Missouri State’s Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) chapter recently achieved Superior Chapter Status for the 2019-2020 year. The title is given to chapters by the national BAP organization.
To achieve superior chapter status, chapters must complete both professional and service hours, participate in regional and/or national meetings, and participate in reaching out activities such as “Meet the Majors.”
The title is especially notable this year since the pandemic disrupted the normal activities of the chapter.
“The school of accountancy is very proud of the student effort required to achieve superior status, especially in the midst of a pandemic.” said Dr. Kimberly Church, director of the school of accountancy.
A history of success
The BAP chapter at MSU has a history of being exemplary. They have been designated a Superior Chapter for every year since the award has existed since 1997.
The national BAP chapter has a yearly Best Practices competition. The competition is first held at the regional level, and then winners compete at the national level.
Since 2010, the MSU BAP chapter has won 15 regional Best Practices competitions. At the national level, they have finished in first place four times since 2015, with the latest win being in 2019.
The chapter also won the Outstanding Dean Award in 2016. Co-advisors, Dr. Carl Keller and Dr. George Schmelzle, also won Advisor of the Year Award in 2016.
“We are grateful to the faculty advisors, Dr. Carl Keller and Dr. George Schmezle, for the numerous selfless hours it requires to support and mentor students for superior status,” Dr. Church said.
About Beta Alpha Psi
MSU’s Theta Pi chapter of Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary professional business organization for accounting, finance and computer information systems.
Students are afforded professional development opportunities through presentations by area professionals. Many speakers are from national and regional SPA firms as well as corporations and government entities.
Students also have opportunities to attend regional and national meetings and engage in service activities. Service opportunities have included Ronald McDonald House, Eden Tiny Homes and the U.S. Troops.