MAcc Class of 2027
A Publication of the Michael J. Coles College of Business Master of Accounting Program
T he School of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University is home to one of the largest accounting programs in the State of Georgia and home to the internationally recognized Internal Audit Center. Kennesaw State University is one of very few universities worldwide recognized by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) at the prestigious Excellence Level. As such, the university is authorized by the IIA to award certificates to students who complete a rigorous sequence of internal audit preparation courses. The Internal Audit Center serves as a hub for education, mentorship, and professional development, connecting students with industry leaders while preparing them to excel in careers in internal auditing and beyond. Additionally, the School of Accountancy sponsors the Financial Reporting Roundtable, a peer- to-peer networking and information-sharing group. Corporate members of the Roundtable are the accounting executives responsible for external financial reporting by the largest public corporations headquartered in Georgia. In addition, each of the Big 4 audit firms is a member. The Accounting degree program is fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The mission of the School of Accountancy is (1) to provide a high-quality accounting education to a diverse student group, preparing successful accounting professionals and future leaders in local, national, and global organizations; and (2) to influence the accounting profession through relevant research and professional engagement. We will achieve these goals by promoting excellence in teaching and research, delivering innovative undergraduate and graduate pro- grams, and fostering an ethical environment of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and collegiality. The Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree program is an accelerated, cohort-based graduate program designed to help undergraduate accounting (business) majors achieve their profes- sional career goals and certification requirements in a dynamic learning environment. The MAcc is presented in a fast-paced, two semester format that integrates CPA Exam preparation into the curriculum. Students take the CPA Exam during the MAcc program, and they specialize in either Audit/Advisory or Tax. The MAcc delivers a strong core of graduate accounting seminars to every program participant, enhances technical expertise, develops advanced communica- tion and critical thinking abilities, and promotes leadership skills.
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DIRECTOR’S NOTE
W e are now in the ninth year of our CPA-focused MAcc program, 2 in 2: MAcc and CPA in 2 Semesters . Students complete two Capstone Experience courses that emphasize professional certification and development across two semesters. The program gives students the opportunity to specialize in either Audit/Advisory or Tax. Last year, 34 students not only advanced their graduate studies but also sat for all four parts of the CPA Exam as part of their program. We were thrilled by their outstanding results on the CPA Exam and are eager to support this new cohort of high-achieving accounting students. The MAcc also offers two unique mentoring opportunities for our incoming class. First, each student is paired with a mentor from the previous cohort, their “MAcc Buddy,” who helps them navigate the day-to-day aspects of the program. Second, students can opt into our professional mentoring program, where they are guided by Chief Audit Executives as well as Partners and Directors from top corporations and public accounting firms across metro Atlanta. The Class of 2027 enters KSU with median undergraduate and accounting GPAs of 3.85, along with an impressive range of professional and extracurricular accomplishments. Our commitment goes beyond technical preparation. We focus on equipping MAcc students with enduring skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving in unstructured environments, so they are ready to thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape. We are excited for the year ahead with this remarkable group of students.
The accounting program at Kennesaw State holds a separate accounting accreditation by AACSB – INTERNATIONAL, THE HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION.
Shannon Shumate Director, Master of Accounting Program
Kennesaw State University is one of only fourteen colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. By completing the MAcc Audit/Advisory track at KSU, students are awarded an IIA Certificate.
Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Mya Bacchus
Will DeWitt
Mya Bacchus graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University in May 2026 with her BBA in both Accounting and Business Management. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Prior to the MAcc program, she served on the executive committee for Beta Alpha Psi. Mya gained experience through an audit internship with Moore Colson where she will start her post-MAcc career as an audit associate. In her free time, Mya enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, reading, and gardening. Her dream goal is to travel the world.
Will DeWitt graduated from Auburn University with his BSBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Will gained accounting experience as an audit intern with EY. After completing his MAcc, he will return to EY as an audit associate in the Atlanta office. Will enjoys listening to music, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. He plans to complete his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Alex Boozer
Whit Dillard
Alex Boozer graduated from the University of Kentucky in May 2026 with his BBA in both Accounting and Finance. He is currently pursuing his MAcc, specializing in Audit/Advisory. Prior to beginning the MAcc program, he gained professional experience as a general accounting intern with Royal Access Control. After completing his master’s degree and passing the CPA Exam, he plans to pursue a career in the greater Atlanta area. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching professional sports, cooking, and gaming.
