DEAR SOA ALUMNI, SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS, Welcome to the 2025-2026 annual report of the Kennesaw State School of Accountancy. This has been another exciting and eventful year. The SOA’s faculty, staff, and students continue to make major strides on all fronts. This year’s report will highlight some of those efforts and notable achievements of the past academic year. The accounting honorary Beta Alpha Psi remains a prestigious chapter on campus welcoming nearly 100 students each semester to connect in professional development, community service, and networking with Metro-Atlanta companies. Our chapter is made up of exceptional students and has been recognized as a Gold Chapter (formerly Superior) by Beta Alpha Psi International eight years in a row, a tribute to the student leadership of the chapter and the guidance of the co-advisors Shannon Shumate and Amanda York. The Master of Accounting 2 in 2 program (both the MAcc and the CPA exam in two semesters) continues to have high demand for the curring-edge graduate curriculum that not only includes advanced systems and analytics but also incorporates preparing and sitting for the CPA exam. This year’s graduating class had over 70% pass two or more parts of the exam before graduation. This program continues to give students the tools to jumpstart their careers in the accounting profession. Heather Hermanson, MAcc Director and creator of this program, will be retiring June 1st. Continuing Heather’s successful legacy will be Shannon Shumate serving as the incoming MAcc Director. MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Michael J. Coles College of Business Ph.D. in Business Administration (Accounting) continues to be highly demanded. This innovative research program specifically prepares candidates for academic careers. Graduates from our Ph.D. program continue to be placed in tenure-track AACSB accredited faculty positions. Our alumni research output as ranked by BYU Accounting rankings continues ahead of many acclaimed research programs. It is a great honor to work with the faculty and staff of the School of Accountancy to serve the needs of our dedicated students as we prepare them for their future in the accounting profession. Whether you are an alum of the SOA, a Partner of our employer scholarship program, recruiter of our graduates or supporter and contributor to the vision and work of the SOA – Thank you for all you do on behalf of our students.
IN THIS ISSUE
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
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ABOUT US
Go Owls!!!
STUDENT NEWS DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS ADVISORY BOARD
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Steven W. Smalt, Ph.D., CPA DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
FACULTY NEWS
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MARY HILL
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: TARON RAGAN PH.D. ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BRIGHT ASANTE-APPIAH PH.D. ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENTS
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KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTANCY
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