The Education Foundation of the Mississippi Society of CPAs recently awarded $49,000 in college scholarships for the Fall 2023 term. Founded in the early 1970s, the Foundation seeks to promote accounting education in Mississippi colleges and universities by helping students pursue a CPA career.

College juniors, seniors, and graduate students representing 9 Mississippi institutions applied for the scholarships, which required submitted essays, transcripts and resumes. Scholarships worth $3,000 each were awarded to 16 students and an extra scholarship worth $1,000 was awarded to the Hamp King Award winner.

HAMP KING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Jarrett Lea
University of Southern Mississippi
Hamp King Award

Jarrett Lea of Brookhaven has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall at the University of Southern Mississippi. He is the President of the Zeta Mu Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, and a Cintas business ambassador for the College of Business and Economic Development. Previously, he was President of the National Society of Leadership and Success, Vice President of Student Center for Public Trust, and Chancellor of Delta Sigma Pi – Gamma Tau. Outside of college, he is the Treasurer of Old Paths Church of Christ. He is involved with the Mississippi Loggers Association, volunteers at the Southern Pines Animal Shelter, and served as an escort in the Krewe of Ceres Charity Ball. He is also a student member of the MSCPA and has interned at Haddox Reid. 

The prestigious Hamp King Award is given to the most outstanding undergraduate scholarship recipient. This award was established to recognize and honor the memory of the late Hamp King, a CPA who served as Mississippi’s State Auditor for many years. The winner receives an additional $1,000 scholarship and an award plaque.  

GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Kaylee Foster
Mississippi College
Edward A. DeMiller, Jr. Scholarship 

Kaylee Foster of Ocean Springs has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall. She graduated from Mississippi College in May 2023 and began her graduate studies in August 2023. At Mississippi College, she is a member of the Lady Choctaw soccer team, President of the Mississippi College Accounting Society, member and former Social Events Coordinator of Laguna Social Tribe, member of Women in Business, member of the Judicial Council, and is a dean’s assistant in the Mississippi College School of Business. Outside of college, she is active in her church and is a member of a college ministry and community group. She also worked with the Department of Justice as a Forensic Accountant and a Crimes Against Children intern. She is a member of the Mississippi Blues Soccer Club in the Gulf Coast Premier League and has volunteered with the 4C’s, Mississippi College Community Service, and Top Soccer. 

The Edward A. DeMiller, Jr. Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Mr. DeMiller who was an original Trustee of the Education Foundation when it was founded. Mr. DeMiller served as MSCPA President during 1959-60. Melissa Gregg Delta State University Melissa Gregg of Greenwood has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall. She graduated from Delta State University in May 2023 and began her graduate studies in August 2023. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and tutors accounting students. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and children and is an active member of her church where she plays piano, sings, and teaches Sunday School.  

Melissa Gregg
Delta State University 

Melissa Gregg of Greenwood has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall. She graduated from Delta State University in May 2023 and began her graduate studies in August 2023. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and tutors accounting students. Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and children and is an active member of her church where she plays piano, sings, and teaches Sunday School. 

Wayne Herring
William Carey University
Gary Thornton Scholarship 

Wayne Herring of Sandy Hook has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 3.8 GPA overall. He graduated from William Carey University in May 2023 and began his graduate studies at Mississippi State University in June 2023. While at William Carey, Wayne was a member of the Dean’s Business Student Advisory Council, Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Alpha Chi Honor Society. He is an accounting assistant for Schamber-Jones CPA, PA and a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and the Mississippi Association of Public Accountants. 

The Gary E. Thornton Memorial Scholarship was established in 1999 by Gary’s widow, Cathy. Gary was an active MSCPA member and former chair of the Governmental A&A Committee.  

Rikayla Jackson
Jackson State University 

Rikayla Jackson of Woodville has a 3.85 GPA in accounting and a 3.86 GPA overall. She graduated from Jackson State University in April 2023 and began her graduate studies in August 2023. She has served as Secretary of the Accounting Society, Director of Public Relations for the Campus Activities Board, Financial Secretary for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In her free time, Rikayla volunteers at Stewpot and Genesis and Light Center. 

Henrietta Long
University of Mississippi
James W. Davis Scholarship 

Henrietta Long of Oxford has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 3.99 GPA overall. She graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2023 and will begin her graduate studies in May 2024. During her time at Ole Miss, she was a member and Vice President of Finance of Kappa Delta Sorority, historian for Beta Alpha Psi, and a recruitment counselor. She was also a member of the Ole Miss First Scholars Program, Sally McDonnel Barksdale Honor College, Cardinal Club, Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Delta Phi French Honor Society, Rho Lambda Honor Society, and was the recipient of the Ole Miss Who’s Who (2023) and a Taylor Medalist (2023). Outside of college, Henrietta was an intern for KPMG, youth intern for Madison United Methodist Church, volunteer at St. Peter’s Pumpkin Patch, and participated in various mission trips. 

The James W. Davis Scholarship was established in 2021 to honor Dr. Davis who had served as a Trustee of the Education Foundation since inception. Dr. Davis was long-time professor at Ole Miss, holder of the prestigious Peery Chair in Accountancy, and former Dean of the Patterson School of Accountancy. He was the author of the first MSCPA history in 1977 and co-authored our MSCPA Centennial history book. Dr. Davis served as MSCPA President during 1983-84 and served numerous years on the Board of Governors. He was the recipient of the 1993 MSCPA Outstanding Educator Award. 

