2024 The Abstract

College of Business

Accounting Magazine

JUNE 2024 / ISSUE 8

Message from the Chair

Dr. Oksana Kim

MESSAGE FROM

MESSAGE FROM

Dear Alumni and Friends of the Accounting Program,

The academic year 2023-2024 has been very successful for our department, and we want to share some good news with you. But first, I would like to take a moment and express my gratitude to every faculty member of the department, our supporting personnel, the College of Business advisors, and our graduate assistants to name a few. As the department chair, I am proud to lead this outstanding group of educators, scholars, and students who are truly passionate about accounting education and the profession. My colleagues and I appreciate the support of the alumni and firms that provide a solid foundation for our students in the form of scholarships, internship offers, summer programs, office visits, textbook gifts, oncampus panels, and other happenings that help us demonstrate that the accounting profession is truly rewarding and has unlimited potential. Attracting and retaining students in the accounting program, as many of you know, has been a challenge for educators globally.

Second, it is worth noting that our faculty made several important decisions to recognize outstanding students this year, and the pool of nominated candidates was the strongest we had in years, featuring not only students with high GPAs but also those who served the community well. Audrey Kamps was named the Accounting Student of the Year during the inaugural COB Honor Banquet, while Michael Parks was the recipient of the Master of Accounting Student of the Year award. Further, Haley Nelson received recognition as the Senior Accounting Student of the Year, an honor that is made possible thanks to the generosity of Allen and Kathy Lenzmeier. In addition, accounting students participated in several data analytics competitions – please read the story in this issue featuring our graduating student, Victor Nguyen. Internship success stories are also highlighted in this issue, and we are glad to learn of all the wonderful experiences our students have had during this past busy season.

Next, the merger of Beta Alpha Psi and the Accounting Club has proven to be highly successful, according to the testimony of the faculty leader and Eide Bailly faculty fellow Mr. Sean Fingland and others who observed this student organization in action. The Beta Alpha Psi - Accounting and Finance Club (BAP-AFC) members visited several public accounting firms in Minnesota, were involved in community projects, and assisted non-profit organizations such as MRCI. The leadership team will travel to Orlando this summer to participate in Beta Alpha Psi’s annual meeting. This and other activities were possible thanks to the sponsorship of several of our partners, and the organization raised a record amount of supporting funds this year. Thank you!

Finally, several of our faculty members have pursued scholarly projects in collaboration with the Institutional Analytics office of MSU, aimed at identifying factors that impede progress of students toward the accounting major, while focusing on various demographic measures in the context of DEI, and exploring the efficiency of the supplemental instruction program (MavPass). We believe that such inquiries at early stages of students’ academic journey lead to effective intervention measures and benefit all the parties to the education process – students, faculty, the University, and employers. One such diversity study co-authored by Drs. Oksana Kim and Bob Rosacker was accepted for presentation at the American Accounting Association (AAA) annual meeting that will take place in Washington, D.C. (August 2024). In addition, Dr. Kirsten Rosacker has been elected to several leadership roles within academic organizations. Several faculty members, as noted in this issue, participated in the inaugural Accounting Research Conference hosted by the University of St. Thomas’ accounting group. The idea for this conference came to life because of the AAA’s recent decision to dissolve the six regional sections, which created an obstacle for Midwestern academics to meet and collaborate with each other. We are grateful to St. Thomas for providing the facilities and sponsoring this important event. There are many other examples of our faculty members’ scholarly endeavors that are not mentioned here but contribute to our mission and AACSB accreditation success.

On behalf of my colleagues, I once again would like to thank you for your enduring support and hope you have a great summer!

Kind regards,

Oksana Kim, Ph.D., FCCA

Chair, Department of Accounting & Business Law

The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of Leadership & Diversity

Message from the MAcc Director

Hello Accounting Alumni and Friends of the Program,

Each academic year seems to pass so quickly. As I reflect on the past year, there is no doubt that the students and accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato had a very successful year. From the Master of Accounting (MAcc) perspective, we are proud to announce that our program is the largest accounting graduate program in the state of Minnesota and one of the largest in the upper-Midwest. Additionally, the MAcc has become one of the fastest growing graduate programs at Minnesota State Mankato over the past three years. This success can be attributed to the reputation of the program, which is a function of our faculty’s expertise and commitment to graduate education, the success of our graduates, the program’s flexibility, and our network of firms/companies that provide remarkable opportunities to our students.

