The 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 colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level.
MAcc Class of 2025
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 colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level, as such, it is authorized by the IIA to issue Internal Audit Education Partnership certificates. 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 programs, 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 professional 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 will take the CPA Exam during the MAcc program, and they will 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 communication and critical thinking abilities, and promotes leadership skills.
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The accounting program at Kennesaw State holds a separate accounting accreditation by AACSB – INTERNATIONAL, THE HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION.
Kennesaw State University is one of only thirteen colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. By completing the IAEP program at KSU, students are eligible to be awarded an IAEP Certificate.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
W e are in the seventh year of our CPA-focused MAcc program, 2 in 2: MAcc and CPA in 2 Semesters . The MAcc program allows students to pursue a specialization in Audit/Advisory or Tax. Students complete two Capstone Experience courses where they pursue professional development and professional certification over two semesters. Last year 30 students not only worked on their graduate degrees, but also sat for the four parts of the CPA Exam as part of their program of study. We are very encouraged by the excellent CPA performance of last year’s cohort, and we look forward to working with this incoming cohort of high-achieving accounting students. Our MAcc features two mentoring opportunities for the incoming cohort. First, students are assigned a mentor from the previous cohort. Their “MAcc Buddy” will help them to navigate the day-to-day issues of the program. Second, students can elect to participate in our professional mentoring program where MAcc students are mentored by Chief Audit Executives, as well as Partners and Directors of the top corporations and public accounting firms in metro Atlanta. The Class of 2025 joins our program with median undergraduate and accounting GPAs of 3.8 and a wide range of professional and extracurricular achievements. We are committed to preparing our MAcc students not only to be technically proficient today, but also to be adept in enduring skills like critical and unstructured thinking, so they are prepared for a changing future. We look forward to an exciting year with this incredible group of students.
Heather M. Hermanson, PhD MAcc Director and Professor of Accounting
Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Matthew Albizzatti
Matthew Albizzatti graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory. Matthew gained accounting experience at Crowe during two different internships. Matthew has accepted a post-MAcc audit staff position at Crowe. In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting, playing in his band, and spending time with loved ones.
Luke Brown
Luke Brown graduated magna cum laude from Auburn University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and is working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Luke gained accounting experience at Deloitte in Atlanta working as an audit intern. He has accepted a post-MAcc audit position at Deloitte. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Luke hopes to obtain his master’s degree and pass the CPA Exam within the next year.
Randon Carter
Randon Carter graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Randon is a student member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and he completed an audit internship with HLB Gross Collins. In his spare time, Randon enjoys the outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Hannah Corcoran
Hannah Corcoran graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and a minor in Information Systems. She is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. While pursuing her BBA, Hannah was a member of the Journey Honors College. Hannah worked as a tax intern at ATL Tax Group and Ronald Blue & Co. CPA, and as an assurance intern at Aprio and Deloitte. She has accepted a full-time position in the assurance practice at Deloitte. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, and spending time with friends, family, and pets. Hannah hopes to obtain her master’s degree and her CPA within the next year.
