ACE Staff – School of Accounting Collaborative for Excellence

Director
MS Coordinator, School of Accounting
Clinical Instructor
Please add the following ACE Associates:
Meredith Franke, Anna Gunter, Avery Hassen, Tristen Roach, Amber Smith, Vanessa Velasco,
Jordan Yee
ACE Associates

Tell us about yourself:
I am from Dallas, Texas and I graduated from undergrad here at Oklahoma State in May
2020 and plan to graduate from graduate school in July 2021. By July 2021, I will
have hopefully passed all my CPA exams, but I will start working full time for BKD
as a Tax Associate in September 2021. I’ve been taking one MS class per semester since
May 2019. My first MS class was a study abroad trip to Ireland, which was incredible.
Truly one of my favorite college experiences.
During my undergrad career, I became a Chi Omega and served our chapter through various
philanthropic roles and participations. I was and still continue to teach Sunday School
every week at Eagle Heights Baptist Church and love serving my community weekly.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I pursued an associate position with ACE to help pay for graduate school and to help
me study for the CPA by teaching other students.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
My definition of an accomplishment might look different than most, but I'm proud of
maintaining a consistently high GPA, serving my community weekly while keeping up
with school, getting an A in Intermediate Accounting II, and fearlessly investigating
potential career pathways through other majors (and finally finding one that I love).
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My best advice is to try to give yourself grace. All you can expect from yourself
is to give everything you do your best effort. Sometimes the result of that might
look exactly how you thought it would, or translate into a good grade. Sometimes,
though, our best effort doesn't generate what we want, but that is okay. In fact,
when we give something our all and it doesn't deliver what we thought it would, that
is a great time to stop and evaluate our motivations and what we truly want out of
life. Failure shouldn't make you less passionate about something, so if you put your
best in, get a bad grade, and no longer want to pursue your major, maybe that's because
it isn't truly your passion in the first place. Take that from someone who has changed
her major twice!
Tell us about yourself:
This is my second year serving as an ACE tutor/Teaching Assistant for the school of
accounting. I plan to complete my Master's degree in August of 2021 with my CPA certification
and my CMA certification if all goes according to plan. My hobbies include reading,
traveling, and playing board/card games with my family and friends. My future career
goals are to work in public accounting and to work in Japan for at least two years.
I am in the process of learning Japanese in my spare time in order to accomplish this.
I look forward to working with all of you!
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
My main reason is because I get to work for one of my favorite professors and help
her students better understand the material. Other reasons of course include helping
accounting and finance students succeed in their course work and be well prepared
to move on to the next step of their education. And finally, the tuition waiver that
is offered to ACE tutors was a big factor in choosing to pursue a second term with
the ACE program.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
These would include my selection as one of this year's PCAOB scholars and one of last
year's Black Alumni Leadership scholars, my year-long term as the Chi chapter Beta
Alpha Psi reporter, my participation in the Deloitte Audit Innovation Competition,
and my role in last year's first Shakespeare on the Lawn production: “A Midsummer
Night's Dream."
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Get help early and get help often. If you’re still struggling with a concept or assignment
after utilizing all of your resources (videos, the textbook, etc.), visit ACE virtual
hours, attend your TA or professor's office hours, or email a classmate for help.
We are here for you!

Tell us about yourself:
I am originally from Placitas, New Mexico which is slightly north of Albuquerque.
I have one younger brother who currently attends OSU as well. I graduated from OSU
with my bachelor’s degree in accounting in May of 2020. During the summer before my
senior year of undergraduate, I completed my first accounting internship. I was very
lucky to find a great local firm in Albuquerque that hired me as an auditing intern.
Based on my personal preferences and personal goals, I was looking to work at a smaller-sized
firm close to my hometown, and I had a great experience during my internship. I completed
another internship at that firm during the summer of 2020, and my current plan is
to work there full-time as an auditor upon graduation from the master’s program in
July of 2021.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue an associate position with ACE for a few key reasons. First, because
I believe it will be a very beneficial experience for me, personally. I believe that
I will learn and grow as a person while working in ACE through experiencing things
that I have never experienced before. Secondly, I believe in the mission of ACE. I
know that accounting does not come easily to every student, and I am very glad that
there is a resource for those students who are facing a challenge. I am happy to be
a part of a program that is so beneficial to students!
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I have always had very high expectations for myself when it comes to schoolwork. I
am really proud of the GPA that I was able to maintain during undergraduate, and I
hope to keep it up in graduate school! I am also very proud of the fact that I went
on a study abroad trip. During the spring break of my junior year, I went on the trip
to Iceland through CAGLE. I did not know anyone who was going on the trip previous
to signing up, and that was a bit scary. However, I went anyways and it was absolutely
one of the best weeks of my life! I would highly encourage study abroad trips if you
are able to go (and once COVID allows it).
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
I think that time management and the ability to stay organized are two of the most
important skills that I learned during undergraduate. My planner is absolutely my
best friend, it is extremely helpful! Being able to juggle multiple things at once
without someone reminding you is a very beneficial life skill to have. I would advise
current OSU students to try to stay organized as much as possible and learn how to
manage your time best. Especially in this mostly-online environment, self-discipline
and self-learning will be more important than ever.

