Troy students named PCAOB Scholars

Carr School of Accounting graduate students Emma Weeks and Emily Stroud have been named Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars. With the honor, each student received a $15,000 scholarship. 

The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies, as well as brokers and dealers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  

University Relations photo

Stroud (left) and Weeks (right) pose in John Robert Lewis Hall.

In 2011, the PCAOB started a scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges and universities. The program is funded through monetary penalties collected during audits and seeks to benefit students who are likely to become auditors. 

“[The scholarships] typically go to some of the better accounting schools in the nation and then also some of the best students within those schools,” said Carr School Director and Associate Professor of Accounting Dr. Josh McGowan. 

McGowan emphasized the significance of this scholarship. 

“Just from a financial perspective,  $15,000 can be life changing to many students, and it helps really set them on a path to have less debt, if any, coming out of school,” McGowan said. 

Weeks and Stroud shared that the scholarship would cover full tuition of the master’s program, helping keep them in good financial positions while completing their degrees. 

Weeks, who is a first-year graduate student from Elberta, Alabama, shared her excitement in receiving this honor. 

“I was very excited; I wasn’t really expecting it at all,” Weeks said. “Dr. McGowan told me it was a possibility, and I was just incredibly thankful.  

“It was really good to see that the work that I’ve been putting forward in my undergrad is finally paying off and just helping my future.” 

Stroud, who is a first-year graduate student from Bakersfield, California, shared a similar experience of surprise and honor. 

“I felt truly honored to be selected as a recipient because there are so many talented students here at Troy, and it means the world to be given such a life-changing opportunity,” Stroud said. “I wasn’t really expecting to receive it, so it was a welcoming surprise.  

“I’ve worked long hours and studied hard, and I’d like to think that it’s finally paid off with this scholarship.” 

Stroud expressed her gratitude for the school’s faculty and staff. 

“They have all made a lasting impact on my life,” Stroud said. “I would not be where I am today without them, and I am grateful for their sincerity and dedication to their students.”

Stroud shared some advice for other students looking to work their way up. 

“Never give up,” Stroud said. “Always keep pushing no matter how tired you get.  

“Keep going to class, keep studying and keep making those connections, and one day it will pay off.” 

McGowan shared some parting words. 

“We are very proud in the Carr School of Accountancy for both Emma and Emily; they are both excellent students,” McGowan said. “We have a great program, and I’m just very excited for them and very excited to see what our future holds.”