Taking Flight – November 2015 Edition

Message from the Dean

As a College of Business, we measure our progress using a number of different indicators. One of those key indicators is our impact. We want to make a difference among the people and communities we serve. We want to see the effects of our contributions in the lives of the people we touch, in the economy of our state and region, and in the vitality of our professional community. Put simply, we want to be leaders in scholarship, in business and in education, and we want to use our position of leadership to positively affect the world around us.

So, it is especially gratifying to see our faculty, alumni and students doing important work that really matters. In this newsletter alone, you will see several examples. For instance, Lowell Mooney, Ph.D., is spending this academic year serving as the chair of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. That’s important work by Mooney, professor of accounting, and it provides real leadership to and impact on the professional community. Our Logistics Association Roundtable allows managers from dozens of leading logistics firms to interact with hundreds of our sharp and eager students. That, too, creates impact that can be measured in terms of jobs, growth and economic value.  Shannaan Dawda, a member of our Young Alumni Board is doing great work. As a speaker, author, financial advisor and coach, Shannaan is applying his education to positively impact people and communities across Georgia.

As I have said, we want to do things well and to do them in such a way that we create positive impacts for people, for business and for society. If we are ambitious about that, if we work hard and hold ourselves to that standard every day, then this College of Business will change the world. I am confident that it can happen. Indeed, because of the great work of those mentioned here, as well as many more like them whom I did not mention, I believe it is happening already.

Alumni Spotlight – Shannaan Dawda, CPA

An Atlanta native, Shannaan Dawda was born at Grady Memorial Hospital in 1986. Although a proud Grady baby and Southerner, his parents moved from Accra, Ghana, to Georgia in the Spring of 1982 to experience a different way of life. Growing up in a household that valued education, hard work and perseverance, Shannaan graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2009 cum laude with dual degrees in accounting and finance. From there, he began working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah, before moving back to Atlanta in 2012 to work for the Frazier and Deeter CPA Firm. Shannaan officially passed all parts of his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam in February of 2013 and, soon afterward, founded True Financial LLC, in order to empower people to regain financial control of their lives by providing the necessary coaching and tools to help them become financially self-sufficient. In September of 2013, Shannaan was trained by Dave Ramsey to be an even better financial coach. In April of 2015, Shannaan authored the book From Paychecks to Power: 7 Power Moves to Unlock Wealth Building to give everyone the opportunity to build wealth and gain financial power.

Shannaan is actively involved in the community through organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha, Phenomenal Women’s Health, and Camp Horizon. He is a member of the College of Business Young Alumni Board and currently resides in Atlanta.

Mooney Elected Chair of Georgia CPAs

The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) recently announced that J. Lowell Mooney, Ph.D., CPA, has been elected chair for the 2015–2016 term. This is the first time in the 50-year history of the School of Accountancy and only the second time in the 110-year history of the GSCPA that an academic has been elected to serve as the Society’s chair. Mooney’s term will culminate in June 2016 at the GSCPA’s annual convention in Nassau, Bahamas.

“What a tremendous honor. Just thinking about it sends my emotions soaring,” said Mooney. “But I’m not the only chair with a Georgia Southern connection. Accounting alumni Julian Deal and John Giddens also served in this position, both of whom I consider as mentors.” Mooney’s election is a first in another respect as well. His wife, Paula, served in the same position eight years ago making them the first husband and wife to ever lead the Society.

The Georgia Society of CPAs is the premier professional organization for CPAs in the state of Georgia. With more than 14,000 members, it is the 11^th largest Society and its 1,000+ student membership is tops in the country. The core purpose of GSCPA is to excel in providing superior advocacy, leadership, service, lifelong learning and personal and professional development opportunities to not only its members but the entire profession at large.