Haley Milstead
University of Southern Mississippi
Ralph F. Neely Scholarship 

Haley Milstead of D’Iberville has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall. She graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2023 and began her graduate studies in August 2023. Haley is Reporting Secretary of Beta Alpha Psi, President of Student Center for Public Trust, and member of Delta Sigma Pi and Beta Gamma Sigma. She was also a student ambassador for the USM College of Business. Outside of college, she volunteers at the Southern Pines Animal Shelter and is a student member of the AICPA and the MSCPA. 

The Ralph F. Neely Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Mr. Neely who was an original Trustee of the Education Foundation when it was founded. Mr. Neely served as MSCPA President during 1966-67.  

Alyssa Riddley
Millsaps College 

Alyssa Riddley of Jackson has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 3.77 GPA overall. She graduated from Mississippi University for Women in December 2022 and began her graduate studies at Millsaps College in January 2023. During her undergraduate enrollment, she was involved in several campus clubs and served as a student office assistant. She was a member and President of Phi Beta Lambda, member of the TVA Investment Club, and an alumni member of Masker Honorary Social Club. At Millsaps, she is a graduate assistant in the accounting lab. 

Alisha Worthy
Mississippi State University
Ryne E. Neubert Scholarship 

Alisha Worthy of Brandon has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall. She graduated from Mississippi State University in May 2023 and began her graduate studies in June 2023. She was an intern at KPMG in Atlanta, GA, student worker at the Adkerson School of Accountancy at MSU, and a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. Outside of college, Alisha is a PCAOB scholar and is a member of the Epicenter Church Youth Committee. 

The Rhyne E. Neubert Scholarship was established in 2016 to honor Mr. Neubert who had served as a Trustee of the Education Foundation since inception. Under his investment guidance and expertise, the Fund grew from an original contribution of $1,000 to its level today. Mr. Neubert served as MSCPA President during 1972-73 and was honored by the MSCPA in 1996 as the Public Service Award Winner for outstanding service to the profession and to his community.  

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS 

Allie Grace Bell
Mississippi State University 

Allie Grace Bell of Madison has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall at Mississippi State University. She is a member of Chi Omega where she previously served as Marketing Chair. She is a Diamond Girl for the Mississippi State baseball team and is a member of the 2023 MSU Homecoming Court, Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Beta Alpha Psi. She also served on the Student Association’s Freshman Council and Cabinet and Lambda Sigma Honor Society. Allie volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and tutors children at the JL King Center. During each school year, Allie works remotely for Cornerstone Consulting Group. She has also interned for the Office of the Governor. She is a National Merit Finalist with an ACT score of 34. 

Dayana Plaza Blanco
Jackson State University

Dayana Plaza Blanco of Jackson has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 3.70 GPA overall at Jackson State University. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has worked as a volunteer for the JSU W.E.B. Du Bois-Harvey Honors College, JSU Crop Drop, and Keep Jackson Beautiful.

Tito Campbell, Jr.
Millsaps College

Tito Campbell, Jr. of Pearl has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 3.90 GPA overall at Millsaps College. He is a member of Pi Theta Kappa, Alpha Beta Gamma, and Sigma Lambda Honor Society. He is also a Millsaps Student Body Association Senator.

  

Meaghan Lee
Mississippi College

Meaghan Lee of Bude has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall at Mississippi College. She is a board member for the Women in Business Club and is a member of the School of Business Advisory Council, Phi Theta Kappa, and Beta Gamma Sigma. She attends Accounting Society meetings and is involved with the Baptist Student Union. Meaghan attends First Baptist Church of Bude where she plays the keyboard in the church band. She is also a member of a gospel band who plays for churches, festivals, and nursing homes.

  

Sydney Pevey
Delta State University

Sydney Pevey of Jayess has a 4.0 GPA in accounting and a 4.0 GPA overall at Delta State University. She is a member of the DSU softball team. She was chosen to be a Business Student Advisory Council member, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, and is currently the Vice President of the CMA Chapter at DSU. Outside of college, Sydney is a student member of the MSCPA.

  

Kennedy Pugh
Mississippi University for Women

Kennedy Pugh of Starkville has a 3.94 GPA in accounting and a 3.96 GPA overall at Mississippi University for Women. She placed 2nd and received Honorable Mention in MUW’s Dilettanti poetry book. She will become the Editor in Chief this fall and is involved in the Community Engagement Fellowship. She has assisted her church with community service projects and works part time.

  

Brooks Stewart
University of Mississippi

Brooks Stewart of Madison has a 3.70 GPA in accounting and a 3.93 GPA overall at the University of Mississippi. Brooks currently serves as Vice President of Administration in the Patterson School of Accountancy and as President of Kappa Alpha Order. For the Interfraternity Council, he served on the Judicial Board and on the executive team as the Director of Rho Alpha. Outside of college, he is a member of Pinelake Church and is involved in Pinelake College. Brooks interned for Haddox Reid in Jackson last summer and has operated a landscaping company for the last seven years.

 

 For more information about the MSCPA Education Foundation, visit www.ms-cpa.org/about/education-foundation.