
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
STUDENT NEWS
beta ALPHA psi
Letter from BAP President
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— The fall semester’s format challenged many individuals and organizations on our campus to remain active while preserving health and safety. With regard to Auburn’s guidance and the preferences of professional partners, Beta Alpha Psi made the transition in August to a remote format. The virtual environment was difficult, but our members, executive board, and presenting firms adjusted well. We learned how to effectively conduct our meetings and events on Zoom, and even had fun doing it. While I wish we were able to gather in person, I am thankful that we could continue our weekly operations so our members could receive the numerous benefits and connections that BAP provides. I want to thank everyone involved in Beta Alpha Psi’s efforts for their flexibility this semester. It was an unusual time in higher education, but our chapter continues to remain Superior. Best, Will Solomon 2020 President epsilon omicron chapter beta alpha psi SUMMER 2021
15
STUDENT NEWS
internship SPOTLIGHT
The Virtues of Virtual: Katherine Votaw and Casey White —
T
hough SOA seniors Katherine Votaw and Casey White had concurrent internships in Florida Blue’s Jacksonville headquarters this summer, they never ran into one another. They didn’t actually run into their Florida Blue mentors, either. That’s because their internships, like many during the pandemic, went virtual, which was disappointing to both students, but also eye-opening. They certainly learned about accounting and finance practices in health insurance, but they also gained skills that will serve them well whether their careers begin virtually or in-person. For example, they both learned how to be more productive while working from home and the importance of being proactive and asking questions. “I wish I’d asked a lot more,” White said. “I was impressed that Florida Blue still wanted to have interns,” White said.
Katherine Votaw
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Casey White
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
STUDENT NEWS
internships
AFLAC
DELTA
JACKSON THORNTON
Columbus, GA
Atlanta, GA
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
DENT MOSES
Montgomery, AL Opelika, AL
Opelika, AL
Birmingham, AL
ALDRIDGE, BORDEN & COMPANY, P.C.
DIXON HUGHES GOODMAN
Montgomery, AL
Atlanta, GA
ALTEC CAPITAL
ENCOMPASS HEALTH
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham, AL
APRIO
EXXONMOBIL
Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL
Houston, TX
ARSENAL
Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Dallas, TX Greenville, SC Houston, TX Nashville, TN
Montgomery, AL BDO
Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX BENNETT THRASHER
Atlanta, GA BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA
Birmingham, AL BMSS
Birmingham, AL CARR, RIGGS & INGRAM
Nashville, TN CHICK-FIL-A, INC.
Atlanta, GA COHNREZNICK
Atlanta, GA DELOITTE
EY
FLORIDA BLUE
Jacksonville, FL FRAZIER & DEETER
Atlanta, GA GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Washington, DC HARBERT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Birmingham, AL HIMMELWRIGHT, HUGULEY & BOLES
Auburn, AL J.D. FROST & COMPANY
Chattanooga, TN
KASSOUF & CO.
Birmingham, AL KOCH INDUSTRIES
Atlanta, GA KPMG
Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL New York, NY St. Louis, MO Tyson’s Corner, VA LOWERY TAX AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
Fairhope, AL MACHEN MCCHESNEY
Auburn, AL MAULDIN & JENKINS
Atlanta, GA MDA PROFESSIONAL GROUP, P.C.
Albertville, AL MOORE COLSON
Atlanta, GA MYERS AND STAUFFER
Atlanta, GA PEARCE, BEVILL, LEESBURG, MOORE
Birmingham, AL PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Birmingham, AL
Atlanta, GA
SUMMER 2021
17
STUDENT NEWS
(I NT E R N S H I P S C O N T I N UE D )
director of RECRUITING and
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PWC
Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Charlotte, NC Dallas, TX Houston, TX Nashville, TN San Francisco, CA BOATNER & PUGH CPAS
Gadsden, AL RSM
Birmingham, AL Nashville, TN RYMAN HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES
Nashville, TN SALTMARSH, CLEAVELAND & GUND
Pensacola, FL SHOALS ACCOUNTING
Tuscumbia, AL SOUTHERN WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC
Dallas, TX
H
ow many times have you heard the phrase, “We are living in unprecedented times.”? While this is certainly true, what I came to realize during this pandemic is that certain precedents remain even amidst times that are unprecedented. The SOA has a reputation to uphold and COVID should not stop us! As you know, here at Auburn University, we pride ourselves on offering an unmatched level of service to our stakeholders. When we were initially greeted by the challenges of a remote learning/work environment, the thought crossed our minds, “Maybe we’ll get some grace if we pump the brakes a bit.” However, is that the Auburn way? Of course not! So, it was full speed ahead with providing the same experience we always do, while navigating a few virtual hurdles. A virtual adaptation of our Meet the Firms events, Financial Accounting Stars Banquet, Beta Alpha Psi meetings/ service projects, and generating plenty of social media content allowed us to stay the course and maintain our precedent of excellence. We are thankful for the dedicated SOA faculty, students, professional partners, and alumni for continuing to pour into our program and allowing us to stay relevant and top-notch in a virtual world. War Eagle! Colby Lakas director of recruiting and professional development
TIDWELL GROUP
SCAN FOR BETA ALPHA PSI
Birmingham, AL WARREN AVERETT
Atlanta, GA Birmingham, AL Huntsville, AL WEAR, HOWELL, STRICKLAND, QUINN & LAW, LLC
thank you to the sponsoring firms & organizations that help support the mission of beta alpha psi.
