Student Ambassadors

Undergraduate Major: Strategic Leadership
Undergraduate School: Northern Arizona University
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Gaming and spending time with family.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
To prepare for the CPA exam and advance my career.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I thought I was already good with Excel, but the advanced spreadsheet modeling class really helped me further perfect my Excel skills and equipped me to be better at my job.

Undergraduate Major: Economics and Math
Undergraduate School: Georgetown University
Hometown: New York, NY
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I wanted to enroll in the best program to prepare me for the CPA, not only by earning the credit hours I need to satisfy my requirements, but also through rigorous coursework that would strengthen my accounting foundation.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I found managerial accounting especially applicable to my work. It helped me better understand how financial information supports business decisions, especially around budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and evaluating trade-offs.

Undergraduate Major: Finance
Undergraduate School: University of Denver
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, baking and fitness.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the MAC program because of its strong reputation within the accounting community and the excellent professors.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I really enjoyed MAC 707 and found the content to be very valuable and practical. I look forward to applying my Excel skills throughout the MAC program.

Undergraduate Major: Criminal Justice
Undergraduate School: NC Central University
Hometown: Warsaw, NC
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Watching sports, specifically Chapel Hill and the New England Patriots

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
The MAC program offers a strong academic foundation with rigorous coursework that is highly valued in the accounting field. UNC has an excellent network of alumni, as well as strong ties with top companies in accounting, consulting, and finance.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
The frameworks and standards that ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in financial decision-making. Also, how to manage short-term assets and liabilities (like inventory, receivables, and payables) to ensure liquidity and operational efficiency.

Undergraduate Major: Special Education
Undergraduate School: East Carolina University
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
Accounting Concentrations: Tax

What are some of your hobbies?
Traveling the world with my fiancé, playing games with friends, and all things sports.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the MAC program because I wanted a program that would equip me with the knowledge, experience, and support needed to confidently transition into accounting from a non-business background.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
My coursework has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the accounting framework and the fundamental financial principles that serve as the basis for accounting and financial reporting.

Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Undergraduate School: University of West Florida
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Walking and watching sports.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
The UNC Kenan-Flagler brand, it’s a dream school that I wanted to go to growing up, and great sports teams.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
At the moment I started my new job, I used all the tools that I learned in my Excel class to rebuild the spreadsheets that already existed. On the accounting side, the program has instilled confidence in my accounting abilities,  particularly with debt securities.

Undergraduate Major: English Literature
Undergraduate School: UNC-Charlotte
Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

What are some of your hobbies?
Writing and poetry

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
It has already helped me start my first accounting role while I’m enrolled!

Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Undergraduate School: Saint Leo University
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Accounting Concentrations: Audit

What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of work and school, I love spending time with my husband and our two dogs, discovering new restaurants, exploring beautiful scenery, hiking, gardening, and trying new recipes in the kitchen. I enjoy trying new experiences and value opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn from them.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the UNC Kenan-Flagler MAC program because I wanted more than a degree. I wanted to be part of a community that values excellence, integrity, and leadership. As an active-duty U.S. Navy Sailor, finding a program that combined academic rigor with the flexibility to continue serving was essential. From my very first interactions with the faculty, staff, and students, I felt welcomed and supported. That sense of community, combined with the program’s outstanding reputation and collaborative learning environment, made UNC the clear choice for me.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from the MAC program is that great accountants do much more than work with numbers, they communicate, solve problems, and help others make informed decisions. The coursework has strengthened my analytical thinking and reinforced the importance of ethical leadership, professional judgment, and clear communication.

Undergraduate Major: Economics
Undergraduate School: University of Arizona
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Accounting Concentrations: Audit

What are some of your hobbies?
Gardening, fishing, reading and camping.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
Academic rigor and clout – I want to be best prepared to sit for the CPA exam.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
We implemented Sage as our new AIS at work, all of the 707 knowledge I’ve been able to apply daily, and the OLI content helped me as a leader at work.

Undergraduate Major: Finance and Accounting
Undergraduate School: University of Michigan – Flint
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Accounting Concentrations: Audit

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, lifting weights, and spending time with my kids.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
To build a professional network in North Carolina.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
Accounting is important in so many fields, and my fellow students in the MAC program are in a variety of industries.

Undergraduate Major: Industrial Engineering
Undergraduate School: Georgia Tech
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, walking, and hiking!

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I loved that the program was designed for people with non-accounting backgrounds. I was also impressed by the supportive career center and strong recruiting pipeline.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I have enjoyed learning about how accounting information is used to make more effective decisions. Seeing how financial statements, valuation, and strategy impact real-world business decisions has been very insightful.

Undergraduate Major: Accounting and Data Analytics
Undergraduate School: Florida International University
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, FL

What are some of your hobbies?
Working out, rock climbing, and finding good food spots.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
It was a program that gave me flexibility and allowed me to have a better balance while working during the program.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I’ve learnt how to really look at accounting from a different perspective. Even in my day-to-day I may not look at accounting, but when I do I can relate it to what I learnt in the classroom!

Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Undergraduate School: Long Island University
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Accounting Concentrations: Tax

What are some of your hobbies?
Weightlifting, jogging, listening to music, and traveling.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the MAC program because of its strong reputation, flexibility, and emphasis on preparing students for successful careers in accounting and taxation. The online format allows me to gain advanced accounting knowledge while continuing to build professional experience.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
One of the most interesting topics I’ve studied has been the taxation of pass-through entities and how different business structures can significantly impact tax outcomes. I’ve also enjoyed learning about multijurisdictional taxation and the challenges companies face when operating across state and international borders.

