STUDENT-ORIENTED IN MERIDIAN
Mississippi State ’ s Meridian branch has long been a source of excellence in accounting instruction . This fall , the Division of Business there has taken a step further in the opportunities it offers to students .
Previously , students in Meridian have earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in accounting . Beginning this semester , a Bachelor of Accountancy degree will be offered .
“ Now we ’ re seamless with Starkville ,” notes Dr . Kevin Ennis , Associate Professor of Accounting .
Ennis , who has taught at Meridian since 1995 , handles the Tax , Audit and Cost Accounting courses . Assistant Professor Dr . Joseph Faello came on board last year and teaches Financial Accounting and Accounting Systems I . Dr . Seungjae Shin , a Professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management who joined the faculty in 2003 , leads Accounting Systems II .
MSU-Meridian has 539 students enrolled in three academic divisions : Business , Arts & Sciences and Education . The Division of Business is housed at MSU- Meridian ’ s Riley campus , in the city ’ s business district . The number of accounting students averages around 40 , and most come from the four nearby community colleges . The program also enrolls military personnel from Naval Air Station Meridian .
“ Most tend to be nontraditional , place-bound students ,” observes Ennis . “ We ’ re designed for people who have fulltime jobs or families .”
The students who are employed see very directly how what they learn in the classroom translates to the professional environment . Class discussions are usually peppered with examples and questions that come straight from their jobs .
“ We ’ re very oriented to the needs of our students ,” says Ennis . “ Classes are small , and they ’ re taught by faculty who have practical experience . Scheduling accommodates those who have jobs – by leaving work an hour early one day a week , they can be enrolled in two college courses ,
( from left ) Dr . Joseph Faello , Dr . Kevin Ennis and Dr . Seungjae Shin
which allows either a part-time or full-time course load .”
Student Kristi Matthews comments , “ Having professors who care about the students – not just their passing a test , but knowing the material and being able to apply it to real situations – makes all the difference in the world .”
Matthews works in Ellisville , MS , as the Accounting Manager for Parish Transport Logistics and Lamb Transportation . Her studies have served as an example for the Matthews ’ autistic son .
“ He has seen how hard I work and how much I study and put into my schooling , and it shows him that you have to be committed to what you do ,” she remarks .
After graduating magna cum laude in December , Matthews has continued her education through the master ’ s degree program at Mississippi College . It is common for students to move on to graduate school or law school , though many go right to work . The program encourages them to pursue professional certification .
Like Matthews , Meridian students typically understand in a practical way what their education will mean to their careers and their families . It drives them to excel .
“ We get very bright students ,” states Ennis . “ They are motivated to do well because they want to improve their lives .”
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