Decatur, AL WILKINS MILLER
Mobile, AL
18
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
PROFESSIONAL PARTNER LISTING
STUDENT NEWS
director of GRADUATE and ONLINE PROGRAMS
W
MACC CLASS OF 2021 ģĩĭéëďĩģ ĸĔĊĭďĩëëğýďö ×ĩ QĩĔğĿâğĔĔĈ "×ğĎģ ýď BĝëĊýĈ×dz Ċ×â×Ď×Dz
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hile pride is not an adjective that most people use to describe 2020, that is what comes to mind as I reflect on the last year. The spring semester is always a difficult semester for the campus Master of Accountancy students. Studying and sitting for all four sections of the CPA Exam while taking six hours of graduate level coursework and working their required hours each week for their graduate assistantship is enough to challenge even the strongest individual. Add in the uncertainty of a pandemic where testing centers experienced undetermined closures and frequent exam cancellations, it was enough to make anyone question whether it was all worth it. Not our MAcc students. I was amazed at the resiliency of our students and the drive they showed to still complete all four sections of the CPA Exam in a timely manner. Driving four hours to a testing center or being forced to reschedule each section four to five times was not enough to stop the MAcc Class of 2020 from producing the superior results that are the hallmark of the Auburn MAcc Program. Our online accounting programs have paved the way for quality distance education for over 20 years. While our online students were accustomed to virtual learning, they now had to balance working from home, childcare and educating their own children virtually, and the uncertainty of COVID-19. Once again, Auburn students persevered and excelled in their online classes while fighting through the disruption of a pandemic. I could not be prouder of our faculty for transitioning to virtual learning with three days’ notice. I could not be prouder of our MAcc and online students for fighting through adversity and still succeeding. I could not be prouder to be an alumnus of Auburn University and how the institution weathered the COVID-19 storm. War Eagle! Andee Hodo, CPA director, graduate and online programs
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SUMMER 2021
19
STUDENT NEWS
macc OVERVIEW S
trong performance on the four sections of the CPA Exam has been a hallmark of the MAcc Program since it was embedded in the program in 2005. The MAcc Class of 2020 was no exception, even when dealing with exam cancellations, testing center closures, social distancing, and masks. With the fourth best performance in the 16-year history of the Exam in the program, the MAcc Class of 2020 excelled on all four sections.
Auburn MAcc Program Class of 2020 CPA Exam Pass Rates EXAM SECTION "*= = * 8 Ǚ" Mǚ [Q*= QQ Ǚ ǚ M #[8 W*B= ǙM #ǚ [ *W Ǚ [ ǚ
AUBURN MACC PROGRAM*
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90%
46%
86%
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88% 86%
62% 65%
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2020-2021 MACC AMBASSADORS — The Auburn MAcc Ambassadors, the official hosts/hostesses of the Auburn MAcc Program, represent not only the MAcc Program but also the School of Accountancy by giving tours to prospective students, assisting with alumni events, and organizing MAcc social events. Led by the Martin Fellow, this select group of students represents the best of the MAcc class each year. Left to Right: Hallie Hunt, Lawrence DeGuzman, Makenzie Warnick, Caroline Richards, Julia Matthews
MARTIN FELLOW AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY — Makenzie Warnick was selected as the 2020-2021 Martin Fellow, becoming the 11th Martin Fellow at Auburn University. Gary Martin established the Martin Fellowship in 2010 to provide a deserving graduate student the opportunity to work in a meaningful fellowship role and prepare the graduate fellow to understand the importance of philanthropy and of remaining engaged as an alumnus volunteer leader. The Martin Fellow is the most prestigious graduate assistantship awarded to Master of Accountancy students and provides financial support of a monthly stipend, full tuition waiver, and covers all university and college fees. The School of Accountancy is grateful for Mr. Martin's continued support of the MAcc Program. 20
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
STUDENT NEWS
online PROGRAMS
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NEW MACC PROGRAM COMING 2021 — While we have offered accounting prerequisites online for the Master of Accountancy since 2005, we often hear of students who would prefer to start directly in the Master of Accountancy program for numerous reasons. We are thrilled to offer the Master of Accountancy for non-accounting majors beginning fall 2021. Students with an undergraduate degree in any discipline who have completed eight business foundation courses will now be eligible to apply. The new version of the MAcc will require 42 semester hours with waivers available for up to 12 hours for those with an undergraduate background in accounting. If you know of someone without an accounting degree who would like to earn a Master of Accountancy, please tell them to contact Andee Hodo at 334-844-6207 or andee.hodo@auburn.edu to learn more.
