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For the third consecutive year, a Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) student has earned a competitive $10,000 national scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars Program.

Award recipient Stacee Durell, of St. Jacob, notes the scholarship will almost completely pay for her advanced degree, allowing her to make her dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) a reality.

“My reaction to receiving this award was one of pure shock,” Durell said. “I honestly could not believe a girl from such a small town could win such a big scholarship. I’m grateful the committee saw potential in me. This has definitely taken a lot of stress off my shoulders.”

The SIUE accounting program is a qualified PCAOB Scholarship Nominating School. Durell secured the national scholarship after first being chosen as SIUE’s representative, and then competing with other top applicants from all nominating schools in the U.S.

“Being accepted as a nominating school for the PCAOB Scholars Program is great recognition and a seal of approval for SIUE accounting,” said Gregory Sierra, PhD, associate professor and director of the MSA program. “It means that the nation’s audit regulator is confident that SIUE can educate accountants to protect our financial system.”

Sierra expressed his confidence in Durell as a deserving candidate, noting she has demonstrated incredible academic achievement, and stands out for her service and friendships within SIUE’s MSA program.

“As Beta Alpha Psi president, Stacee has spent much time and energy helping other students, connecting SIUE to accounting professionals in the region, and serving the community,” Sierra explained. “Pre-COVID, she was always in the department working with other students. Even since COVID, she has been working on virtual events for SIUE students. Faculty and students admire her work ethic. Fellow students clearly appreciate her ability to contribute not only to their learning, but also to a positive atmosphere.”

“I would like to thank SIUE’s accounting faculty, because without their support, this opportunity would not have been possible,” Durell said. “The accounting professors explain the difficult material so clearly that as long as I am willing to put the work into studying, I will get the grade and understanding that I’m striving for. They are always willing to answer any questions I have related to class, material, accounting culture, proper etiquette and more. They give their all to provide as many opportunities as possible for me and my fellow students.”

Durell always strives for high achievement in whatever she’s doing. That holds true in her professional outlook as she prepares to graduate in fall 2021 with aspirations to work for a big four firm. To start, she will pursue an internship at KPMG in winter 2020.

“I would love to work my way up in a big four firm until I become partner, or even CEO or CFO one day,” Durell explained. “I have always set out to obtain the highest position possible. I would like to make a name for myself in the accounting industry, and show the world that women can achieve great things and are just as capable as men.”

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is the national regulator of public auditors. The PCAOB oversees the audits of public companies and SEC-registered brokers and dealers in order to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate and independent audit reports.

Photo: SIUE MSA student Stacee Durell, of St. Jacob, earned a $10,000 scholarship from the PCAOB Scholars Program.