Mackenzie Westmoreland, a senior accounting major in Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business, was recently awarded a $10,000 scholarship by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) intended to encourage outstanding accounting students to pursue careers in audit.

“We’re proud of Mackenzie and her accomplishments, and appreciate that the PCAOB recognized this outstanding student,” said Dr. Chris Martin, dean of the College of Business. “Our School of Accountancy consistently produces students—like Mackenzie—and graduates who excel in the profession. Notably, our CPA exam pass rate is one of the highest in the country at 87.5 percent.”

For the 2019-20 academic year, 207 students from U.S. colleges and universities were selected to receive the scholarship. This merit-based award is given to select students who exhibit excellence in an accounting degree program and have been nominated by a professor.

“When I received notice that I was being nominated for the PCAOB scholarship, I was completely surprised and extremely humbled,” said Westmoreland, who plans to pursue a master of accountancy and obtain her CPA license.

Originally from Gonzales, Westmoreland will graduate this summer with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. She is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the international accounting honor society, and a Louisiana Tech cheerleader.

“My professors have created a comfortable learning environment while helping me hone my critical thinking skills by continuously challenging me in class,” said Westmoreland. “The College of Business has helped groom me to begin my professional career by providing opportunities to meet with employers to discover what they are looking for, helping me build a network, and holding different workshops to help me become a better professional.”

For more information about the PCAOB scholarship, visit pcaobus.org.