ONLINE MACC STUDENT WINS ELIJAH WATT SELLS AWARD — Noah McCutcheon, a 2019 graduate of the MAcc program, was one of 137 Elijah Watt Sells Award Winners for 2019 for achieving an average score of 95.5 across all four sections of the CPA Exam. Noah completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia and currently works for United Parcel Service in Atlanta. Congrats Noah!
ONLINE PROGRAMS OFFERED AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY
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SUMMER 2021
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FACULTY NEWS
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
FACULTY NEWS
faculty NEWS
S
CHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY faculty had a banner year in 2020, despite a pandemic. While teaching 169 different classes and almost 9,000 students, SOA faculty were still able to present at 38 conferences as well as publish 15 research papers and five textbooks. Other highlights from the year include receiving a PwC INQuires grant for funding of curriculum development, serving on 11 editorships and/or editorial boards, and Dr. Kerry Inger winning a best paper award at the American Taxation Association Midyear Meeting. The School of Accountancy faculty is also highly ranked by BYU’s Accounting Rankings, including #1 in Educational Cases, #3 in Experimental AIS Research, and #17 in Experimental Audit Research.
SUMMER 2021
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FACULTY NEWS
awards & recognitions University Teaching Awards
— Dr. Kerry Inger, associate professor, was recognized with multiple honors at Auburn University’s 2020 Faculty Awards ceremony. She received the highest teaching honor, the Gerald and Emily Leischuck Endowed Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching. The award, created in 2005 by alumni and retired administrators Gerald and Emily Leischuck, recognizes two full-time, tenured faculty members who have demonstrated effective and innovative teaching methods, along with a continuing commitment to student success through advising and mentoring. Dr. Inger also was the recipient of the Alumni Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award. This honor recognizes the outstanding teaching of undergraduates from nominations made by department heads, deans, alumni, and students. A committee of retired faculty selects the recipients.
SEC Academic Fellow
— Dr. Duane Brandon, Taylor Professor and Director of the School of Accountancy, was one of six faculty members chosen to represent Auburn University as a Provost Fellow for the 2020-21 academic year. The SEC Academic Leadership Development Program seeks to identify, prepare and advance academic leaders for roles within SEC institutions and beyond. It has three components: a university-level development program designed by each institution for its own participants; two SEC-wide, three-day workshops held on specified campuses for all program participants; and a competitive fellowship designed to provide administrative growth opportunities for former fellows. 24
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
FACULTY NEWS
publications & conferences Dunn, R.T., J.G. Jenkins, and M.D. Sheldon, Forthcoming. “Bitcoin and Blockchain: Audit Implications of the Killer Bs.” Issues in Accounting Education. Holt, T. & T. Loraas, Forthcoming. “Does data ambiguity lead to suboptimal auditor judgment and decision-making?” Accounting Horizons. Bauckloh, T., Hardeck, I., Inger, K., Wittenstein, P., and Zwergel, B, Forthcoming. “Spillover Effects of Tax Avoidance on Peers’ Firm Value” The Accounting Review.
2020 SGA Final Lecture
— Bob Cochran, senior lecturer in the School of Accountancy, was voted by students to give the illustrious Final Lecture. The annual Final Lecture is an opportunity for seniors to hear their favorite professors present before them one last time — one final lesson, either in academics or life. Cochran, who has been at Auburn since 2005, teaches Business Law to all Harbert College of Business students.
Jenkins, J.G., V. Popova, and M.D. Sheldon. 2020. “Monitoring the Accounting Profession Under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct: An Analysis of State Board of Accountancy Participation.” Journal of Accounting and Public Policy, Vol. 39, Issue 3. Sheldon, M.D. and J.G. Jenkins. 2020. “The Influence of Firm Performance and (level of) Assurance on the Believability of Management’s Environmental Report.” Accounting, Auditing, and Accountability Journal, Vol. 33, No. 3: 501-528. Key, K.G. and J.Y. Kim. 2020. “IFRS and Accounting Quality: Additional Evidence from Korea,” 39 Journal of International Accounting, Auditing and Taxation 39.
Departmental Awards
Long, J. H. and R. Nothhelfer. 2020. “Chemotech International, Inc.: Accounting for International Differences in the Measurement of Raw Material and Work-in-Process Inventories.” Issues in Accounting Education, 35(3): 57-67; TN: 35-47. L. Cooper, K. Key and M. Mathis, Forthcoming. “S Corporations and IRC 199A: Tax Planning and Projections – A Tax Case” Issues in Accounting Education.
SOA OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD Dr. James Long professor
SOA OUTSTANDING RESEARCH AWARD Dr. Greg Jenkins professor
Mathis, M., L. Kuthere, and J. Downes, Forthcoming. “Firm-Specific Currency Exposure, Repatriation, and the Market Value of Repatriation Taxes” Journal of the American Taxation Association. Mathis, M. Forthcoming. “A Reexamination of Earnings Management through Permanently Reinvested Earnings” Journal of the American Taxation Association.