As I’ve mentioned in previous editions of this magazine, our pre-MAcc pathway (https://cob.mnsu.edu/academics/ accounting/master-of-accounting/pre-macc-pathway/) is allowing us to not only grow enrollment but also bring more individuals into the profession. This pathway allows individuals with degrees outside of accounting to quickly transition to the accounting profession. Without any advertising, this pre-MAcc pathway has doubled in size over the past two years and 40-45% of current MAcc students entered through the pre-MAcc pathway. Starting in the fall of 2024, the pre-MAcc pathway classes are turning into a new certificate, the Accelerated Accounting Certificate. Beyond providing a credential for the pre-MAcc students’ efforts, we will also leverage the certificate to provide business professionals with the necessary accounting specific courses for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) eligibility. While there is no doubt that the accounting profession is experiencing a talent shortage, the accounting program at Minnesota State Mankato is responding with innovative education solutions to meet the current and future workforce needs.

Built within our MAcc curriculum are elective courses that lead to a Graduate Certificate in Taxation. The taxation certificate can be completed individually or as part of the MAcc degree. Also new in the fall of 2024 is the launch of our Graduate Certificate in Assurance. Like the taxation certificate, the assurance certificate can be completed individually or as part of the MAcc degree. This will provide more individualized options for our learners and stackable credentials for our graduates.

As you read this edition of The Abstract magazine, you will see many of the amazing accomplishments of our students and the faculty of the Accounting and Business Law Department. We are many times asked how our program is defying the odds of declining enrollment in accounting programs across the nation. There is no simple answer or reason for the success that we are experiencing. Rather, it is a collective effort of our faculty, students, and the many accounting alumni and firms/companies that support our program. You are a big reason for our success. We appreciate everyone’s contribution towards making our accounting program truly special.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly (byron.pike@ mnsu.edu) if you are looking for help with recruitment, engagement, or wish to provide scholarships to our students.

Go Mavs!

Byron J. Pike, Ph.D., CPA

The Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships

Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director

Dr. Byron Pike

Dr. Oksana Kim was named to the Editorial Board of Corporate Governance: An International Review Journal for the 2023-2026 term and will continue serving another term on the Board of The International Journal of Accounting for the next three years.

Dr. Kirsten Rosacker was elected as the 2023-2024 North American Accounting Society (NAAS) Program Chair for the Midwest Business Administration national conference held in Chicago, on April 10-12, 2024. For her service, she was awarded the Jacob R. Wambsganass Gavel for Outstanding Service.

Dr. Kirsten Rosacker’s leadership and trust within the accounting and taxation academic community were recognized when she was chosen to serve a three-year term commencing with the 2024-25 academic year as the Chapter Advocate for the Rocky Mountain and Missouri Valley regions of Beta Alpha Psi, the national accounting and information systems fraternity. In this influential role, she will act as a bridge between existing and petitioning chapters in these two regions and the executive office of Beta Alpha Psi. Her role begins during the Beta Alpha Psi annual meeting in Florida June 25-27.

At the end of the spring semester, professors Oksana Kim, Byron Pike, and Katheryn Zielinski attended the first ever regional research conference hosted by the University of St. Thomas. At this conference, faculty were able to present their research and research proposals, receive constructive feedback, and network with other accounting faculty from schools in the upperMidwest. Attendees represented Minnesota State University, Mankato, North Dakota State University, St. Cloud State University, University of North Dakota, and University of St. Thomas. This one-day conference was such a resounding success that the plan is to turn it into an annual event.

Student Development, Engagement & Achievements

Business Law Events

The Accounting and Business Law Department hosted two of Minnesota’s leading legal figures this spring. Minnesota Associate Supreme Court Justice Barry Anderson spoke with 70 students about his professional journey and past 26 years of service on the Minnesota courts. He discussed the dynamics of working on a seven-judge court, the role of the courts in shaping business law, and several recent legal developments. On a personal note, he shared his professional journey and gave students advice about starting their careers. Justice Anderson then separately met with and personally counseled a small group of students interested in attending law school.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who also served as Minnesota in the U.S. Congress for 12 years, also visited campus. He spoke with students about the enforcement of anti-trust law in technology, agriculture,

and medicine. He addressed the role of environmental law and advised students looking to launch their careers. After the presentation and fireside chat, he met one-on-one with students, business leaders, and faculty members.