Whit Dillard graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Before starting the MAcc program, Whit completed three audit and assurance internships with Mauldin & Jenkins where he will start his post-MAcc career as an audit associate after graduation. He hopes to earn his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year. In his free time, Whit enjoys playing and listening to music, watching films, and staying active at the gym.
Davis Butler
Joseph Elie
Davis Butler graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently pursuing his Master of Accounting, specializing in Audit/Advisory. Davis gained valuable experience through internships at RaceTrac, where he worked in Fixed Assets, and Webber Construction, where he supported operational accounting, financial reporting, and analysis. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, being outside, and spending time with family and friends. Davis plans to earn his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Joseph Elie graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and is working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Joseph looks forward to getting his master’s degree and completing the CPA Exam by May 2027. While pursuing his degree at KSU, Joseph was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi. In his free time, Joseph enjoys playing guitar, building models, and playing video games.
Jared DeJesus
Karen Flores-Padilla
Jared DeJesus graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Jared gained valuable experience during two separate internships with Cherry Bekaert and has accepted a full-time position as an audit associate with the firm upon graduation. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball, working out, and traveling. Jared hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Karen Flores-Padilla graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2026. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. While pursuing her BBA, Karen was a Coles College Leadership Scholar, served as President of Beta Alpha Psi, and was a member of the executive board for Women in Finance. She gained audit experience at Bennett Thrasher and accepted a post-MAcc audit position with the firm. Within the next year, Karen plans to complete her master’s, pass the CPA Exam, and begin a career dedicated to mentoring others and promoting greater representation in public accounting. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, going to the gym, thrifting, and camping.
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Jack Fry
Nick Newton
Jack Fry graduated from Auburn University with his BSBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Jack gained accounting experience as an audit intern with PwC in winter 2026 and has accepted a full-time position as an audit associate with the firm after graduation. Jack enjoys playing golf, watching college football and baseball, grilling, and spending time with family and friends. He plans to complete his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Nick Newton graduated cum laude from Auburn University with his BSBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Nick gained accounting experience as an Audit Intern for Forvis Mazars in Atlanta. After completing the MAcc, Nick will return to Forvis Mazars as an audit associate. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, running, and spending time with friends and family.
Nicholas Hill
Joshua Pierce
Nicholas Hill graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in July 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Nicholas gained valuable experience through internships at Moore Colson in assurance and UPS in internal audit and state and local tax. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, working out, and spending time with family and friends. Nicholas hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Joshua Pierce graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Joshua gained valuable experience during his three internships at Mauldin & Jenkins as a staff accountant in audit and has accepted a full-time position post-MAcc. In his free time, he enjoys training in jiu-jitsu, going on hikes, and spending time with family and friends. Joshua hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Bryce Horton
Matthew Ristau
Bryce Horton graduated from University of Utah with his BS in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Bryce plans to complete the CPA Exam by May 2027. During his time at Utah, he played Division I lacrosse and developed in areas such as leadership, time management, discipline, and working with a team. He has gained valuable experience through internships at Hancock Askew & Co., LLP (acquired by Baker Tilly) in internal audit, Tanner, LLC in transaction advisory services, and EY in audit. In his free time, Bryce enjoys hiking, going to the gym, spending time with friends and family, and playing golf.
Matthew Ristau graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University with his BSBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Matthew gained accounting experience at PwC during an internship, and he has accepted a post-MAcc audit associate position at PwC. In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball, grilling, and spending time with friends, family, and pets. Matthew hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Abby Joo
Avery Saeed
Abby Joo graduated from the University of Georgia in August 2026 with her BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and plans to complete the CPA Exam by May 2027. She gained accounting experience through two audit internships at Deloitte and has accepted a post-MAcc position with the firm in Atlanta. In her free time, she enjoys trying new cafes, traveling, hiking, and spending time with family and friends.
Avery Saeed graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Avery gained professional experience by completing two audit internships at EisnerAmper and WBL CPAs + Advisors. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, gaming, and spending time with friends and family. Avery hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
TAX
Challaghan Strickland
Kelsey Barton
Challaghan Strickland graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and a minor in Management in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and is a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Financial Reporting Roundtable. He completed a tax internship at Carr, Riggs & Ingram and looks forward to beginning his professional career in accounting. In his free time, he enjoys cycling, spending time in nature, listening to music, working out, reading, playing piano, and spending time with family and friends. Challaghan hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA and CIA Exams within the next year and to continue working in the Atlanta area long-term.