SUMMER 2021
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FACULTY NEWS
faculty SPOTLIGHT
new FACULTY Paul W. Black
A Fresh Perspective: Travis Holt —
A
ssociate Professor Dr. Travis Holt understands the value of sharing real-world stories with his students, which is why he’s living in an apartment in New Jersey. Holt moved there in August to start a two-year stint as an academic fellow with KPMG’s Global Solutions Group, which updates audit guidance, knowledge, and methodology firm-wide. As a fellow, Holt helps guide the company’s global academic research efforts through such duties as reviewing grant proposals, synthesizing literature, and connecting with other academics across the globe. Because of the pandemic, Holt works primarily from his apartment, which means he has to connect virtually with far-flung colleagues in places like Germany and Chile. “The hardest thing is making sure (no one) has to get online at midnight,” he said, “but we’re making it work.” When Holt returns to the Plains in 2022, he expects to have “a plethora of new experiences” to share with students and apply to his own research.
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
— The School of Accountancy welcomed Paul W. Black fall semester 2020 as an assistant professor. Dr. Black specializes in managerial accounting research using experimental research methods. He currently teaches Intermediate Accounting I. Dr. Black loves his students and enjoys helping them learn the fundamentals of accounting and progress toward their goals. Dr. Black holds a PhD in business administration (emphasis in Accounting) from the University of South Carolina, and master and bachelor’s degrees in accounting from Brigham Young University. While in his PhD program, Dr. Black taught managerial and financial accounting courses and received outstanding teaching evaluations, as well as various other awards and honors. Prior to entering graduate school, Dr. Black interned with KPMG in Silicon Valley. Dr. Black moved to Auburn over the summer with his family. His wife, Jennette, and two children Dallin (4), and Lucy (2) love Auburn and are excited to join the Auburn Family!
FACULTY NEWS
faculty PROMOTIONS Two Senior Faculty Promoted to Full Professor
— The School of Accountancy proudly announces the promotion of Dr. James H. Long and Dr. Jonathan Stanley to professor effective fall semester 2020. Dr. Long graduated from Auburn (BSBA ’01, MAcc ’02) and began his career as an auditor with Gifford, Hillegass, & Ingwersen, LLP in Atlanta, GA, before taking a position as an Internal Audit Manager with National Vision, Inc. In 2009, he received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and returned to Auburn to join the School of Accountancy faculty. Dr. Long serves as the director of the School of Accountancy's international programs and teaches financial accounting, business valuation, and international business classes. He has received a myriad of university, college, departmental and external teaching and research awards and served as a Fulbright Scholar in Hungary. He has also delivered continuing professional education courses for public accounting firms and professional organizations. Dr. Stanley holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting, Master of Taxation, and PhD from the University of Alabama. He joined the Auburn faculty in 2009 after beginning his career with EY and then spending time on the faculty at Clemson University. He currently serves as the Director of Assurance of Learning for the Harbert College of Business. His research focuses on the determinants of audit quality and the information contained in audit disclosures. His work has been published in various journals and he has received several awards in recognition of research and teaching. Dr. Stanley has taught a variety of auditing and financial accounting courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Currently, he teaches Intermediate Accounting I and Advanced Accounting Topics to undergraduate accounting and MAcc students.
Accounting Faculty Selected as Physicians Executive MBA Faculty Director
— Dr. Brian Vansant, associate professor, was chosen to serve as the first Faculty Director of the Physicians Executive MBA Program. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Graduate and International Programs in the Harbert College of Business, Dr. Vansant will serve as a champion for program success, innovation, and continuous improvement and as a liaison between program faculty and administrators. He will also serve as the core faculty representative for program applicants, students, alumni, the MBA Advisory Board, and external entities. SUMMER 2021
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ALUMNI NEWS
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
ALUMNI NEWS
alumni NEWS
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he School of Accountancy is grateful to our dedicated and engaged alumni who continue to give back to the school, college, and our students. Our success is due to your continued support. Over the last 35 years, the SOA has conferred 6,794 undergraduate degrees, 1,054 Master of Accountancy degrees, and 49 undergraduate and graduate certificates. Alumni reside in 49 states and 12 countries representing the Auburn Family far and wide. Even during a pandemic, SOA alumni were recognized and rewarded for their achievements and we are proud to share their accomplishments. Be sure to watch for your invite to the 2021 Alumni and Friends Tailgate this fall. We can’t wait until we can celebrate together again in person!