Business Law Professor Wade Davis explained, “these extraordinary speakers highlight our program’s efforts to expose business students to the practical application of the law. That is why we teach using case studies, lead field trips to the courts and law firms, and we invite attorneys and business leaders into our classes.”

Supreme Court Justice Barry Anderson with students.

Supreme Court Justice Barry Anderson talking to students.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison talking with students.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Wade Davis

Beta Alpha Psi - Accounting and Finance Club Events

The newly merged Beta Alpha Psi - Accounting and Finance Club (BAP-AFC) had another busy event-filled semester. In the Spring Semester, a large group of BAP-AFC members and pledges participated in a Winter Carnival supporting the members of MRCI. MRCI is a Mankato based non-profit organization that focusses on creating innovative and genuine opportunities for people with disabilities or disadvantages at home, at work, and in the community. The BAP-AFC participants took on roles such as “Bingo Caller and Comedy Sidekick,” “Photobooth Photographer,” and “Parachute Operator.” Many of the BAP-AFC members took turns playing card games taught by the MRCI members.

In the Spring Semester, BAP-AFC members and pledges also participated in social/networking events with accounting and finance firms outside of the typical classroom presentations. Students visited Federated Insurance in Owatonna, played miniature golf at the Wow Zone in Mankato with Grant Thornton, and toured the Mankato Brewery with Copeland Buhl.

This summer, the leadership team will travel to Orlando, Florida to attend the Beta Alpha Psi 2024 Annual Meeting. This will be an opportunity for members to listen to speakers, connect with members from other chapters around the world, and to learn about ways to improve the club.

Success in Competitions

This spring, the Business Analytics and Modelers Club, the BAM Club, won the first prize in the Datathon competition. Datathon is one of the two data analytics competitions under the Data Derby event. The Data Derby event is organized by the Minnesota State University IT Center for Excellence. The Data Derby is where participants are challenged to analyze and extract meaningful insights from datasets provided to them. Participants typically need to use statistical methods, data visualization, and possibly predictive modeling to understand and explain trends, patterns, and correlations within the data. The competition can vary in complexity, with different levels such as Novice, Advanced, and Graduate levels, each requiring a more sophisticated analysis. This year’s theme revolved around the constant increase in educational costs.

Our team of two students, senior students Jacey Orthaus and Victor Nguyen, worked together for the competition. They used data visualization to represent their findings, compare trends, and identify correlations or significant differences between educational costs among states and regions. They analyzed over 900 universities in the United States to identify correlations with educational cost.

When asked what he had learned from participating in the competition Nguyen said, “Competing in the Datathon was an incredible learning curve. Not only did it deepen my understanding of data analysis beyond the classroom, but it also honed my public speaking skills. Presenting complex data findings clearly and compellingly to a varied audience was exhilarating.”

The Minnesota State Mankato team of Nguyen (team leader), Eyuel Gezahegn, Wilfred Sato, Orthaus, and Elfaz Hussien, finished second in the Student Credit Analysis Competition 2024, hosted by the Risk Management Association (RMA), Minnesota Chapter. Based on their success, each team member was awarded a $400 prize.

BAP-AFC visit to Federated Insurance

BAP-AFC members volunteering at MRCI

Student Development, Engagement & Achievements

Visit the Firms (RSM and Boulay) Event

On Friday, April 19, students immersed themselves in the Visit the Firms event, an exclusive opportunity for the top 20% of students across all Accounting 200 courses. This event not only served as a reward for their academic excellence but also aimed to enrich their understanding of accounting, with the goal of bringing more individuals into the profession.

Departing from Minnesota State University, Mankato on Friday morning, students from varying majors embarked on a journey to the metro aboard a coach bus. Throughout the day, they engaged in many amazing activities hosted by RSM and Boulay. These activities included insightful office tours, friendly competitions, enlightening panel discussions, and invaluable networking sessions with professionals at various levels within both firms. In recognition of their dedication and achievements in the classroom, students were treated to a well-deserved lunch, delightful snacks, and exclusive swag courtesy of both firms.

