Several students from Missouri State University’s Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) student chapter competed and were honored at the International Meeting and Best Practices competition. Two of the teams earned top finishes:

• Brandon Smith and Veronica Shultz, first place, Alignment of Officer Activities
• Tara Randles and Tanner Courtney, third place, Good or Great
• Nicole Johnson and Brandon Holman, Leadership and Management

Other members who attended the competition included Derek Walters, Amanda Wieberg and Elizabeth Sivill.

“Having been at countless BAP Best Practice competitions for years and having judged many of them, I know from experience that the competition is very stiff,” said Dr. Stephanie Bryant, dean of the College of Business and David D. Glass distinguished leadership chair. “These are the best accounting, finance and information students in the country.”

The team traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, for the meeting held Aug. 4-6, and several teams competed.

Before advancing to the international competition, all three teams placed first at the regional competition in Omaha, Nebraska in April as a part of the BAP Missouri Valley Regional Meeting.

Dean, faculty advisers receive highest honors

Bryant was honored with the Outstanding Dean Award. This award is presented annually in recognition of the support deans give to their university’s BAP chapter, and only one award is given per year.

“Dean Bryant has provided a tremendous amount of support for our organization,” said BAP President Sivill in a nomination letter to the selection committee. “As the former international president of Beta Alpha Psi, Dean Bryant is always available to offer advice and counsel. She embodies the roles of a traditional dean and exceeds the standards without hesitation.”

BAP advisers Dr. George Schmelzle, professor of accounting, and Dr. Carl Keller, associate professor of accounting, were also honored at the meeting and jointly received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award. This award is presented each year to five or fewer faculty advisers who make substantial contributions to the professional growth and development of business and financial information students.

Beta Alpha Psi, through its cooperation with McGladrey LLP, recognizes outstanding faculty advisers with a plaque and a cash award of $5,000.

“Their dedication not only goes to our chapter, but also into their teaching and service work within Missouri State University and the accounting field,” said Sivill. “They have spent countless hours and late evenings helping our chapter run efficiently and to its fullest potential.”

Bryant echoed Sivill’s sentiment.

“This kind of result doesn’t happen without dedicated faculty advisers,” said Bryant. “Dr. Keller and Dr. Schmelzle have provided top-notch leadership to this group for many years.”

For more information, contact Schmelzle at 417-836-5041.