SUMMER 2021
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ALUMNI NEWS
outstanding ALUMNUS Realizing Potential: SOA Outstanding Alumnus Joey Pierson
J —
oey Pierson (BSBA ’86) looks for potential in unlikely places, perhaps because someone found potential in him. Actually, several people saw Pierson’s potential when, after spending two fun but academically lackluster years as an engineering major, he transferred into Auburn’s accounting program. Among them was Dr. Gary Waters. “I was goofing off enough that I don’t think I would have graduated if not for Dr. Waters,” Pierson said. “He saw something in me despite my background.” Waters also helped Pierson land his first job with Arthur Young (now EY), where Pierson worked full tilt for the next 14 years. In 2001, Pierson was ready for a change and began exploring possible options. Though he could have moved to another large firm, Pierson made an unlikely choice. He took a job as CFO of Birmingham-based Tacala, LLC, which was the largest Taco Bell franchisee in the country at the time but was just coming out of a work-out. They needed a CFO to get the company back on track; Pierson wanted a job with reasonable hours. “I remember my daughter saying, ‘Daddy has to go to work at Taco Bell,’” Pierson said, admitting that taking that job wasn’t logical, but “it felt like the right thing to do.” It was. Within four years, Pierson had Tacala’s balance sheet cleaned up and the company growing again. By 2012, Pierson and his partners (with the backing of a private equity firm) bought out Tacala’s founders and, today, the company remains the largest Taco Bell franchisee in the United States with more than 320 Taco Bell restaurants in seven southeastern states. Pierson is now a partner, co-CEO, and CFO of Tacala, and he also leads another large Taco Bell franchisee (Big 12) and serves on numerous Taco Bell and quick-service food industry boards and committees. Pierson’s ability to see potential in unlikely situations became especially important after Friday, March 13, 2020, when President Trump declared a national state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Pierson, Taco Bell sales
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immediately began dropping 25 to 30 percent, but rebounded after quick-service restaurants were deemed “essential services” and as CARES Act stimulus checks began arriving. “It took about 35 to 40 days and our sales came back to about normal,” he said. “And that’s with all the business coming through the drive-through.” Through this process, Pierson said he and his companies have learned valuable lessons for the future, including the importance of seeing—and seizing—potential even in a crisis. For example, the shift to drive-through, pre-ordered take-out, and third-party delivery services has increased efficiency and profitability at his restaurants, but also illustrated the commitment of his employees who remained at work during the pandemic. “We kept our employees employed (throughout the pandemic),” Pierson said, but the company has also worked to support and reward them for their efforts by providing additional COVID sick pay and “hero” bonuses. Supporting those who support you is something Pierson understands first-hand, and it’s also something he has held dear ever since he graduated from Auburn. Over the last four decades, he’s served on the SOA advisory council and helped fund numerous SOA projects. He’s also generously supported Auburn’s football, basketball, and baseball programs, which led to a 2017 naming opportunity: the Joey Pierson Family Courtside Lounge in Auburn’s basketball arena. And perhaps the greatest lesson he’s learned over his career is to look for potential even when it’s not obvious. “You might find that diamond in the rough.”
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
milestones Linda Lou Henry Mathis
— Linda Lou Henry Mathis, age 75, formerly of Opelika, passed away peacefully in the care of Memorial Gables in Marysville, Ohio, on Saturday, August 1, 2020. Ms. Mathis was born in Washington, D.C. on December 31, 1944. She was the second child of Dr. Richard and Mary Elizabeth Henry. Ms. Mathis was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and was a graduate of Broadmoor High School in 1963. She attended Louisiana State University and was a proud LSU fan. Ms. Mathis retired from Auburn University in 2006 after having worked for 28 years as a secretary in the School of Accountancy in the College of Business. She was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama for over 30 years. Ms. Mathis was most known for her faith, love of her church family, and giving out smiley face pass-it-on cards to everyone.
Vivan (Jo) Chateau
— Vivian was born in Waynesboro, Mississippi on July 23, 1936. Following a life most wonderfully lived, Vivian passed away on May 8, 2020. Vivian was married to Clausell Blackwell, Jr. in December 1955. Together they had three children who she fiercely adored. In 1973, Vivian graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accountancy from the University of South Alabama and became a Board Certified Public Accountant in 1977. Decades later, colleagues have called her "one of the founding greats" and "a stalwart in the profession." To that end, Vivian served as the Council President of the Alabama Society of CPA's in 1998, as well as past Chapter Officer, Board of Directors, Alabama Tax Legislative Committee, Alabama Federal Tax Clinic Board of Trustees, the AICPA Council and the Auburn University School of Accountancy Advisory Council from 1998-2015. In 1983, Vivian married Lt. Col. Louis Arthur Chateau, Sr. (U.S. Army, Ret.) Together with Lou, Vivian cheered on her beloved Auburn Tigers from Section 32, Row 28. For her, tailgating was an art, and their time in Auburn cultivated life-long relationships with friends that grew to be family. She leaves behind her family on the sure foundation that she helped to build, and she will be forever missed.