This event gave students a low-pressure and fun opportunity to learn more about the profession with accounting firms that employ many of our students both as interns and full-time employees upon graduation.

Thank you to all the firms that visited this semester

This past semester we’ve experienced an exceptional level of firm engagement. Numerous firms have visited us to provide students with valuable insights into careers in accounting.

One notable event was our virtual engagement fair, which saw the participation of several firms excited to promote the field of public accounting. Students had the opportunity to join the fair, listen to presentations from each firm, and engage in breakout sessions to gain a deeper understanding of each firm. Such events serve as platforms for students and firms alike to connect and network with industry professionals.

For the second year in a row, we hosted the KPMG partner panel discussion and networking lunch. Dean Seung Bach facilitated the panel discussion, which centered around the accounting profession, mentorship of our students, and professional development. After the panel discussion, students were able to network with many KPMG employees, and Minnesota State Mankato alumni, from various business lines and experience levels at KPMG.

Additionally, multiple firms conducted on-campus tabling sessions, offering students the chance to drop by and explore the opportunities available at each firm. Several firms also took the time to come to campus to conduct classroom visits, bringing staff from different parts of the firm, and at different points in their careers, to share their experiences with our students.

We extend our gratitude to all the firms that took the time to engage with our students, whether virtually or in person. Your efforts have greatly enriched our students’ understanding of the accounting profession and the diverse career paths it offers. It is our network of partners and supportive firms/companies that contribute to us having a special accounting program at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Student Intern Spotlight

It is no secret that an internship is very beneficial for the future career options for students. It is also an opportunity for students to commit to professionalism, self-improvement, and excellence. We asked a few students who completed an internship in the spring of 2024 to share their experience and skills developed during their first busy season.

Kate Holtmeier Eide Bailly (Mankato)

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

I believe the most valuable experience I gained from my internship was seeing how the content we learn in classes relates to real life job experience. Understanding financial accounting concepts will give you a significant advantage.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

This internship helped me decide that I wanted to become an audit professional over taxation. I previously completed a tax internship and enjoyed it, but I feel like experiencing both makes the decision so much easier.

How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?

The culture of the people you work with is key for determining a good fit. I attended several social/networking events with Eide Bailly before my internship and enjoyed how welcoming everyone was. Even during the internship, everyone was understanding and willing to answer questions.

Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?

I was initially a communication sciences and disorders major who joined the Pre-MAcc pathway, which is designed for students who did not receive an undergraduate degree in accounting. Basically, you complete the core undergraduate accounting courses, which allows you to enroll in the Master of Accounting program at MSU. I switched to accounting after taking a job as a staff accounting assistant for a construction company, which I really enjoyed.

What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?

My biggest surprise was how many firms need staff and want you to work with them. Minnesota State University, Mankato does a great job of connecting you with firms through the various clubs, organizations, and emails from Dr. Pike. If you make time to make those connections, you will have no problem finding a job.

Sean Culp Clifton

Larson Allen (Minneapolis)

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

The most valuable thing I learned during my internship was to always be willing to take on a challenge and know that you might fail along the way. You can learn and grow much more when you get outside of your comfort zone.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

Having great communication with your team is vital. You never want to be the person holding the project up, so communicating the status of items and asking timely questions of the team members can help lead to a better work environment.

How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?

I found my internship through Handshake. I knew it was the right fit when I got the opportunity to speak with the CEO of the firm. She made it clear that the firm was concerned with more than just the accounting numbers and was engaged in the societal impact and challenges facing the accounting field.

Christian Bosworth Deloitte (Minneapolis)

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

The most valuable experience was traveling to North Dakota during our audit. We worked at the client’s site every day; I learned a lot from being at the client’s site because I was able to have conversations with the accounting staff. This helped us to really understand the business we were auditing.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

The key to success in the internship is going to work each day with an open mind and asking as many questions as possible. Do not be scared to bother people with questions, if they do not have time, they will let you know.

How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?

I found the internship on the firm’s website. I thought it would be a good fit after my interview. I had a great conversation with the partner that interviewed me. I also knew I wanted to be at a big 4 accounting firm.

Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?

When I was in high school, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA) had a scholar program that introduced students to accounting. After learning about the many facets of accounting and its impact on business, I knew it was a profession I wanted to be part of.

What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?

How schedules can be very flexible. Ultimately, it’s each team member’s responsibility to ensure a job/project is completed on time. Within this framework, employees have a lot of discretion on how and when they work to finish the deliverables.

Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?

I graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2018 with a Biomedical Science degree. I was planning on going to medical school, but after working in healthcare for two years I decided it was not for me. I then worked in construction while I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to get into business, but I was not sure what part. After speaking with an auditor and doing research, I decided I would go back to school to get my master’s in accounting. I decided on accounting because it is the core part of any business and knew that it could open a lot of doors.

What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?

I was most surprised about how much writing you must do as an auditor. People always assume accounting is all numbers, however, I found that documentation is a bigger part of the job than numbers. The math is all done for you; therefore, you spend more time writing.

Maranda Hoogenraad Froehling Anderson (Minneapolis)

What is the most valuable experience you gained during your internship?

I have gained a lot of audit and tax knowledge while working at Froehling Anderson, but I believe the most valuable experience I gained is from interacting with people around me. Building relationships with other staff, managers, partners, and clients has allowed me to gain experience in understanding the entire process of providing quality public accounting services.

In your opinion, what is the key to success during the internship?

One of the best things you can do during an internship is ask questions. You aren’t expected to know everything when you start, you are just expected to make an effort to learn. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions of different people you might not interact with daily. As an intern, I was assigned a mentor to help guide me on most things, so it was easy to just ask him for help. However, asking other managers or partners questions can help you gain a different perspective and build better relationships with more people around you. I would say the key to a successful internship, especially in public accounting, is accepting that you won’t be perfect, and you will get a lot of feedback which will help you succeed more down the road.

How did you find your internship and know that it was the right fit?

During my junior year of college, I attended the accounting and auditing student conference in Minneapolis. At the time, I had an assignment for my tax course to interview someone who worked in accounting. I decided to interview someone at one of the firms I felt might be a good fit, and after visiting with many firms I decided to have my interview with someone at Froehling Anderson. I was able to talk with Dave Benusa, the managing partner at the firm, and I enjoyed hearing about his own experience in public accounting and more about Froehling. The firm has a strong culture of collaboration and comradery and provides a good work-life balance. I was most interested in Froehling’s general services department which gives experience in tax, audit, and other accounting matters. I had not made up my

mind about whether I wanted to go into tax or audit after graduation, so I appreciated the opportunity to get to try out both. At Froehling Anderson, I got to try new things every day and have been able to grow and learn so much across a wide variety of accounting topics. Between the firm’s culture and the ability to work on all kinds of projects, I knew Froehling was somewhere I could call home.

Tell us about your journey on how/why you chose the field of accounting?

Initially, I enrolled in Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, intending to graduate with a general business degree and go to law school after. My plan quickly changed during my second semester in college when I had to take a financial accounting course as a part of my business degree requirement. I really enjoyed the professor and accounting seemed to click with me, and before the end of semester I had changed my major. I enjoyed all the other accounting courses I took, especially audit and tax. This led me to think public accounting was the right path for me, and I continue to feel like I made the right choice every day since.

What was your biggest surprise once you started working in the accounting profession?

Making the switch from learning accounting in an educational setting to applying the knowledge in a workplace was a massive adjustment. It is easy to memorize or study what you need to know for an assignment or an exam, but on a real engagement there are so many details and conditions impacting decisions. There isn’t always a clear right or wrong solution, because a lot of time the answer is “it depends.” There is a lot more creative problem solving in accounting than I would have thought, and it is much more than working with numbers. I was also surprised to learn that the stereotypes about accountants being boring are far from true – most accountants I have met have a good sense of humor.

2023-2024 Honors Banquet

In early April, the College of Business (COB) honored nine business students at the first annual COB Honors Banquet. These graduating students were named student of the year in their respective programs. Below are the Accounting Student of the year and the Master of Accounting Student of the Year.

