‘It’s a blessing.’ 3 Benedict College grads will attend USC under new accounting program

Only 2% of CPAs are Black, according to the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. But a new partnership between the University of South Carolina and Benedict College aims to change that.

Tracy Dunn, the dean of Benedict College’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship, was approached by USC’s Darla Moore School of Business in the spring of 2021 with the intention of forming a relationship between the two institutions.

Out of this new relationship came the Master’s of Accounting (MACC) Emerging Leaders Program, a direct pathway for Benedict College students to attend graduate school and earn their certified public accounting license.

Dunn, a two-time graduate of the Moore School herself, couldn’t be happier.

“I know the quality education they are going to receive and the opportunities that will exist for them, not only in the classroom with those top-notch faculty, but also outside of the classroom,” said Dunn.

Peter Brews, dean of the Moore School, has high hopes for the program.

“All our graduates leave very well prepared for the careers they hope to build, and we expect our MACC Emerging Leaders graduates will be no different,” Brews said.

The students apply to the Moore School like anyone else. However, the program provides something more — academic and professional mentorship. This is something Tiara Dungy, the Moore School’s director of inclusive engagement for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, said is essential in building networks that support the students’ growth and future success in the job market.

“Everyone needs a champion,” Dungy said. “The unique strength of the MACC Emerging Leaders Program is that it seamlessly incorporates building the social capital these students will need to stand out.”

Tuition for the students is fully subsidized, and each will receive an additional $5,000 stipend to assist with living expenses. Funding was secured from the accounting firm FORVIS and the USC Rising STARS Fellowship, an initiative that provides support for graduates of South Carolina HBCUs to pursue graduate education.

“In my experience, it’s quite unusual for a masters program in any of the business disciplines to offer such generous financial support,” said Dunn. “Without it, I’m not so certain the students would have this opportunity.”

Dungy called such significant financial aid “the only logical step” in recognizing the students’ hard work.

“These students participating in the pathway program are stellar, and we are meeting them halfway and showing that we want to support their journey,” Dungy said.

Dunn called the partnership between USC and Benedict historic. It is the first of its kind between the university’s business school and an HBCU.

Brews said it was only natural given the proximity of the two schools.

“As two of the oldest institutions for higher learning in South Carolina, as well as close community neighbors, it is vital that we demonstrate our values through institutional partnerships,” Dungy said.

Dungy said that these relational ties create opportunities for change.

“The more collaborative bonds we can build across the greater Columbia metropolitan area, the more innovation will follow,” Dungy said.

“I see good things on the horizon,” Dunn said. “This is the start of something that could grow.”

The program’s inaugural cohort consists of three Benedict accounting students: Heyveon Clemons, Angela Lalwani and Kenyon Gray. They will begin their studies this fall.

“We are so proud of them,” Dunn said.

Brews and Dunn said they hope to increase that number in the future.

Clemons, who fell in love with accounting at Benedict, has always dreamed of owning his own business and now looks forward to earning his CPA license.

“Not everyone gets this opportunity,” Clemons said. “It’s a blessing.”

While nervous about the challenges ahead — maintaining his grades, encountering a new atmosphere and balancing school and personal life — Clemons said he is excited and hopes to be a role model and to encourage other Black students to study accounting.