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Rachel Cronin graduated summa cum laude as an Honors Scholar from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory. While pursuing her BBA, Rachel was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi. Rachel interned at Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors in audit and advisory and at Bennett Thrasher in audit and advisory and forensics. She is still deciding where she will start her career. Rachel enjoys going to concerts, watching old movies, and spending time with friends and family. Rachel Cronin Zoe Derr graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She gained accounting experience at Lindsey, Greenway & McIntire and at Aprio as a tax intern. Zoe also worked as an assurance/audit intern for BDO and KPMG. She has accepted a post-MAcc audit position at KPMG. Zoe enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends and family. Zoe Derr Mary-Grace Durham graduated summa cum laude from Converse University with her BS in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Throughout her time at CU, Mary-Grace was a member of the basketball team, served as a Senate Representative for the student body, and was a tutor for the business school. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Mary-Grace completed three internships: finance at Rogers Electric, audit at Wipfli, and tax at RSM. She will start her post-MAcc career as an audit associate with Wipfli. In her free time, Mary-Grace enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing basketball, and baking. Mary-Grace Durham Abby Elie graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2023. She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and she served on the Panhellenic Council as the Vice President of Administration. Abby is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and is a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She completed a tax internship with Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and an assurance internship at EY (Orlando). Abby has accepted a full-time assurance offer with EY (Atlanta) following graduation. Abby loves to read, go to the gym, bake, and go to the movies. Abby Elie
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Sydni Farmer
Sydni Farmer graduated summa cum laude from Augusta University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2023. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Sydni completed an audit internship with Bennett Thrasher, and she has accepted a post-MAcc full-time position as an audit associate with Bennett Thrasher. While pursuing her BBA, Sydni was an active member of Beta Gamma Sigma and ADP’s Women’s Leadership Academy. In her time away from studying, Sydni enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and traveling abroad. Sydni hopes to obtain her master’s degree and CPA within the next year.
Alexa Gehring
Alexa Gehring graduated cum laude from Georgia College & State University in May 2024 with her BBA in Accounting. She worked as a student assistant in the budget office and was a member of Delta Zeta sorority, serving as Vice President of Finance. Alexa is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. She recently completed an audit internship with Frazier & Deeter, and she will join the firm full-time after graduation. Alexa enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, and watching movies.
Emily Hall
Emily Hall graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Emily completed a tax internship with CohnReznick and an audit internship with Crowe. She looks forward to passing the CPA Exam and beginning her professional career in accounting upon graduation. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, reading, and spending time with her family.
Jacob Harris
Jacob Harris graduated cum laude from the University of Tampa with his BS in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Previously, Jacob was a five-year student athlete earning Sunshine State Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll awards each year. He also is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma, a national student-athlete honor society. Jacob enjoys being active and spending time with friends and family.
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Antoine Hibbert graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Antoine looks forward to completing the CPA Exam by May 2025. He completed an audit internship with WBL CPAs + Advisors, and he has accepted a full-time position as an audit associate with the firm upon graduation. Antoine enjoys spending time with friends and family, working out, bowling, working on his cars, and watching football and basketball. After the completion of his CPA and master’s program, Antoine plans to continue his career in the greater Atlanta area. Antoine Hibbert
Kierra Hughley
Kierra Hughley graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently enrolled in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Kierra completed two tax internships with Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and an audit internship with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPAs and Advisors. During her time at KSU, Kierra served in the executive leadership council for Beta Alpha Psi. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching TV series, and spending time with family and friends. Kierra plans to continue her career in the Atlanta area after she obtains her master’s degree and CPA.
Rashel Jimenez-Ramirez
Rashel Jimenez-Ramirez graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University in May 2024 with her BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory while working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and completed an audit internship in Aprio’s Atlanta office. Rashel will begin her post-MAcc career with Aprio as an audit associate in Fall 2025. When Rashel is not studying for the CPA Exam, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and hanging out with friends. Sarah Johnson graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Sarah was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and worked as an audit intern for MST and EY. She plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2025. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family, baking, and playing with her dog. Sarah Johnson
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Chad Morrow
Chad Morrow graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in Spring 2024, and he is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Chad completed two internships: corporate accounting at the North American Mission Board and audit at KPMG. He will start his post-MAcc career as an audit associate with KPMG. Chad enjoys traveling, watching professional basketball, studying Japanese, and spending time with friends and family.
Marleigh Neville
Marleigh Neville graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2023 with her BBA in Accounting and a minor in Criminal Justice. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and looks forward to completing the CPA Exam by May 2025. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Marleigh completed two audit internships with Bennett Thrasher and worked part-time for SafelyStay, Inc. for two and a half years. She will begin her post-MAcc career as an audit associate at Bennett Thrasher. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Payal Patel
Payal Patel graduated summa cum laude as an Honors Scholar from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Research Assistant. Payal served as reporter and president of Beta Alpha Psi and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Prior to starting the MAcc program, she completed audit internships with Mauldin & Jenkins and Bennett Thrasher. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with friends and family. Payal hopes to obtain her master’s degree and her CPA within the next year.
