Kreischer Miller Funds Scholarship For Diversity In Accounting At West Chester University

Press release from West Chester University:

November 9, 2020

“Kreischer Miller is already lucky to have so many talented WCU alumni on our team.
Having benefited from the education, mentoring, and support I received as a student
at West Chester University, I know firsthand how well West Chester prepares students
for their careers in accounting,” Meshginpoosh said. “By establishing this scholarship,
we hope to provide diverse students with the opportunity to realize those same benefits,
as well as help shape a profession that reflects the diversity of the communities
it serves.”

Awarded annually by the chair of the accounting department in the University’s College
of Business & Public Management and in collaboration with the WCU Foundation, this
scholarship serves as a reflection of Kreischer Miller’s commitment to fostering diversity
and inclusion in the field of accounting. Recipients must be recently declared WCU
accounting majors from a racial or ethnic background that the University has identified
as an underrepresented minority group. Recipients will also have the opportunity to
connect with Chris Meshginpoosh for a personal conversation.

The sentiment behind this scholarship mirrors important efforts that the College of
Business and Public Management has already set in motion. In fall 2020, the College
launched a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to focus on initiatives related
to student support and outcomes, especially for: underrepresented – students of color;
culture and climate in the college; and curricular and co-curricular programming.
The committee includes a faculty member for each of the College’s departments, a staff
representative, and will eventually incorporate graduate and undergraduate student
representatives.

The Department of Accounting has historically provided the opportunity for students
from the group National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) to attend the NABA
Eastern Region Student Conference. The conference includes workshops, seminars and
interview sessions designed to prepare students of color for careers in accounting
and financial management disciplines – this year’s conference was held virtually at
the end of September. Another student group, Women In Business, helps members develop
professionally and cultivate connections.

“West Chester University is committed to the success of our students and to building
a diverse and inclusive culture,” said Evan Leach, dean of the College of Business
and Public Management. “This scholarship program will move us forward in attracting
the best and brightest students to our accounting program.”

The Kreischer Miller Scholarship for Diversity in Accounting adds a significant sum
to existing resources for students of color, including several donor-funded scholarships.

The WCU Foundation is proud to partner with the University to advance the common mission
of student success.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.