ALUMNI NEWS
in MEMORY
Awards AMY KING Georgia Society of CPAs – 2020 Outstanding Member in Industry Award
Promotions DAN CHANDLER ’02 Partner, KPMG LLP Atlanta BRETT DUDNEY ’07,’08 Partner, Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Birmingham JOHN S. FENDLEY ’81 President and CEO, Jackson Thornton CHUCK FREEMAN ’05 Partner, RSM US LLP Birmingham LACEY HEATH ’04, ’05 Partner, Mauldin & Jenkins , LLC Birmingham MARGARET POWELL ’00, ’01 Partner, RSM US LLP Birmingham WILLIAM SHEFFIELD ’05, ’06 Principal, Jackson Thornton Opelika T. VAN TREFETHEN ’11 Member, Warren Averett Birmingham JESSICA WEISSINGER ’07 Chief Operating Officer, Frazier & Deeter, LLC Atlanta
SUMMER 2021
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PROGRAM SUPPORT
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
PROGRAM SUPPORT
program SUPPORT
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he School of Accountancy faculty and students would not be able to succeed without the generous gifts of time and money by our alumni and friends. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 73 students received over $150,000 in scholarships through the generosity of our alumni and friends of the SOA. With over 350 individual donors, SOA faculty provide leading-edge pedagogy and produce globally recognized research. The 50-member Advisory Council donates their time, insight, and recommendations to help make the School of Accountancy one of the best in the nation.
On the Left: MAcc students make use of the Dick and Terry Ingwersen MAcc Library.
SUMMER 2021
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PROGRAM SUPPORT
scholarship SPOTLIGHT
scholarships
& AWARDS
Need-based Giving —
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eather White Dooley (MAcc ’13) and her husband, Taylor (an Auburn building science graduate), ascribe to Dave Ramsey’s personal finance philosophy: “If you will live like no one else, later you can live (and give) like no one else.” The Dooleys are proud sponsors of a new need-based SOA scholarship, the first of which was awarded in March 2020. Why need-based? Because the GPAs of students who must work to pay for school and living expenses often aren’t high enough to qualify for many scholarships, yet their need is great. “We wanted to support those students,” Heather said. The scholarship isn’t endowed yet, but the Dooleys plan to add to it over time, and they believe it’s a great way for younger alumni to start stretching their “giving muscles.”
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AFLAC, INC. ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Grant Fielding Chelsea, AL Will Levant Vestavia Hills, AL ALABAMA SOCIETY OF CPAS ACCOUNTING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Brittany Rowe Oak Ridge, TN ALDRIDGE, BORDEN & COMPANY, P.C. ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Emma Dean Dothan, AL
Gamechangers
AMANDA AND JEFF FOSTER ENDOWED FFE
G
APRIO ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
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enerosity has changed the life of SOA senior Scott Lowery, a first-generation college student who never planned to go to college. However, that all changed when Lowery met SOA alumna Jenny Wakeford (BSBA ’04) at an Auburn football game in 2012. After several years of cajoling, Wakeford convinced Lowery to go to college - in Auburn's accountancy program of course. Wakeford’s connections, along with help from other SOA mentors, also helped Lowery land an internship with Deloitte. What’s more, Lowery received an SOA scholarship that meant he could quit one of the three jobs he juggled throughout his college career and concentrate on his schoolwork. “I don’t know if the scholarship donors know the impact they have on the lives of students,” he said. “Especially this year, when there are so many uncertainties, this is a game changer.”
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NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Alex Williams Guntersville, AL Isaiah Messer Anderson, AL ASCPA EAST ALABAMA CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP
Savannah Street Fairhope, AL ASCPA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
Brittany Rowe Oak Ridge, TN ASCPA/KASSOUF & COMPANY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Mallie Saville Helena, AL BARFIELD, MURPHY, SHANK & SMITH, P.C. ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
William Schaffeld Birmingham, AL
JERE AND SARA BEASLEY ENDOWED
SCHOLARSHIP
SCHOLARSHIP
Phillip Bethea Birmingham, AL
Colin Wheeler Vestavia Hills, AL
BORLAND BENEFIELD, P.C.
JERRY LEWIS SAVAGE MEMORIAL
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Ally Bean Notasulga, AL
Scott Lowery Lanett, AL
C.G. MILLS ENDOWMENT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL
JOHN P. JONES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
EXCELLENCE IN ACCOUNTANCY
IN THE SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Hallie Hunt Newnan, GA Rebecca Michaels Dunwoody, AL
Alyssa Vess Birmingham, AL Tyler Garner Birmingham, AL
COHNREZNICK, LLP ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
KEN AND MISSY BAGGETT ENDOWED
Janie Robison Gurley, AL
SCHOLARSHIP IN ACCOUNTING
DELOITTE, LLP ENDOWED ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Addi Reeves Chapin, SC Hunter Short Columbus, MS Kristen Casey Birmingham, AL DICK AND TERRY INGWERSEN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Ivey Pugh Vestavia Hills, AL Katie Wiggins Atmore, AL
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ERNST & YOUNG, LLP ACCOUNTING FELLOWSHIP
Kelsey Hill Lake Forest, IL Trey Cheatham Decatur, AL Amy Hall Tampa, FL Caroline Ozgun Hoover, AL Gracie Braswell Auburn, AL Maggie McCrory Dunwoody, AL
PROGRAM SUPPORT
BENNETT THRASHER, P.C. ACCOUNTING
Shenandoah Terry Ivortyon, CT KPMG, LLP ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Mattie Helms Brentwood, TN Taylor Neff Suwanee, GA
FEDERATION OF SCHOOLS OF ACCOUNTANCY
DORIS TANQUARY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Nick McDaniel Houston, TX
Madison Foster Athens, AL
ELTON & JANET WOLF ENDOWED
FRAZIER & DEETER, LLC ACCOUNTING
SCHOLARSHIP IN ACCOUNTING
SCHOLARSHIP
Alissa Beattie Midland, TX
Maizie Summersell Mobile, AL GRANT HOBDY HAYGOOD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Keeley Leisure Alexander City, AL Taylor Hall Owens Cross Roads, AL
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GREG BURGESS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
