International honor society, Beta Alpha Psi, has once again recognized Samford University’s Kappa Pi chapter as a Superior Chapter for the 2019-20 academic year. Superior status, the top level of achievement for university chapters, has been awarded to the Kappa Pi chapter for more than a decade.

 

The international organization for accounting, finance, business analytics or digital technology students at AACSB accredited universities provides development of technical and professional skills to complement the students’ education. Participation in professional development and community service activities are integral components to Beta Alpha Psi membership. To be recognized as a Superior Chapter, a local chapter must meet a minimum of 32 hours of professional and community service activities combined per member.

 

Prior to the university moving to online operations due to COVID-19 in March, the Kappa Pi chapter, advised by assistant professor of accounting Michelle Newberry, had already completed the requirements to achieve Superior Chapter status. Students engaged in many professional development events including two accounting career nights; conferences in Chicago, Illinois and Louisville, Kentucky; resume building and professional etiquette workshops; and presentations about the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, ethical decision making, global mobility opportunities and the Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) program. For community service, the chapter members completed projects such as a Christmas card writing campaign for deployed military members, Project Angel Tree and tutoring. They also volunteered at The Birmingham Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo fall 2019 event.

 

As a Superior Chapter, the group received a $500 reward sponsored by KPMG and the KPMG Foundation.

 

More than 90% of the student members have participated in internship opportunities during the 2020 summer, most of them entering their senior year. These internships will most likely lead to full-time job opportunities following graduation.

 

The officers for the 2019-20 Kappa Pi chapter were: Olivia Godfrey, president; Savannah Hernandes, vice president; Hank Winch, treasurer; Abigail Brock, secretary; Heather Foreman, director of community service; and Sara Asmann, director of public relations.

 

The Kappa Pi chapter normally installs new officers and initiates new members at its banquet every April. Due to the pandemic, the annual event was canceled, but the new officers have officially been installed. Incoming chapter officers for the 2020-21 year are: Bobby Mahurin, president; Jackson Pope, vice president; David Hartley, treasurer and director of fundraising; Anna Kate Brown, secretary; Hannah Reeder, director of outreach; Jacob McDowell, director of community service; and Austin Eck, director of public relations.

 

Interim Dean Chad Carson said, “The resilience our students have shown during this challenging year has been remarkable. Receiving this recognition from Beta Alpha Psi is a true testament to our students’ commitment to their own professional development, and it demonstrates the tremendous servant hearts that they possess. I am so proud of their accomplishments.”