UMO Student Attends NCACPA Student Leadership Institute
UMO Student Attends NCACPA Student Leadership Institute
MOUNT OLIVE- University of Mount Olive (UMO) student and Philippines native Justine Mary Tejada recently attended the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) 3rdAnnual Student Leadership Institute of North Carolina (SLINC). The event is the premier networking and educational opportunity in the state for accounting students to connect with peers and grow their connections in the accounting world. This two-day program seeks to develop future leaders in the CPA profession and attracts top accounting students from across the state.
Tejada is a senior accounting major and computer information systems minor. She enrolled at UMO in the fall of 2012 and quickly proved to be an overachiever both inside and outside of the classroom. Her impressive grades and ambitious personality led her to work as a supplemental instructor, student ambassador, peer mentor, University marshal, orientation leader, resident assistant (RA), and leads the campus activities board as secretary.
In the spring of 2015, Tejada heard about an exciting opportunity with the NCACPA. “I learned about the leadership conference from Dr. Best and I applied online,” recalled Tejada. “A couple weeks later they sent out an e-mail saying I got accepted into the program!”
The conference provided Tejada with incredible insight that she will apply to her education at UMO and beyond. This event presented the unique opportunity to gather with NCACPA board of directors, the young CPA cabinet, and the leadership of chapters and committees to learn more about the significant issues and challenges facing the accounting profession and association.
“It was a great honor and opportunity to be able to attend such a prestige program,” smiled Tejada. “I feel like I am more prepared for what I am about to encounter in the future. I learned how to act and what to do in front of a potential employer. There were also several motivational speakers which I also enjoyed.”
Tejada attributes her acceptance and success at the conference to the Tillman School of Business. “The professors of the Tillman School of Business are extremely helpful. Whenever I have difficulties in my class, they always do their best to help and support me,” said Tejada. “The conference was a once in a lifetime opportunity and taught me so much about the CPA exam and professional etiquette and opportunities.”
After graduation in May of 2016, Tejada plans on pursuing an online master’s degree in taxation.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.