L. PAUL KASSOUF & COMPANY, P.C.
IN ACCOUNTANCY
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Ben Atchley Valley Head, AL
Sarah McDaniel Hoover, AL
HEATHER AND TAYLOR DOOLEY ANNUAL
LAVERNE TAYLOR FLANAGAN
SCHOLARSHIP
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Katharine Mandy Alabaster, AL
Katherine Votaw Ponte Vedra, FL
JACKSON THORNTON ACCOUNTING
MACHEN MCCHESNEY, LLP ANNUAL SCHOLAR-
SCHOLARSHIP
SHIP IN THE SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Jennifer Shirah Dothan, AL
Benjamin Helms Montgomery, AL
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PROGRAM SUPPORT
graduate
(SC HO L A R S H I P S & A W A R D S C O N T I N U E D )
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PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP
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FELLOWSHIP
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Mary Catherine Hyde Mobile, AL Sarah Czaicki Parker, CO
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R. BERNARD BLANKENSHIP SCHOLARSHIP IN ACCOUNTANCY
Nathan Merin Hoover, AL
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RICK AND KIM READ ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Nicole Hamblet Georgetown, TX RSM US, LLP ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP <*W ( 88 < " 8m
MAULDIN & JENKINS, LLC ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Mitchell McFeely Hampton Cove, AL MELBA C. PEEBLES ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Laura Pettus Auburn, AL Maggie Knighton Hoover, AL METCALF DAVIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Emma Grace Kerlin Huntersville, NC PEARCE, BEVILL, LEESBURG, MOORE, P.C.
SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY ADVISORY COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIP
Anna Lee Decatur, AL SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY FACULTY AND STAFF SCHOLARSHIP
Jack Wyatt Springville, AL Kelsey Ching Coppell, TX Maggie Mince Vestavia Hills, AL Rachel Wallace Tuscaloosa, AL Riley Hurst Decatur, AL
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
THOMAS W. AND PATRICIA M. TRIPP
Paxton DeSimone Trussville, AL
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
PHILIP MARSHALL MCELROY MEMORIAL
WARREN AVERETT, LLC
Jacob Quinn Decatur, AL
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIP
Alex Wang Auburn, AL J T Paul Brentwood, TN Jacqueline Lewis Roswell, GA Mary Frances Brown Demopolis, AL Montgomery-Lee Todd Wilsonville, OR
Hallie Hunt, Newnan, GA 2020-2021 EY Fellow ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Mason Gay Milton, GA
SCHOLARSHIP
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS, LLP
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Ashley Thomas Fairhope, AL Hannah Williams Hoover, AL
Katelyn Drain Crossville, AL Chaney Williams Birmingham, AL John Paul Rumore Hoover, AL Lydia Whitt Enterprise, AL WILLIAM J. NETTLES ENDOWED MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Miller Inman Franklin, TN
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
Anna Lee, Decatur, AL 2020-2021 PwC Fellow PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
We proudly welcome the following individuals to the SOA Advisory Council. Their professional experiences and devotion to Auburn will undoubtedly add value as
we strive to achieve our mission of being a preeminent School of Accountancy.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
new MEMBERS Chuck Freeman PARTNER, BUSINESS TAX RSM US LLP
Chuck Freeman provides tax services to a variety of public and private companies in the financial institution, manufacturing, distribution, retail, and healthcare industries. He focuses primarily on consolidated corporate federal and state income tax returns, as well as tax consulting related to mergers and acquisitions, accounting periods and methods, and other general tax planning. Chuck has extensive experience in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. Chuck has experience with several tax software applications including OneSource Tax Provision, CorpTax Provision and Compliance, and ProSystems. Chuck has practiced in public accounting for more than 16 years. Chuck leads the Alabama Market Consumer Products and Industrial Products Launch Team and the Southeast Automotive Launch Team and is the Tax Talent Experience Partner for the Birmingham office.
Jessica Weissinger, CPA COO, ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT AUDIT PRINCIPAL, FRAZIER & DEETER
As the COO of the Assurance practice of Frazier & Deeter (F&D), Jessica Weissinger is responsible for managing the operations of the department, including over 100 personnel across 5 offices. Her duties include resource planning and recruiting, scheduling, budgeting, staff development and training. As a Principal in the Assurance practice of F&D, Jessica is primarily responsible for providing assurance services to clients, specifically coordinating and executing financial statement audits and reviews. She works with companies in the private sector, focusing on the manufacturing & distribution, professional services and hospitality industries. Jessica also works closely with the firm’s audit methodology to ensure quality and consistency of procedures throughout the assurance practice.