“In addition to all of the activities focused on our core purpose, I’m proud to be associated with an organization that gives back,” Mooney commented. For example, the GSCPA recently conducted its annual Georgia Accounting Food Fight campaign. This year’s drive raised more than 10,000 pounds of food and more than $100,000 in cash, enough to provide 400,000 meals so that families, seniors and children won’t go hungry. Another way the GSCPA gives back is by starting at an early age to teach financial literacy skills. Every November, scores of CPAs fan out across the state to teach budgeting, the wise use of credit and other financial skills to eighth grade students. Finally, the GSCPA Educational Foundation helps attract the best and brightest students by sponsoring recruiting programs in all the major schools in the state and by awarding scholarships to deserving accounting majors. For example, earlier this year, the Foundation awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships and awards.

Mooney, a professor of accounting and former director of the School of Accountancy, came to Georgia Southern in 1989 shortly after completing his doctorate at The University of Georgia. A member for the past 27 years, Mooney has a lengthy history of service to the Georgia Society of CPAs. In addition to serving on numerous committees and task forces, he has served as president of GSCPA’s Southeast Georgia Chapter and as president of the GSCPA Educational Foundation. In addition to chairing the GSCPA Board of Directors, Mooney serves as a member of the Council of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The AICPA Council is the governing body of the AICPA and is comprised of approximately 265 members and representatives from every state and U.S. territory.

Mooney, also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) and Certified Financial Manager (CFM), has received numerous awards for his teaching, research and service activities, including the Georgia Society of CPAs Outstanding Accounting Educator award, the Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Advisor award, and the College of Business Bishop Award for Sustained Excellence.

Eagle Executive Society – Student Chapter Hosts Annual Golf Outing for Members

The second annual Eagle Executive Society – Student Chapter golf outing was held on Friday, November 6, 2015, at the Georgia Southern University Golf Course. The program started at 3 p.m. with an introduction to golf and business etiquette on the golf course by James Kittinger, assistant golf professional. Following the 30-minute presentation, the 20 members of the student chapter in attendance took to the driving range where James and Michael Veverka, PGA golf professional and golf course graduate assistant, gave a lesson on holding the golf club and the techniques needed to hit the golf ball. The students then took turns practicing their swings and perfecting their techniques on the driving range. “The golf outing was a great afternoon of practical and enjoyable lessons about doing business on the golf course and getting your swing right,” said Zac McLendon, senior management major. “I know every student who attended had a fun time and will use the tips learned [the] next time they hit the course.” Prior to wrapping up the golf outing, the students enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches. The next Eagle Executive Society – Student Chapter event will be the business etiquette dinner held during spring semester.

Fraud & Forensic Accounting Visits FBI Atlanta

On Friday, October 23, 2015, the Georgia Southern Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting programs sponsored FBI Day for Georgia college students. The event has grown over the years and had to be moved this year from the Atlanta FBI office to Mercer University’s Atlanta Administrative Conference Center. In addition, the Georgia Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners became another sponsor of the event. More than 230 students and 20 faculty from 16 colleges and universities attended the event. The FBI selected 27 students for employment interviews. Of the 25 Georgia Southern students in attendance, 2 forensic accounting and 2 criminal justice students were selected for interviews.

During FBI Day, attendees participated in a panel discussion with various representatives from MARTA Revenue, KPMG, Verizon and IAG Forensics and listened to presentations on topics ranging from crime investigations to cybercrime to fraud against the government, among a few others.

College of Business & Eagles Soar into Athens

On Saturday, November 21, 2015, the College of Business hosted its first-ever tailgate in Athens, Georgia prior to the highly anticipated Georgia Southern vs University of Georgia football game. More than 150 alumni and friends of the College came to the tailgate held at the Holiday Inn. Freedom, our beloved mascot, along with the Georgia Southern cheerleaders made appearances at the tailgate to get everyone excited for the game. With a food spread that included bbq chicken, bbq pulled pork, and all of the fixins’, attendees of the College of Business tailgate were ready to cheer on the Eagles. The entire Eagle Nation holds their heads high with the Eagles’ performance on Saturday, where the game went into overtime and the Dawgs pulled out a win, 23-17. The next College of Business tailgate will be Saturday, December 5 when the Georgia State Panthers travel to Paulson Stadium for the final game of the regular season. The tailgate will start two hours before kick off. See you there!