Undergraduate Major: Finance and International Business
Undergraduate School: Jacksonville University
Hometown: St. Augustine, FL
Accounting Concentrations: Audit and FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Learning languages, playing pickleball, and reading.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the MAC program for multiple reasons, including affordability, the University’s integrity-driven culture, and wanting to challenge myself at one of the best institutions in the country for accounting.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
In MAC 718 I found the application of NPV calculations to the hiring process of personnel useful. The calculation allows you to see if it is financially beneficial to hire the employee based on expected expenses and cash flows. Therefore, it can be used not just in the accounting field.

Undergraduate Major: Finance
Undergraduate School: University of South Florida
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Accounting Concentrations: Audit

What are some of your hobbies?
Baking, reading, and watching sports.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
The online class format promised to be engaging and I think the expertise will help prepare me for the CPA exam.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
There has been a range of different shortcuts and details about Excel and other platforms that have expanded my technical skillset already. Additionally, learning about accounting from a research aspect and pulling the codification in was a brand new experience. I will use some of the things learned for my small business, but I know they would have been helpful in previous work experiences as well.

Undergraduate Major: Accounting
Undergraduate School: UNC Pembroke
Hometown: Rowland, NC
Accounting Concentrations: Audit, Tax, and FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Fishing, sports, and being a father!

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
The prestige and network of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
How detailed and thorough the MAC program is. I was pleasantly surprised at everything I have learned in such a small amount of time.

Undergraduate Major: Mathematical Economics
Undergraduate School: The University of Pennsylvania
Hometown: Madison, NJ

What are some of your hobbies?
Baking (sourdough bread and desserts), fitness (Peloton cycling, Pilates), and outdoor activities (hiking and exploring new trails).

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
I chose the UNC MAC program because of its excellent resources and strong reputation. Since I was looking for an online program, it stood out to me as one that provides the same high-quality education as an in-person program, which was very important to me.

What is something you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting?
I particularly enjoyed the Data Analytics for Accountants (MAC854) course, as it demonstrated how technology can streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

Undergraduate Major: Philosophy
Undergraduate School: Towson University
Hometown: Germantown, MD
Accounting Concentrations: FAR

What are some of your hobbies?
Writing and traveling.

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
Top talent should work with top institutions. I have two healthy, beautiful babies and I want to be the sharpest financial analyst in the Navy, while serving our country as an active duty Logistics Supply Officer. I served operationally on a nuclear powered fast-attack submarine in the Pacific (Hawaii and Guam). Now that I’m stationed on shore duty in Washington D.C., serving as a Department of Energy Financial Analyst at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program’s headquarters, earning a Master of Accounting degree is my next career milestone. The UNC MAC Program earned the prestige that comes with a top-tier, world-class education and I’m proud to earn my graduate degree with the best in the business.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
MAC718: Introductory Finance’s Net Present Value modules supported my mid-year evaluations of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program’s (NNPP), Department of Energy (DOE) funded fiscal year 2025, multi-billion-dollar Facilities & Infrastructure portfolio, to recapitalize mission-critical capabilities for the nuclear Submarine Industrial Base. Program analyses were successfully briefed to the White House Office of Management and Budget and Congressional appropriators to inform the NNPP’s DOE fiscal year 2026 annual budget request.

Undergraduate Major: Economics
Undergraduate School: Florida State University
Hometown: Weston, FL
Accounting Concentrations: Audit

What are some of your hobbies?
Arts and crafts, and music

Why did you choose the MAC Program at UNC?
It’s the future, it’s STEM and it’s here! The instruction and modules in the program are amazing.

Undergraduate Major: Interdisciplinary Studies
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina Upstate
Hometown: Rutherfordton, NC

Hobbies
Tennis

Why did I choose MAC at UNC?
 A career change for better opportunities

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
Time management: learning how to complete multiple tasks while being attentive to other obligations.

Undergraduate Major: Cognitive Science
Undergraduate School: University of Pennsylvania
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Accounting Concentration: FAR

Hobbies
 Golf, reading, and tennis

Why did I choose MAC at UNC?
 The culture, value, format, and opportunity.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I’ve learned how to assess and manage risk in the capital markets.

Undergraduate Major: Business Administration
Undergraduate School: Ashford University
Hometown: Hillsborough, NC
Accounting Concentration: Tax

Hobbies
 Fishing and spending time with family.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
Keyboard shortcuts to Excel have saved me time in my daily work in accounting for UNC Health.

Undergraduate Major: Business Administration
Undergraduate School: University of Phoenix
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Accounting Concentration: Audit

Hobbies
 Traveling, lifting weights, playing/watching sports, listening to music, watching anime, spending time with my kids, listening to music, and cooking.

Why did I choose MAC at UNC?
 I’ve always wanted to go to school in Chapel Hill since I’ve always been a Tar Heel fan.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom that you’ve found especially interesting, or, if you’re working, how you’ve been able to apply what you’ve learned to your job.
I’ve learned the importance of having a strong support system. I’ve had classmates and professors help me through difficult times during certain parts of the program.