UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Paul Richardson, an accounting doctoral candidate in the Penn State Smeal College of Business, has recently been awarded a highly prestigious national scholarship from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Richardson is among the recipients of the William Ezzell Scholarship, an annual grant recognizing outstanding individuals pursuing their doctoral degree in accounting. Established to honor the late William Ezzell Jr., a respected figure in the field of accounting education, the award is intended to support and encourage the next generation of certified public accountants (CPAs).
The AICPA Foundation administers the scholarships and aims to continue Ezzell's legacy of promoting educators with practical real-world experience in classrooms. This approach is believed to inspire and nurture the next generation of accounting professionals.
The William Ezzell Scholarship selection process is highly competitive, with specific eligibility criteria, including an undergraduate or master's degree in accounting, a GMAT score of 650 or higher, and demonstration of a strong commitment to teaching and research at a U.S. AACSB accredited university upon graduation. Additionally, candidates must be registered as accounting faculty members or professionals, hold a CPA designation, have at least three years of professional accounting experience, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
“As a first-generation college student, it was vital throughout my collegiate career to have professors who I could talk to and that mentored me along the way. Reflecting on their influence on my academic journey reminds me of professors' crucial role in mentoring students inside and outside the classroom. This includes helping students understand the potential opportunities and benefits of pursuing a CPA certification,” Richardson said.
“Years later, those same professors were vital resources as I considered whether to leave practice and pursue a career in academia. Ultimately, with their help, I decided it was time to pursue a Ph.D. to help prepare the next generation of students by teaching and conducting research. Upon becoming a professor, I can pay forward all my professors have done, which is important to me.”
Richardson’s adviser, Samuel Bonsall, emphasized how students like Richardson have adapted and thrived despite the challenges brought by the pandemic. While virtual meetings replaced face-to-face interactions, students like Richardson made the most out of online platforms and embraced in-person interactions when possible.
Bonsall also highlighted the significance of scholarships like the William Ezzell Scholarship.
“By providing financial support, endowments make it easier for students to pursue an academic path without feeling pressured to stick to public practice solely for earning potential,” he said. “This attracts students with specific backgrounds and interests, benefiting the profession as a whole.”
Through the William Ezzell Scholarship, the AICPA Foundation provides financial assistance to CPAs pursuing their doctorate, enabling them to excel in their pursuit of knowledge and contribute to the accounting profession.