Tell us about yourself:
I am a M.S in Accounting student from Olathe, Colorado. I came to Oklahoma State to
be involved in the Collegiate Bass Fishing Team. I have been member of the OSU team
since 2016 and President since 2018. In this time I have represented OSU all across
the country in Collegiate Bass Fishing tournaments.
I graduated in December of 2019 with a B.S in Finance from OSU and will be finishing
my Master’s in Accounting in May of 2021. After graduation I plan to pursue becoming
a licensed CPA. I plan to stay in Oklahoma and start my career in public accounting
as an auditor.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I have always enjoyed helping others with class work. I have found that is a great
way for me to learn is to explain something to someone else. I have done other tutoring
positions in the past and really enjoyed it. For me, applying to be an ACE tutor was
a no brainer!
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
• 4-time Collegiate Bass Fishing National Championship Qualifier
• 2020 Top 5 Finance Senior
• Qualified for Presidents Honor Roll and Deans List all 7 semesters as an undergraduate
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Get involved! Find a club or organization that you are passionate about and be an
active member.

Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in Nowata, which is a small town in the northeastern part of Oklahoma. Graduating
with only 76 people, OSU was an adjustment, but a good adjustment. I started out by
majoring in accounting, and never changed my pathway. My involvement included the
National Society of Leadership and Success, National Society of Collegiate Scholars,
Beta Alpha Psi, and the OSCPA as a student member. I became interested in the graduate
program during my freshman year and decided that was something I wanted to pursue.
I graduated from Oklahoma State University in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor's
in accounting.
Next summer, I will finish my master's in accounting and begin taking the CPA exams. In August of 2021, I will begin a career with HoganTaylor in the Tulsa office. Hopefully, I will pass all four parts of the CPA exam by the end of that year.
Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I started college having no idea what I wanted to pursue, and went with a suggestion
from my high school math teacher. She had mentioned doing accounting and how it would
fit my personality. Having no knowledge of accounting or even really what it was,
I declared my major. As each class came and went, I began to realize how correct she
had been. Accounting meshed with my personality in a way no other field would have.
I chose OSU because I had grown up going to football games and loved everything about
Stillwater and OSU. As a third generation OSU legacy, there was no other place I wanted
to be. OSU had been a part of me since the day I was born. It has been two of the
best decisions I have made.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
Starting my freshman year, I set a few goals for myself for the next four years. One
was that I would make the honor roll, every semester, even if it was the Dean's list,
and to never make a C. Another goal I had set for myself was to graduate with honors
as one of the cum laude distinctions. The last goal I set for myself was to join a
new club every year so I could meet new people and experience new things. I am proud
to say I accomplished every goal I had set for myself. The largest accomplishment,
personally, was being accepted into the graduate program here at OSU. Starting out,
I never knew I would stay longer than four years, let alone get a second degree. When
I found out about the accounting graduate program, I knew it was something I wanted
to pursue. I am very proud to continue my education here at Oklahoma State.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current undergraduate students would be to make sure to join a club or
student organization of some sort, especially one that pertains to your major. I joined
Beta Alpha Psi my sophomore year, and it led to the job I have after graduation. I
got to know many people I would not have met otherwise and meet with companies I never
knew existed. Had I not joined, I probably wouldn't have my job lined out. Also, always
attend class. You never know what might happen that day. It could be as simple as
hearing one thing during lecture that saves you on the test. Last but not least, have
fun! You might think graduation is a long way away, but trust me, it is not. Those
four years fly by faster than you think, and you don't want to look back and wish
you had more time (you probably will either way, but cherish the moments).

