Two Carr School of Accounting students have been named Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Scholars.

Accounting students Emma Weeks and Emily Stroud each received a $15,000 scholarship with the honor.

Established by Congress, the PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation that oversees the audits of public companies to protect investors, and audits brokers and dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Since 2011, it has administered a scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate accounting students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges and universities.

Both students were nominated by the Carr School faculty and were selected by PCAOB.

“Typically, the best accounting students from the top accounting schools are awarded the scholarships,” said Dr. Josh McGowan, Director of the Carr School. “We nominated two of our best students.”

The scholarship, which seeks to benefit students who are likely to become auditors and to make a difference to students who might otherwise choose a different career path.

“Receiving this scholarship will truly have a major impact on my life,” Stroud said. “I was unsure of how to cover the cost of obtaining my master’s degree, but now I will be able to focus more on my studies and passing the CPA exam. I am so grateful to be a part of such an extraordinary opportunity, and I plan to make the most of it.”

Weeks said the award would give her peace of mind starting out in the workforce.

“I am extremely honored to have been nominated and selected for this scholarship. It has lifted a huge financial burden and is allowing me to start my career debt-free,” she said. “I am truly grateful to have been chosen for this award – it really means a lot to me.”

Both add that they are grateful for the recognition, not just from the PCAOB, but to be singled out amongst their peers.

“There are so many deserving students in the accounting program, so I am honored to be one of those selected out of all the incredibly talented students TROY has to offer,” said Stroud.

The duo is quick to point to faculty members who have impacted their lives while at TROY, and recognize that without them, they would have never been successful.

“I would not be where I am today without them,” Weeks said. “The entire accounting faculty has helped tremendously on my academic and professional journey.”

She said Dr. Dena Mitchell’s tax class not only taught her in an engaging way, but also connected her with a “great group of students.” McGowan “sold me on majoring in accounting.”

“Since then, he’s been there to offer advice and help whenever needed. Professor (Amanda) Paul has provided me and all the students with so many opportunities to network with professionals and learn about careers in accounting. A lot of the work she does happens behind the scenes and often goes unnoticed, and Professor (Lee) Daniels’ class help make accounting finally ‘click’ for me,” she said.

Stroud said the entire faculty and staff of the Carr School have made an impact, personally and academically.

“I truly appreciate the influence that all the faculty and staff have had on my life during my time at TROY, especially the sincere impact from Dr. Mitchell, Professor Paul, and Dr. McGowan,” she said.

Stroud had some advice for her classmates and those students coming into the accounting school.

“Never give up on any part of your academic journey. You must remain committed even when it feels hard to keep going and when life gets rough,” she said. “You’re in college as an investment towards your future, so it is essential to make the most of your time here and make meaningful connections along the way. You never know where it may lead you!”

Weeks agreed with the advice:

“As long as you stay motivated and put in the work, you can achieve your goals. While academics are very important, it is also essential to focus on building connections. Take the time to attend accounting events, get to know your professors, meet your classmates, and connect with future employers and accounting professionals. Putting yourself out there can open doors and create opportunities you never expected,” she said.