Jamey Ramsey MANAGING DIRECTOR — TAX, MEDICAL PROPERTIES TRUST
Jamey Ramsey is a Managing Director for Medical Properties Trust. As Managing Director, Jamey oversees the global tax function for the company. Jamey joined Medical Properties Trust in 2016 as Tax Director, and has worked closely with the Company’s senior leadership since his arrival. Jamey has over 15 years of experience in tax and accounting leading tax functions for public corporations. Prior to joining Medical Properties Trust, Jamey was Tax Director at Walter Energy where he oversaw the tax function from 2010 until joining Medical Properties Trust. He began his career with KPMG in 2004 and spent 6 years in the federal tax practice assisting client’s with tax planning, compliance and financial reporting. Jamey was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting (2003) and earned a master’s degree in accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (2006). Jamey is also a Certified Public Accountant. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Alabama. SUMMER 2021
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PROGRAM SUPPORT
advisory COUNCIL
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Lori Arthurs Senior Associate AD/CFO
Emily Farrell Director
Will Jones Principal
Jerry Moore Treasurer & Controller
AUBURN UNIVERSITY,
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
JACKSON THORNTON
ALTEC INDUSTRIES
Chuck Freeman Partner
Ric Kimball Principal
Christopher Munday Senior Manager
RSM US LLP
KPMG LLP - ATLANTA
DELOITTE, LLP
Brad Garland Consultant
Richard King Director of Charitable Giving
Darren Neuschwander Managing Member
BRAND, BLACKWELL, & COMPANY LLP
ALABAMA POWER COMPANY
GREEN, NEUSCHWANDER
Mike Geeslin Manager
Kurt Koons Partner
GEESLIN GROUP LLC
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Will Geeslin Certified Public Accountant
Michael Lange Partner
GEESLIN GROUP LLP
APRIO, LLP
Clinton Gilmore Partner
Megan Lansden Partner
ROBINSON, GRIMES, & COMPANY, P.C.
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
Douglas Grant Partner
Ben Leaver Vice President of Finance
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
ROBINS & MORTON
Art Guy Partner (Retired)
Harrison Lewis Senior Manager
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
Laura Hanks Senior Manager
Jonathan Mayer Managing Director
BMSS, LLC
KPMG LLP
Steve Harrison Partner
Brian McNeely Partner
DELOITTE LLP
REAGAN CONSULTING
Greg Henderson President & CEO
Robert Miller Partner
SOUTHEAST ALABAMA GAS DISTRICT
CARR RIGGS AND INGRAM LLC
Greg Heston Partner
Ryan Mills Partner
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
COHNREZNICK LLP
Ryan Inlow Partner in Charge
Glenn Mitchell Atlanta Managing Partner
MAULDIN & JENKINS, LLC
ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
Anthony Banks Senior Tax Manager DELOITTE LLP
Lamar Barnett VP, US Internal Audit AFLAC, INC.
Steve Barranco Member WARREN AVERETT, LLC
Wes Brown Director KASSOUF & CO., P.C.
Mallory Burks Audit Manager KPMG LLP
Matt Cessna Merchant THE HOME DEPOT
David Chandler Partner ALDRIDGE, BORDEN & COMPANY, P.C.
Lee Corte Partner DELOITTE LLP
Chad Downey Vice President, Treasury and Internal Audit GUARDIAN PHARMACY LLC
Brett Dudney Partner DIXON HUGHES GOODMAN LLP
Jennie Duvall Tax Director PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
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The SOA Advisory Council represents alumni and friends who give
NEWS FROM THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
& MANNING, LLC
Rachel Newcomb Senior Manager DELOITTE LLP
Jamey Ramsey Managing Director - Tax MEDICAL PROPERTIES TRUST
Jay Robbins Partner AGL CPA GROUP
DeWayne Searcy CIO and VP, Sales Administration COWIN EQUIPMENT COMPANY, INC.
Terry Sparks Birmingham Managing Partner PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Scott Stewart Partner RSM US LLP
Brooke Walker Director, Tax CHICK-FIL-A, INC. (CORPORATE)
Kevin Wang Director of Innovation WARREN AVERETT
Jessica Weissinger Chief Operating Officer FRAZIER & DEETER, LLC
WANT TO MAKE A GIFT? Make checks payable to the Auburn University Foundation and mail to: Harbert College of Business (Attn: Lisa Cole) 405 West Magnolia Ave, Suite 503A, Auburn, AL 36849 You can also give online by visiting AuburnGiving.org/SOA
WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY? Contact Dr. Duane Brandon at dbrandon @ auburn.edu to learn more about how you can give back to the SOA.
SUMMER 2021
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