Kelsey Barton graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2026 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. While pursuing her BBA, Kelsey served as Reporter of Beta Alpha Psi. She completed a tax internship at Cherry Bekaert, where she will begin her professional career in accounting upon graduating. In her free time, Kelsey enjoys camping, crafting, and going to concerts. She plans to obtain her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Eric Super
Jeomaidy Cruz
Eric Super graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University in May 2026 with a BBA in Accounting and is currently pursuing a MAcc with a specialization in Audit/Advisory. He recently completed an internship with Deloitte and will return full-time after completing the MAcc. He is also the co-owner and developer of Ninja Challenge, a Roblox game with 700M+ visits and 10M+ monthly active users, where he applies analytics and strategy to drive growth and performance. Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Eric’s interests include film and music.
Jeomaidy Cruz graduated magna cum laude from Reinhardt University with her BS in Accounting in May 2026. She is a member of the Alpha Chi honor society and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Jeomaidy completed a tax internship at William Costley. As a bilingual professional, she looks forward to using her language skills in a career in international Tax. In her free time, Jeomaidy enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and spending time with her friends. She hopes to obtain her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Andrew Vernon
MinhHoang Do
Andrew Vernon graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2025. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Andrew plans to complete the CPA Exam by May 2027. He has gained valuable experience through an internship with EY. In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing pickleball, disc golf, and video games, as well as spending time with family and friends. After passing the CPA Exam and completing the MAcc program, Andrew plans to continue his career in the greater Atlanta area.
MinhHoang Do graduated summa cum laude from the Georgia Institute of Technology with his BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He recently completed a tax internship with Frazier & Deeter and will join the firm full-time after graduation. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, working out, playing music, and eating food.
Evan Wilson
Crystal Doan graduated summa cum laude from Oglethorpe University with her BS in Accounting in May 2026. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. While pursuing her BS, Crystal served as vice president of the Oglethorpe Accounting Club and was inducted into Omicron Delta Epsilon. She completed a Tax Planning and Analysis internship at RaceTrac in summer 2025. In her free time, Crystal enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and cooking. She looks forward to passing the CPA Exam and beginning her professional career upon graduation. Crystal Doan
Evan Wilson graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. During his undergraduate studies, Evan served as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for ACCT 2101 and completed audit internships at Nichols, Cauley & Associates and HLB Gross Collins. He is excited to begin his career and continue his passion for traveling the world after graduating from the MAcc program in May 2027.
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TAX
Travis Dunn
Olivia McClellan
Travis Dunn graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Travis plans to complete the CPA Exam by May 2027. He has gained valuable experience through an internship with Symphona. In his free time, Travis enjoys attending church, walking in nature, spending time with friends and family, and playing video games. After passing the CPA Exam and completing the MAcc program, Travis plans to continue his career in North Georgia with a focus in rural areas.
Olivia McClellan graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2026 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. While pursuing her BBA, Olivia was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi. She completed a corporate/construction accounting internship at C.W. Matthews and looks forward to beginning her professional career in accounting. In her free time, Olivia enjoys reading, working out, traveling, and spending time with loved ones. Olivia hopes to obtain her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Dagne Millard
Ainsley Kowalski
Ainsley Kowalski graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2025. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Before starting the MAcc program, Ainsley completed two tax internships with Bennett Thrasher and will be returning to the firm as a full-time tax staff associate. In her time away from studying, Ainsley enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, travelling, shopping, and Pilates. Ainsley hopes to obtain her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Dagne Millard graduated from University of Georgia with her BBA in Accounting in December 2025. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Before starting the MAcc program, Dagne worked at Vann Whipple Milligan, P.C as an inaugural tax intern and then a full-time tax staff associate. In her time away from studying, Dagne enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and traveling to new places. Dagne hopes to obtain her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Gabriella Picard
Emma Lai
Emma Lai graduated summa cum laude from Georgia State University with a BBA in Accounting with a minor in Japanese in December 2025. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Emma has completed a financial accounting internship with TES America, LLC and two tax internships with Carr, Riggs & Ingram. They have accepted a post-MAcc tax position at Carr, Riggs & Ingram. In their free time, they enjoy drawing, watercolor painting, reading, and spending time with their loved ones. Emma looks forward to obtaining her master’s degree and passing the CPA Exam within the next year.
