Accounting senior selected for elite national leadership program
Kim Chaudoin |
For the first time, a Lipscomb University student has been selected to participate in the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Jimmie Smith Student Leadership Experience program.
Senior Alexa Tyree, an accounting major from Akron, Ohio, is one of only five students from around the world selected to participate in this highly selective program. Participants are selected each year from applicants from IMA Higher Education Endorsement Program member schools. Only 62 colleges in the U.S. are currently endorsed by the IMA, and 40 colleges are endorsed internationally. Globally, IMA supports the accounting profession through research, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) program, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices.
Tyree will participate in a series of meetings and activities that will conclude in June with her attending the IMA’s Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas. In preparation for the conference, Tyree is working alongside the four other students to judge the Carl Menconi Ethics Case Competition. The winning case will be published for use in college classrooms, where students can learn about ethical issues in the accounting and finance world.
“Being selected for this program means I will be representing Lipscomb's student body for the first time at the accounting and finance conference,” says Tyree. “Our chapter is still in its first year of operations, so this is huge for us. Interacting with research and teaching curriculum is an incredible experience and I'm honored to be involved with this along with the travel opportunity.”
At the conference, Tyree says she will learn about the latest news and updates in the accounting and finance realms and hopes to network with industry leaders and gain new connections for Lipscomb to share with current College of Business students.
“Alexa is a great student who is always near the top of the class and is a leader in the classroom,” says Tim Creel, associate professor of accounting and Lipscomb's IMA faculty advisor. “This is the first time a Lipscomb student has received this honor from the IMA and she will represent Lipscomb well. Programs like the Jimmie Smith allow students to attend conferences of professional accounting organizations where they will learn some of the most current aspects of accounting and network with business leaders from around the world.”
Tyree, who will complete her undergraduate degree in accounting from Lipscomb in May, says Lipscomb is a place she has flourished as a student.
“Coming into college, I wanted to be challenged both academically and spiritually. Lipscomb's balance of the two within the accounting program stood out to me, and I think the university does that well overall,” she shares. “Lipscomb was absolutely the right decision for me, and I'm so glad the Lord gave me clarity and led me to this place. I've met some of my best friends here and have had great work experiences.”
The Akron, Ohio native is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi professional fraternity for which she has served as chapter secretary and vice president. She is an officer for Lipcomb’s IMA chapter, a member of Lipscomb's Resident Assistant Council, and a Student Center for Public Trust member. In addition, Tyree tutors students in various accounting courses. Last summer, she worked as an assurance intern at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) in its Nashville office. She worked in the admissions office her freshman year, served as a resident assistant in Elam Hall last year and as an RA in Johnson Hall this year. She said her experience as a student in Lipscomb’s College of Business has been particularly impactful.
“The College of Business has prepared me to walk confidently in the accounting field after I graduate,” says Tyree. “I quickly learned that professors cared about me as much as they cared about my success as a student. I can see the variety of the values and virtues of Jesus in each of them in the way they structure their classes and how well they get to know and advocate for us students.”
After graduation, Tyree will have a summer internship with EY in the audit sector. In the fall, she will begin work on a Master of Accountancy and CPA licensure. Her future goals include a career in audit and working with ministries and missions-based clients through consulting or education.
Learn more about the Lipscomb College of Business and its undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting here.