An MTSU student accounting organization has been recognized by its governing body as one of its top units internationally.

The Board of Directors for Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors organization for accounting students and professionals, named MTSU’s Zeta Gamma Chapter a “superior chapter” for its efforts during the 2013-2014 academic year.

This is the highest award given to Beta Alpha Psi chapters, and each superior chapter will receive an award check for $275 sponsored by the KPMG Foundation.

Founded in 1919, Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. There are over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi’s formation, according to the organization’s website, www.bap.org.

MTSU accounting professor Paula Thomas serves as faculty adviser for the student chapter.

In a congratulatory letter to MTSU this month, Kevin D. Stocks, the
 2014-2015 president of Beta Alpha Psi, noted that under Thomas’s leadership, the MTSU chapter “has far exceeded the baseline requirements of Beta Alpha Psi and has excelled in the areas of academics, professionalism, and leadership.”

“This honor is due to the hard work and dedication of the faculty — particularly Dr. Paula Thomas — and the students involved,” said Dr. David Urban, dean of MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business, which includes the Department of Accounting.

Dr. David Urban

Dr. Paula Thomas

“On any campus with an accounting program, Beta Alpha Psi is always where the very best accounting students are found,” Urban noted. “I am pleased that our Zeta Gamma chapter is upholding the highest standards of leadership, scholarship and service.”

Beta Alpha Psi introduces students to accounting professionals from CPA firms, industry and government. Activities include:

• weekly meetings with professional speakers.
• community service projects.
• site visits to accounting firms and other businesses.

The group hosts networking and other events open to professionals, faculty and members. Beta Alpha Psi is open to accounting majors with an overall GPA and accounting GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For information about the Department of Accounting, visit www.mtsu.edu/accounting. For more information about Beta Alpha Psi, visit www.mtsu.edu/~bap.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)