Fraud & Forensic Accounting Holds a Mock Civil Trial

The ninth annual Georgia Southern mock trial was held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at the Bulloch County Courthouse located in downtown Statesboro. The purpose of the mock trial was to provide graduate students enrolled in ACCT 7636 – Expert Witnessing with a forum for applying what they have learned in the course. The 12 students enrolled in the course were divided into two teams: the Plaintiff’s team and the Defendant’s team. Some students acted as attorneys, and others as expert and fact witnesses. The Honorable Gary Mikell, Bulloch County State Court judge, presided over the trial and a 12-person jury heard the arguments, deliberated, and decided in favor of the Plaintiff. The mock trial was a tremendous learning opportunity for the students wanting to pursue careers in forensic accounting.

Logistics Roundtable Continues to Grow

Each semester the Georgia Southern Logistics Association (GSLA) and logistics faculty host a Logistics Roundtable. The Roundtable is unique in that it is largely executed by students for students. Each semester, student officers and members of GSLA work under the guidance and leadership of Chris Boone, Ph.D., professor of logistics, and Ben Skipper, Ph.D., professor of logistics, to plan, organize, and execute the Roundtable.

Though the students change from semester to semester, the goal of the Roundtable has remained the same; create opportunities for students to both explore and pursue logistics-related career opportunities. This dual focus enables the Roundtable to serve a wide range of students and is a key reason for the event’s continued growth. Thirty-nine employers and 98 industry professionals registered for the Fall 2015 Roundtable, attended by 250 students, making it the largest event to date.

In addition to the increased opportunities for students to interact with logistics professionals, the increased employer participation also provided the means for GSLA to award four $250 scholarships to Georgia Southern logistics students. The hope is that like the Roundtable, the size and number of scholarships will continue to grow.

MBA Association Helps with Breast Cancer Awareness

Members of the Statesboro chapter of the MBA Association (MBAA) volunteered their time for the Statesboro – Bulloch County Breast Cancer Foundation’s premier event, Tresses & Dresses. Tresses & Dresses featured a fashion show presented by Walker Boutique & Pharmacy in Statesboro and a salon war between eight local Statesboro hairstylists. MBAA members helped with set up, serving refreshments and tabulating the results. Mark your calendar now for the Pink Power Run on Saturday, April 16, 2016, on campus in Statesboro. To learn more, go to facebook.com/Pink-Power-Run-5K-168226086617776.

Target Guests Speak to Introduction to Business Class

Target continues its active and supportive presence within the College of Business. Each semester, members of its leadership return to campus to help students with résumé writing and interviewing skills. Brian Howley, store team leader, and Yolidia Osbey (LOGT, ’14), executive team leader, were guests in both sections of Susan Roach’s introduction to business class in September. Students (200 in each section) were given information regarding future job prospects with Target. They were most excited to hear from Yolidia, who encouraged students to look for ways to get involved on campus. Mr. Howley discussed common interviewing mistakes and ways to make their résumés stand out. They also detailed Target internship and future employment opportunities.

The college appreciates their willingness to mentor our students. Yolidia said it was an amazing experience to be back on “her” campus; this time as a manager. Brian has already asked when he can return to “recruit” future managers. Several students waited after class to meet the team and get more information on the company and future job options.

BIG Café November

In downtown Statesboro at City Campus, local entrepreneurs, students and faculty gathered for the BIG Café on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. This networking event is intended to facilitate entrepreneurs in solving problems by using the input from the attendees while enjoying a complimentary cup of coffee.