Tell us about yourself:
I graduated in May 2020 with a Bachelor's in Accounting. Currently, I am completing
my Master's in Accounting. I hope to sit for the CPA exam this summer. In August,
I will move to a new location to begin a two-year rotational program with Textron,
Inc. Some of my favorite hobbies include running and drinking coffee!
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
In undergrad the ACE tutors and TAs were very helpful to me. I would love to help
others!
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
My biggest accomplishment here is that I am part of the 2019 Women's Cross Country
Big 12 Championship team!
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Never be afraid to reach out to those around you!

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Avery Hassen and I graduated Spring 2020 with a degree in accounting. I
am currently pursuing my Master's in Accounting with a focus in financial reporting
in auditing. After graduating with my master's in spring 2021, I will be working at
EY in Oklahoma City in the audit practice.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I chose to pursue an associate position with ACE because I utilized ACE so much during
my undergrad years, and I am looking forward to helping students like the associates
used to help me!
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I am most proud of graduating a year early and maintaining a high GPA!
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
The harder you work the luckier you get!

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Brooke Johnson and I am currently pursing my Masters of Accountancy at
Oklahoma State University. I am originally from Kingwood, Texas where I grew up with
my twin brother and older sister who are pursuing a career in accounting as well.
I plan to graduate with my Master’s Degree in May of 2021 and start work full-time
for PricewaterhouseCoopers in September of 2021. In between graduation and starting
full-time I plan to study for and pass my CPA Exam.
During my free time, I enjoy runs around boomer lake, coffee chats with friends, and
spending time with friends and family.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue an associate position with ACE because I have a passion for helping
students succeed. My entire educational experience, I have been surrounded by and
built relationships with teachers and professors who fully supported me and my plan
for the future. The relationships I built have encouraged me to share the knowledge
I gained with students who are following a similar path.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
The accomplishment I am most proud of is earning a spot on the Academic All Big 12
Team for the 2017-2018 softball season.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
I would advise current students to learn as much as possible. I would encourage students
to focus on expanding their knowledge of accounting rather than focusing on the numerical
grade. If students focus on learning as much as possible in every class, the desired
grade will follow.

Tell us about yourself:
I am Julia DuBois, and I am from Poteau, OK. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree
in accounting in December of 2019, and I am currently in the MS program with a focus
in tax. After graduating with my degree and CPA in Spring of 2021, I will start work
with Grant Thornton as a Tax associate.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I wanted to help students with sharpening their accounting skills especially in a
more individualized setting.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree a semester early with a 4.0. I was a President’s
distinguished scholar, and a top five accounting senior.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
If I were to give any advice, it would be get involved, and do it early! It might
feel awkward at first, but the friends and connections made will be extremely valuable
both during your time at OSU, and long after.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Andrew Morris and I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduated
from Oklahoma State with undergraduate degrees in finance and accounting in December
of 2019. Both of my parents graduated from Oklahoma State so it felt like a natural
fit from the start. After completing my master’s degree, I will be moving to Chicago
and working in JP Morgan's private bank as a wealth management analyst.
Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
No matter what discipline of business you are pursuing, accounting will be at the
foundation of your understanding of that discipline. If that foundation is strong,
you stand a better chance of providing value and innovation in the workplace from
a more extensive knowledge of the financial underpinnings of a company or industry.
I grew up going to events on campus so the university has always been a natural fit
for me. This paired with a strong accounting program made for an easy decision in
universities.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
• 4.00 undergraduate GPA in finance and accounting
• Vice President of my fraternity
• Treasurer of the Interfraternity Council
• ACE Scholar
• Financial Executives International Outstanding Student Award
• Full-time employment opportunities
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
It's okay to try really hard at something and fail. It's cliche, but every disappointing
situation has at the very least a silver lining of lessons that can be learned from
the process. Never use a negative outcome as an excuse to not keep trying, that will
only serve to ensure you never reach your goals.

Tell us about yourself:
I graduated from Oklahoma State in May 2020 with my bachelors in accounting and am
now pursuing my masters. I plan to graduate with my masters in May 2021 and hopefully
pass CPA in the summer following. I have accepted a full-time position with Ernst
and Young starting in the fall as part of the assurance staff.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
ACE was a great resource for me as an undergrad student and I wanted to now be the
help students needed. I also pursued a position with ACE to help review for the CPA
exam and build better connections with professors and staff at Oklahoma State.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I had the amazing opportunities to serve in leadership positions through my greek
chapter, which provided me great skills to use in both my personal life and career.
Through my undergraduate education, I was a part of PLC and numerous honor societies
where I met great people. I was also able to study abroad and had the time of life.
I graduated Cum Laude and made the President's and Dean's honor rolls multiple semesters.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
One piece of advice I would give current students is to always have an open mind and
to try something once. You never know what organizations or people you will meet that
change your life for the better. Once you find your niche as OSU, don't spread yourself
too thin and take care of yourself.