Accounting Student of the Year: Audrey Kamps

This year, the recipient of the graduating accounting student of the year award is Audrey Kamps. Audrey interned at Eide Bailly LLP from May - October 2023 in its Outsourced & Managed Services department. Audrey found the experience very beneficial because she applied the knowledge she obtained in her classes to the real world. Post-graduation, Audrey will begin summer classes in the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program and continue working at Eide Bailly part-time. In the fall, she will be a graduate assistant for the MAcc program.

Audrey’s advice to accounting students just starting out is to “take the 200 level classes seriously and don’t give up. Accounting can be quite confusing when you are just getting started because it is unlike anything you’ve learned before. To set yourself up for success, stay focused because what you learn in the 200 level classes is the foundation necessary for success in the upper-level classes. Instead of just learning how to complete the homework problems, try to master what is going on and why you are doing things the way you are. Accounting can be frustrating at times, but the feeling of understanding challenging objectives is rewarding!”

Master of Accounting Student of the Year: Michael Parks

This year, the recipient of the graduating master of accounting student of the year award is Michael Parks. Michael started his accounting journey as a pre-MAcc student, with an undergraduate degree in biological sciences. As a remote student, his time on campus was limited, but he would recommend attending the College of Business’ Meet the Firms Event in the fall. He was able to gain insight into the accounting profession and obtained an internship offer because of the event. After graduation, Michael is looking to work in either public or private accounting, but ultimately wants to obtain his CPA license. Long term, he is interested in becoming a Chief Financial Officer.

Michael’s advice to accounting students just starting out is to “pre-read chapters in the textbook before they are covered in lectures. Having some understanding of the material, even an imperfect understanding, helped me to follow along. In other undergraduate classes, I learned that falling behind the material mid-lecture caused me stress and reduced my retention of class material.”

Provost David Hood and College of Business Dean Seung Bach with Honors Banquet Recipients

Accounting Senior of the Year: Haley Nelson

The Accounting Senior of the Year is awarded to the student who best exhibits the qualities of academic performance, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It is the highest student award presented by the Accounting and Business Law Department. The Accounting Senior of the Year award is made possible through a gift from Allen and Kathy Lenzmeier.

This year, the recipient of the senior of the year award is Haley Nelson. Haley started at Minnesota State Mankato as a Human Resource Management major, so she was involved in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) starting her first year. She was Treasurer on the board her sophomore year and had the privilege of being President this year before stepping down from leadership in April. When she changed her major to Accounting, she became a standing member of Beta Alpha Psi Accounting and Finance Club. Additionally, she has had the privilege of being a MavPASS Leader for Introductory Financial Accounting courses for the past two years. Haley has supported hundreds of students with supplemental instruction over the last four semesters and is excited for a fifth and final semester in the fall! When asked about her time as a MavPass Leader, Haley said, “I get so much joy out of my role as a MavPASS Leader and being someone students trust and look to for advice in a class that is considered to be very difficult. It is so rewarding and a significant contributor to my sense of belonging at MSU. Being a MavPASS Leader showed me how much I love not only accounting as a subject but also teaching, which has steered my goals for the future toward academia.” Haley has also had the opportunity to be a Peer Mentor for the program and supports other MavPASS Leaders in their growth throughout their time in the program, which has been incredibly rewarding.

After graduation Haley is planning to continue her education through the Master of Accounting program at Minnesota State Mankato. This will allow her to reach her goal of obtaining CPA licensure and paving the way for a long and successful career. Haley has not decided whether she will spend time in public accounting or pursue a doctorate after the master’s program, but her dream is to eventually go into academia and be a professor.

When asked if she could give advice to students just starting to venture down the accounting pathway, she said, “If you are taking introductory accounting classes right now, and it seems hard, but you LIKE it or find it rewarding, don’t write off accounting as a major yet. Lean into that interest/reward and try another class before you decide that accounting isn’t for you. The biggest challenges bring the greatest rewards and that has held true for me in all my classes. Also, it’s okay to think numbers and spreadsheets are fun- accounting is nerdy but accountants are cool!”

Haley looks forward to continuing to help students and the accounting department grow in her senior year.

