Henderson, Tennessee – (Aug. 20, 2024) – Six Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) accounting students have been awarded a total of $7,750 in scholarships from the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), the highest number of recipients in a single year for FHU. These awards, representing 40% of those given within the West Tennessee chapter’s jurisdiction, include the district’s top honor presented to BBA/MBA accounting student Elizabeth McKeeby.
“We attribute the success of our thriving accounting program to the diligence of our College of Business faculty and students,” states FHU College of Business Dean Matt Vega.
Dr. Brandon Lanciloti, associate professor of accounting and accounting program coordinator, adds, “Our students’ hard work, intelligence and integrity have long been valued by employers, and I’m thrilled that they are also increasingly getting recognized by the TSCPA.”
Educational and Memorial Foundation General Scholarship Awards were presented to Rylee Baker, in the amount of $500; Daniel Grooms, in the amount of $500; Garrett Herndon, in the amount of $750; and Adam Hesselbacher, in the amount of $1,000. Kara Lane received the $2,500 Bruce D. Sullivan Award, and Elizabeth McKeeby was chosen for the West Tennessee Chapter Award, worth $2,500.
In conjunction with her district award, McKeeby will serve as the 2024-25 TSCPA Student Ambassador at FHU. In this capacity, she will work closely with TSCPA leadership to promote student membership and programs on campus, and she will also work with her professors to help distribute information about TSCPA happenings.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to receive the West TN Chapter Award,” McKeeby stated. “This scholarship not only provides me with the resources to continue my education but also motivates me to strive for academic excellence in my studies.”
“In my role as the TSCPA Student Ambassador at FHU, I hope to encourage students to explore the numerous resources TSCPA offers, such as scholarships, networking opportunities and professional support,” she continued. “Freed-Hardeman’s College of Business and the TSCPA have invested time and money into me, so becoming a student ambassador will allow me to give back and serve my school and the accounting community.”
Freed-Hardeman’s accounting program currently contains the second-highest number of majors at FHU as well as the highest number of majors within the College of Business. Accounting majors have averaged in the 98th percentile nationally on exit exam accounting questions for over a decade and have seen a 100% job placement rate for the last six years.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. The FHU College of Business offers the Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, business analytics, finance, financial planning, management, marketing and sport administration. The college also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a 4-plus BBA/MBA.