Honorary organization Beta Alpha Psi evolves

 

Changes are coming to the Ole Miss chapter of Beta Alpha Psi as it prepares to build on its already strong foundation.

For starters, Suzanne McCaffrey, who has overseen the chapter since 2003, has been elected director at large for the Southeast region of the organization, meaning she will serve as faculty adviser for all 53 chapters in Beta Alpha Psi’s largest region.

Under McCaffrey’s tutelage, the Ole Miss group was named a distinguished chapter by the national organization for the first time in years after meeting a required number of professional and service hours per member.

With McCaffrey in the regional position, J Shaw will take over as the Ole Miss chapter adviser. “It’s something I have always been very interested in and supporting of,” Shaw said, adding that he was president of the Beta Alpha Psi chapter at Oklahoma State, where he earned his master’s degree.

McCaffrey’s new responsibilities will include communicating with all 53 chapters in her region, advising chapters on probation, assisting new chapters through the installation process, attending annual national and regional meetings, and tending to administrative duties that come with the adviser role. Her level of involvement will also serve as a role model to students in the Patterson School.

“Beta Alpha Psi is the only School of Accountancy student organization

that’ s an active group,” McCaffrey said. “So it really makes a difference if you’re involved.”

Amanda Holsworth, a senior accountancy student from Coppell, Texas, and president of the Ole Miss chapter, agrees. “I would suggest every member of the accountancy school become part of Beta Alpha Psi,” Holsworth said. “It’s a great opportunity to make connections with peers, faculty and professionals.”

Involvement will be a top priority for the incoming group of officers.

In fact, the group has increased the number of officers in order to encourage more participation among members. “The more officer positions, the more people participate, and the more opportunity to serve,” Shaw said.

In addition to Holsworth, this year’s officers include Josh Norris, vice president of programming; Spencer Butcher, vice president of social activities; Jessica Ayers, vice president of activities; Lindsey Peresich, vice president of publicity; Jeff Payne, vice president of membership; Matt Glover, vice president of service; Matt Crittenden, vice president of communications; Chasity Skeen, treasurer; Scott Stewart, recording secretary; and Emily Mosquera, corresponding secretary.

Shaw looks forward to the chance to advise the student group. “Ole Miss students are top notch,” he said. “They’re well-spoken, hardworking and intelligent. This officer group is very representative of those characteristics.”

The Ole Miss chapter of Beta Alpha Psi includes around 50 members who meet regularly each semester. The organization gives students a chance to be connected with the accountancy school and to meet professionals in the field. “It’s a way to start getting networked into that community,” Shaw said.

Beta Alpha Psi will host its annual “Meet the Firms” event Sept. 2 to offer accountancy students a chance to meet recruiters. Last year, 20 firms participated, and Shaw expects that number to increase this year.

The chapter held its fourth annual golf tournament May 2. Despite rainy weather, the event was a success, giving students a chance to interact with accountancy professionals during a reception, lunch and on the golf course. The money raised at the annual tournament allowed five students to travel with McCaffrey and Shaw to the annual Beta Alpha Psi meeting held Aug. 7-9 in Anaheim, Calif.