Accounting & Business Law Golf Outing

On May 10, the Accounting and Business Law Department hosted the 13th Annual Alumni and Friends Golf Event at Shoreland Country Club in St. Peter, Minnesota. This year we had a record number of participants at the event. This is a premier event where students participate and network with employers, alumni, and faculty. The event is a fun, low pressure golf scramble that is always a nice way to conclude the end of the academic year. This event usually leads to new friendships, expanded professional networks, and many internships and employment opportunities for our students. Nearly every firm and company that recruits our accounting students was represented at the event. We are extremely grateful for all their continued support and participation. More importantly, we appreciate all the students who stepped outside their comfort zone and participated in the event.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

A special thank you to the premier sponsors of our golf event:

2024

BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING • Spring

Riley Alcorn

Mohamed Ali

Grace Andrews

Bob Blanchard

Jacob Bristol

Lydia Carda

Lillian Church

Josiah Crawford

Belen Diaz

Nash Doucette

Waleed El Saadi

Adan Falcon

Zachary Finholdt

Derek Fredericks

Dashawn Gardener

Jacob Garrett

Katelyn Hansen

Braeden Hanson

Paige Hoffmann

Jacob Hulscher

Vy Huynh

Molly Ihle

Audrey Kamps

Kossi Kavi

Philip Kirtz

Djene Kone

Ava Kyllo

Jasmine Lamar

Kailynn Lind

Joshua Makana

MASTER OF ACCOUNTING • Spring

Thomas Anderson

Courtney Bartz

Yvonne Cheruiyot

Ryan DeRoo

Ryan Grahek

Kaltuma Hassan

Tungteeya Hassan

Rebecca Hasselblad

Shandler Heggem

Kate Holtmeier

Maranda Hoogenraad

Olivia Klostermeyer

Nicole Koolick

Linh Luc

Guled Mohamed

Ross Miller

Carter Millerbernd

Faith Milton

Hunter Nelson

Victor Nguyen

Cienna Pleoger

Abdur Rahman

Karsten Ruliffson

Fernanda Salazar

Cameron Sand

Max Schwabe

Matthew Sheppard

Avery Tamm

Nathan Wasko

Nora Woock

Tedon Zimmerman

Noah Parker

Michael Parks

Maleia Ryberg

Sadie Schermerhorn

Cody Schniepp

Alexis Stradtmann

Thomas Thornton

Jessie Westman

Are you looking to help support the Minnesota State University, Mankato accounting program and students?

Please consider donating via QR code or giving link: https://engage.mnsu.edu/accounting

Full-time Accounting & Business Law Faculty

Wade Davis, J.D. wade.davis@mnsu.edu

507-389-2207

Dr. Abo-El-Yazeed Habib abo-el-yazeed.habib@mnsu.edu 507-389-5408

Dr. Steven Johnson steven.johnson@mnsu.edu 507-389-2760

Dr. Oksana Kim oksana.kim@mnsu.edu 507-389-5411

Todd Lundquist, J.D. todd.lundquist@mnsu.edu 507-389-5429

Dr. Byron Pike byron.pike@mnsu.edu 507-389-6909

Dr. Kirsten Rosacker kirsten.rosacker@mnsu.edu 507-389-5413

Dr. Robert (Bob) Rosacker bob.rosacker@mnsu.edu 507-389-5349

To learn more about the Accounting & Business Law Faculty or to get in touch go to cob.mnsu.edu/accounting-faculty

If you are interested in exploring additional opportunities to contribute to Minnesota State Mankato. Please contact Cathy Willette, Director of Development (catherine.willette@mnsu.edu)

Cathy Willette joined the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation as the Director of Development for the College of Business in November of 2021. But if you ask her, she has always been a Maverick. Cathy started her higher education journey as a first-generation student at Minnesota State Mankato in 1982. The Mankato resident is married and has three grown kids (all Mavericks as well).

Willette enjoys meeting alumni and learning of their Maverick stories. As she likes to say, “sometimes life’s journey takes you back home. Once a Maverick, always a Maverick!” Please reach out to Cathy if you are looking to start a conversation.

Dr. Ferdinand Siagian ferdinand.siagian@mnsu.edu 507-389-5407

Sean Fingland sean.fingland@mnsu.edu 507-389-5388

Tasia Winrow tasia.winrow@mnsu.edu 507-389-5415

Dr. Katheryn Zielinski katheryn.zielinski@mnsu.edu 507-389-5412