Tell us about yourself:
I was born and raised in a small town, Cleveland, OK. I graduated from Cleveland in
2017 and started OSU in the Fall of 2017. While at OSU I was a student-athlete, involved
in several business organizations, and loved hanging out with my friends that I met
in that process. I graduated with my Undergraduate degree in Accounting in 3 years
in Spring 2020. Throughout my college career I interned with a gas/asphalt trucking
company in Missouri, MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City, and BKD in Tulsa. I am starting
the MS Accounting program in Summer 2020 and could not be more excited to share this
experience with my classmates and learn and grow from this experience. Go pokes!
Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I started accounting at a young age and it seemed natural. I always knew I was coming
to OSU because of the people and atmosphere. I would not have changed any of it for
a second.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I finished my undergraduate degree in three years, while being a student-athlete.
I maintained a high GPA, receiving several academic awards and scholarships throughout
my time.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
Make sure you have time to sleep, eat, and shower. Those things seem easy but college
gets busy. Make the most of it because OSU has brought me some of my best friends
and memories that will last a life time.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Morgan Thomas and I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma. I graduate with my MS in accounting
in the Spring of 2021 and plan to work for Grant Thornton following graduation.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
During my undergrad, I was a frequent visitor to ACE. So much so, I got to know a
few of the tutors pretty well and they were crucial in my decision to continue to
pursue accounting and not give up. I hope to pass that on to another upcoming student.
I could not have done undergrad without ACE, so I wanted to be a part of keeping it
alive and well.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
Some of my most proud accomplishments include the relationships I have built in my
time at OSU. A resume or position in life is only temporary but the friendships I
have built at OSU will last a lifetime. I look forward to continuing to build more
relationships as a tutor in ACE.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
During my undergrad, I was a frequent visitor to ACE. So much so, I got to know a
few of the tutors pretty well and they were crucial in my decision to continue to
pursue accounting and not give up. I hope to pass that on to another upcoming student.
I could not have done undergrad without ACE, so I wanted to be a part of keeping it
alive and well.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Vanessa Velasco and I’m from Tulsa, OK. I graduated in May 2020 with majors
in Accounting and Finance and I plan to graduate in May 2021 with my Master’s in Accounting.
I’ve held a variety of jobs ranging from sales associate to server to dance coach.
I’ve interned at ONEOK in Tulsa, OK in the summer of 2019 and PwC virtually this past
summer. After graduating, I plan to sit for the CPA exam and begin my career in public
accounting at PwC in Tulsa as an audit associate.
Why did you decide to pursue an associate position with the Accounting Collaborative
for Excellence (ACE)?
I decided to pursue a position with ACE because I personally benefited from it. I’ve
been there several times when I needed help and I would like to help others the way
I have been helped.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I’m most proud of the fact that I was able to complete two undergraduate degrees in
just three years. In addition, I’m also proud that I was able to secure two internships,
one at a Fortune 500 company and another at a Big 4 accounting firm.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current OSU students is to get involved. My biggest regret from my undergraduate
career is not getting more involved and meeting more people. I’ve made great friendships
through the jobs I held, but I wish I had been in more clubs.

Tell us about yourself:
My name is Jordan Yee and I am a graduate student currently working on my master’s
in accounting. I completed my bachelor’s degree in accounting at Oklahoma State University
in May of 2020. I am originally from Stillwater, OK and I have loved being able to
attend college in my hometown. In my free time, I enjoy going fishing and camping
trips. I currently work in the front office for the Stillwater Area Sports Association
handling enrollment into the various sports programs. I do not currently have a job
lined up for after graduation. I plan on taking the CPA exam following the graduate
accounting program. I am excited to finally finish up my academic career and graduate
in the summer of 2021.
Why did you decide to pursue accounting at OSU?
I was unsure of what I wanted to do after graduating high school. I entered the business
school at OSU as a general business major. I really enjoyed my first two accounting
classes and that lead me to switch majors.
What are some accomplishments that you are proud of during your time at OSU?
I was able to graduate in the spring of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting
with a 4.0 GPA. I was a member of Beta Alpha Psi for two years.
What advice would you give to current OSU students?
My advice to current undergraduate students would be to keep doing their best. It
is really easy to get distracted from school work. Life gets in the way of going to
class and studying. Keep up the hard work so that they will be able to graduate on
time. Going to class and taking notes is the easiest and most effective way to stay
on top of school work.