School of Accountancy events prove to be ‘assets’ for incoming Trulaske students

This fall, the School of Accountancy at the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business welcomed 220 new accountancy students with an average GPA of 3.65. 

Matt Glendening, interim director of Trulaske’s School of Accountancy, addressed the students during the New Admit Orientation Sept. 5. Students also heard from Sijie Yao, director of the Paul and Lynn Ann Vogel Master of Accountancy and Integrated Program, and Hayley Harned, assistant director of the program, as well as Stevie Neuman, an associate professor and holder of the Tax Excellence Professorship.

The annual event is a combination of excitement and uncertainty, Glendening said, but one that helps ensure accountancy students get off to a strong start.

“For the first time, they’re taking upper level accounting courses, attending professional events, and engaging directly with our faculty and firm representatives,” Glendening said. “It can feel overwhelming in those first weeks, but it’s also the critical first step in their professional development and long-term success.”

The School of Accountancy also feted the start of the new academic year with a New Admit Banquet featuring keynote speaker Brett Lewis, who holds a BSAcc from Mizzou. Lewis recently retired from Grant Thornton after a career in public accounting that spanned four decades. During his tenure at Grant Thornton, Lewis served in various leadership roles, including managing partner of the Kansas City, Denver and Great Plains territory offices. 

“It's encouraging to hear his story and to know that the Mizzou accounting program will prepare us to be leaders in the industry,” said Tian Schulte, an accountancy student in the Trulaske College of Business.

Lewis emphasized the importance of professional mobility, always being fully present, and an ongoing commitment to learning.

“Success in this profession requires curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to continually grow,” Yao said. “His message emphasized both the opportunities available and the importance of making the most of them.”

At the pair of events, students had an opportunity to practice an important business skill: the power of networking.

“Networking is one of the most essential skills in accounting today, and these events make it easy to start building that network from day one,” said Ian Gariss, a junior studying accountancy at the Trulaske College of Business. “You meet peers, professors, and professionals who could end up being part of your support system and career path.”

The events are also designed to remind students they have a strong support system consisting of faculty, staff, alumni and firm representatives, all of whom are invested in the students’ growth.

“I want them to know that they are supported every step of the way, by faculty, staff, and our campus partners who are all dedicated to helping them succeed,” Yao said.

Glendening offered one final piece of advice for New Admit students: “Be gritty, stay curious, and always act with integrity.”

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.