Gabriella Picard graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting and Finance in May 2026. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Before starting the MAcc program, she gained professional experience through a tax internship at ATL Tax Group. Gabriella plans to complete her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year. In her free time, she enjoys baking, gardening, and playing video games.
Anthony Larizza
Lauren Thompson graduated magna cum laude from Valdosta State University in May 2026 with a BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Lauren completed a tax internship at Deloitte Tax LLP. She will start her post-MAcc career as a tax associate with Deloitte Tax LLP. In her free time, Lauren enjoys staying active at the gym, watching TV shows and movies, and spending time with her friends and family. Lauren Thompson
Anthony Larizza graduated cum laude from Auburn University with his BSBA in Accounting in May 2026. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Anthony gained tax accounting experience as a tax intern with Forvis Mazars. After completing his MAcc, he will return to Forvis Mazars as a tax associate. Anthony enjoys basketball, soccer, and spending time outdoors. He plans to complete his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
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TAX
Payton Wheeler graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University in May 2026 with a BBA in Accounting and a Certificate in Music and Entertainment Business. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. While pursuing her BBA, Payton was a member of the Journey Honors College, served in leadership for various clubs, and worked as a student assistant in the campus library. She completed tax internships with Aprio and Smith + Howard, as well as three Music Business internships. In her free time, she enjoys reading, competing in country dance, and spending time with friends and family. She plans to earn her master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year. Payton Wheeler
A s Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships, I am deeply committed to student success and to creating meaningful connections that will shape students’ professional journeys. I invite you to engage with the School of Accountancy (SOA) at KSU and help us prepare the next generation of accounting leaders. Being involved with the SOA offers many rewards: (1) it allows professionals to share expertise with students, (2) it broadens students’ exposure to real-world experiences, and (3) it strengthens the support we provide to our students. There are many ways to get involved. Financial contributions make a lasting impact, whether through general support or by funding scholarships that help reduce students’ financial burdens while opening doors to greater opportunities. Recruitment is another powerful way to engage. We are dedicated to helping students find the right career fit, and you can play a key role by becoming an SOA Partner. Partners not only support our students but also connect with them directly through on-campus activities. Opportunities include: (1) registering for our Accounting Career Fair, (2) participating in recruitment events, (3) offering internships, and more. For those seeking even more direct interaction, we also welcome guest speakers and mentors who are eager to inspire and guide future professionals. The generosity of our supporters ensures that the SOA can continue to deliver exceptional educational experiences. After learning more about the MAcc Class of 2027, I hope you’ll consider joining us in shaping their success. To explore ways to get involved, please feel free to contact me directly at ayork23@kennesaw.edu.
Amanda York
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships
Visit our website: ColesSOA.com
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SOA FACT SHEET 2026-2027
We are the largest School of Accountancy in Georgia
1,400+ Undergraduate students 3 4 MAcc students 9 PhD students
SPONSORS AND VALUED PARTNERS Diamond
About Our Students:
200+ students graduate per year
75%+ indicate positive career outcomes
~1000 hours of academic credit earned for internships
Universities worldwide recognized as an Institute of Internal Auditors Center of EXCELLENCE 1 of 14 KSU awards more than 90 Academic Alliance certificates each year
Gold
The Internal Audit Academic Alliance provides students a strong foundation to launch their careers in the internal audit/advisory profession with ten specialized courses (five undergraduate and five graduate) and prepares them for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examination. • CPA and MAcc in two semesters. • Students take all four parts of the CPA exam as part of course work. • Median overall and accounting GPA of incoming cohort is 3.85. • 54% are KSU undergrad students. • 100% job placement
2 in 2 MAcc Program
Silver
These certifications are a response to the Atlanta accounting community’s need for graduates’ software proficiency. 90%+ of accounting students become Excel Certified. 100% of MAcc students become Alteryx Certified. SOA implemented Alteryx Certifications for MAcc graduates, and Microsoft Excel Certification for all undergraduates.
Beta Alpha Psi International has ranked KSU a Gold Chapter for 9 years running.
Bronze
The 20 largest, publicly held companies, measured by total revenue headquartered in Georgia collaborate in a forum for discussions pertaining to financial reporting. The Financial Reporting Roundtable was founded in 2007.
KSU Financial Reporting Roundtable (FRR)
CPAs
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Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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