Chandler White
Chandler White graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Chandler worked as an audit intern for Johnson Lambert in Spring 2024. He enjoys exercising, hanging out with friends and family, and playing video games. Chandler plans to obtain his CPA within the next year.
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Jared Wilson
Jared Wilson graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024. He is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. Jared completed two internships with Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors, and he plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2025. Jared served as lead student technician of the School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, foundry, and spending time with friends and family.
Logan Zagotti
Logan Zagotti graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting and Finance in December 2023. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. He worked as an audit intern for Rödl & Partner and completed a tax internship with Nichols, Cauley & Associates. Logan enjoys exercising, reading, watching his favorite sports teams, and hanging out with family and friends.
Miguel Zaldana Enea
Miguel Zaldana Enea graduated magna cum laude from Oglethorpe University with his BS in Accounting in May 2023. He is currently a MAcc student at Kennesaw State University specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. At Oglethorpe, Miguel was actively involved in the campus community, working at the bookstore, the student commons, and as a resident assistant for several dorms on-campus. He enjoys biking, hiking, and exploring novel places in Atlanta with his friends. Miguel completed a one-year internship with MST assisting their audit and tax departments, and he has accepted a post-MAcc position at MST. Miguel hopes to continue his accounting career in Atlanta thanks to having both his master’s degree and his CPA within the next year.
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TAX
Stefanie Garcia
Brett Garner graduated from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He has accepted a position in corporate accounting at Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors after completing two corporate accounting internships with the firm. Brett enjoys playing video games, cooking, and going on adventures with his friends. He hopes to obtain his master’s degree and his CPA within the next year. Stefanie Garcia graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student in the Tax track. Before starting the MAcc program, Stefanie completed two tax internships with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors. Upon graduation, she will join CRI as a full-time staff member on the partnership team. She looks forward to gaining valuable skills and experience from her peers. In her free time, Stefanie enjoys going on walks with her dog, traveling, and trying new restaurants. Brett Garner
Benjamin Hembree
Benjamin Hembree graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2023. He is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Before joining the MAcc program, he completed tax internships at Transportation Tax Consulting, Bennett Thrasher, and KPMG. Ben enjoys learning to cook new things, watching and playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Lindy Morris
Lindy Morris graduated cum laude from the University of North Georgia in May 2024 with her BBA in Accounting. She was actively involved with Beta Alpha Psi and served as Secretary in her final semester at UNG. Lindy is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. She has completed a corporate accounting internship with P.F. Harris Manufacturing and served as an accounts payable clerk at Anverse, Inc. Lindy enjoys baking, watching football and baseball, and spending time with her friends and family.
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Brandon O’Connor
Brandon O’Connor graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2023. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He completed three Client Accounting Services internships for Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors. He has accepted a full-time position in the C.A.S. practice at CRI. In his free time, he enjoys exercising, playing pickleball, watching his favorite sports teams, and hanging out with family and friends.