Fred David, owner of Minuteman Press, was the first presenter for the day. His question to the group was how to find full-time, qualified people, who have basic knowledge of the task and a strong work ethic, to work in his shop. The local entrepreneurs who attended gave Fred some great ideas on how to go about finding these types of individuals. Fred will be able to implement these strategies and find the right person for whom he is looking.

Ron Wright, executive assistant of the Boys & Girls Club, proposed the question, “What does it take for you, as an individual, to donate to a charity?” Great advice was given to Ron on what would convince attendees to donate, along with some great tactics on how to go about asking for charitable donations.

BIG thanks everyone who attended and looks forward to seeing you at the next BIG Café on Wednesday, December 9, 2015, at 9 a.m. at City Campus (Register here: http://evite.me/qJM1RfN2Kd). Be sure to like BIG’s Facebook page to view photos and videos from BIG events: www.Facebook.com/GeorgiaSouthernCityCampus

Fraud & Forensic Accounting Visits Prison

Marjorie Maguire-Krupp, a Forensic Accounting Advisory Board Member, accompanied students from the School of Accountancy’s Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting programs to Jesup, Georgia, for a tour of the Jesup Federal Prison on Friday, November 13, 2015. The objective of this annual student activity is to understand the consequences of those convicted and incarcerated of white-collar crime and the responsibilities of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

BOP personnel provided a walking tour amongst the inmates in a low-security area, with presentations of their numerous programs to which the Jesup staff are committed with the motto, “rehabilitation, release, and no return.”

Students observed areas such as housing, dining, recreation, library, classrooms, barber shop, laundry, medical services, and the UNICOR plant. Inmates may qualify for employment at the UNICOR plant, a for-profit entity that prepares clothing items for various federal agencies. This program is one of those that relieves taxpayers and helps make the prison more financially self-sufficient.

In case it sounds like the inmates may have it good at Jesup, students mentioned overhearing inmates discussing their families and recognized the looks of sadness and loneliness in inmates’ eyes and faces. Students also realized the true impact of losing one’s freedom (after less than 3 hours) when they were allowed to leave prison and return to campus.

Honors Student Presents at State Conference

Georgia Southern University hosted the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference, November 6-7, 2015, at the Nessmith-Lane Conference Center. The conference was dedicated to giving undergraduate students a venue for presenting their research.

Rebecca Henderson, a University Honors program accounting student, whose faculty mentor is Leslie Fletcher, Ph.D., professor of accounting, presented her honors thesis, “Korea’s Transition from K-GAAP to K-IRFW,” during the conference. Rebecca gathered qualitative and quantitative survey data from accounting students enrolled at Keimyung University in Daegu, South Korea, while participating in a study abroad program there. She had to translate the survey instrument from English to Korean, and the responses received in Korean back to English.

The purpose of Rebecca’s research was to examine the relationship between South Korean culture and the transition from Korean generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). She posited that the hierarchical structure of Korean society would have allowed South Korea to make one of the easiest transitions from a country GAAP to IFRS in recent years. The data collected, hampered by the small sample size and characteristics of the limited subject pool, provided some evidence in support of her hypothesis.

Rebecca will also present her honors thesis at the Honors Research Symposium on December 2, 2015, and she will receive her BBA with honors in accounting and a minor in fraud examination on December 11, 2015, during Fall Commencement.

Stalcup Winner of School Nutrition Award

In October, Larry Stalcup, Ph.D., associate professor of management, received the 2016 School Nutrition Friend of the Program Award. Stalcup has been associated with the School Nutrition Program (SNP) in Georgia for more than 14 years. During his time working with the SNP, Stalcup has collaborated with almost 400 school nutrition managers in Georgia and runs the Culinary Institute program. This program is a week-long training for managers, on college campuses, at Georgia Southern University and at The University of Georgia. In addition to running the Culinary Institute program, Stalcup teaches sessions on marketing, human resources, and training the trainer.

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Last updated: 1/27/2023