Grant Oglesby
Abigail Oliver graduated magna cum laude from Georgia College & State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2023 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Abigail served as vice president of social media and president of Beta Alpha Psi. Before joining the MAcc program, she completed audit internships with KPMG and Grant Thornton. She will begin her post-MAcc career as an audit associate at KPMG. Abigail enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, and watching YouTube. Grant Oglesby graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting and Finance in May 2024 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Grant served as a member of Beta Alpha Psi. Before joining the MAcc program, he worked as a tax intern at Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and has accepted a full-time position with the firm upon graduation. In his spare time, Grant enjoys writing music, cooking, and wood working. Abigail Oliver Joseph Pittman graduated from Augusta University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2023. He is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. Joseph lettered two consecutive years for the Augusta University baseball team, completed an audit internship with Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors, and worked a full-time tax position at Tillman & Tillman. He will join Tillman & Tillman after graduation. Joseph enjoys hunting, playing golf, and watching college football. His long-term goal is to become a partner at a public accounting firm or a chief financial officer. Joseph Pittman
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TAX
Sarai Sanchez-Castillo
Sarai Sanchez-Castillo graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Gwinnett College with a BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Sarai completed two internships, one in Accounts Payable at Fortune-Johnson and another as a tax intern at AGL CPA Group. Sarai will start her post-MAcc career as a tax associate with AGL CPA Group. In her free time, Sarai volunteers as an Accuplacer Math tutor and enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Emma Snider
Emma Snider graduated summa cum laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2024. She is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Tax. She completed tax internships at Bennett Thrasher and PwC. She also completed an audit internship at MST. She plans to start her full-time position at PwC in Fall 2025. Emma enjoys needlepointing, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Jeremy Suber
Jeremy Suber graduated magna cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in August 2024. He is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Tax and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Before joining the MAcc program, he worked as a tax intern at Nichols, Cauley & Associates in Spring 2024. Jeremy enjoys spending time with family, running, hiking, and going to the gym.
Steven Tam
Steven Tam graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2024 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He recently completed a tax internship with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, CPAs and Advisors, and he plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2025. In his spare time, Steven enjoys playing pickleball, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
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A s the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, my passion is student success and helping students make lasting connections that will enhance their professional careers. I want to personally invite you to get involved with the School of Accountancy (SOA) at KSU. Being involved with the SOA: (1) helps the next generation of accountants learn from professionals in the field, (2) expands students’ real-world experience, and (3) provides comprehensive support for our students. You can get involved in many ways. One is providing financial support. By donating to the SOA, you ensure we will have the resources to keep improving students’ educational experiences. By donating one or more scholarships, you are helping students to reduce the financial burden of their education. Recruitment is another great way to get involved with the SOA. We strive to help each student get connected with the correct employment fit. One way to engage in our recruitment process is to become a Partner with the School of Accountancy. Partners with the SOA participate in both supporting our students and engaging them through on-campus involvement. Ways to recruit on campus include: (1) registering for our Accounting and Finance Career Fair, (2) participating in other on-campus recruitment activities and interviews, (3) offering internships, and (4) meeting with Beta Alpha Psi. Alternatively, if you would like more direct access to accounting students, we have opportunities for guest speakers and mentorships. Without the generosity of outside organizations and individuals, the SOA cannot offer the best educational experience for our students. After reading more about the MAcc Class of 2025, I hope you will choose to get involved with the SOA at KSU! For more information, please contact me directly at ayork23@kennesaw.edu.
Amanda York
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships
Visit our website: ColesSOA.com
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SOA FACT SHEET 2024-2025
We are the largest School of Accountancy in Georgia
1,004 Undergraduate students 35 MAcc students 9 PhD students
About Our Graduates:
230+ students graduate per year
45%+ obtain credit for internships and co-ops
75%+ indicate positive career outcomes
804 hours of academic credit earned for internships
Universities worldwide recognized as an Institute of Internal Auditors Center of EXCELLENCE 1 of 13 KSU awards more than 90 IAEP certificates each year
The IAEP Program 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 3.81. • 69% are KSU undergrad students. • 100% job placement.
2 in 2 MAcc Program
This program is a response to the Atlanta accounting community’s need for graduates to be proficient in Microsoft Excel. 91% of accounting students become Excel Certified. SOA implemented Microsoft Excel Certification for all undergraduates
Beta Alpha Psi International has ranked KSU a Superior Chapter for 6 years running.
DIVERSITY is important to KSU, Coles College, and the School of Accountancy Underrepresented minorities make up:
Issues In Higher Education ranks the top 100 universities that confer the most degrees to minorities. KSU ranks 29th overall in bachelor’s degrees in accounting.
53% Coles College student body
29% MAcc student body
57% KSU student body
57% BBA Accounting students
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SPONSORS AND VALUED PARTNERS
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Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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