McMillian Awarded $15,000 Accounting Scholarship

A University of Arkansas at Little Rock student has been honored with a $15,000 scholarship in recognition of his academic achievements and dedication to his field of study.

Matthew McMillian, a senior accounting major from Huntsville, Alabama, is one of 676 U.S. students who received a scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) for the 2024-25 academic year, up from 369 scholarships in 2023 and 250 in 2022.

“I was very shocked to receive the scholarship, and I’m grateful because it’s really significant for me,” McMillian said. “I remember that Dr. Mark Funk sent me an email and told me that some of the faculty wanted to nominate me. I was really honored in that sense, but to actually win the scholarship is really exciting. This means a lot to me and my wife, since it guarantees that I will be able to pursue my MBA at UA Little Rock after I graduate.”

The PCAOB scholarships were awarded to accounting students with a GPA of 3.3 or higher who demonstrate high ethical standards. The scholarship program is meant to benefit outstanding students who are likely to become auditors and to make a difference for eligible students who might pursue a different career path without the scholarship.

“Congratulations to our 2024-2025 PCAOB Scholars,” said PCAOB Chair Erica Y. Williams. “Having talented and diverse people join the accounting and auditing profession is key to the future of investor protection, and we are proud that our PCAOB Scholars Program helps outstanding individuals, such as this group of students, along this career path.”

When McMillian was searching for accounting programs, he found Dr. Mark Funk, head of the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance, online, gave him a call, and was shocked when he actually answered.

“I didn’t expect to be able to get the chair of the department on the phone immediately,” McMillian said. “He really won me over. My experience at UA Little Rock has been really meaningful because of the professors. I could tell they wanted me to do well professionally.”

McMillian said his professors have helped him prepare his resume and get a job as a staff accountant. He’s especially thankful to Professors Moiz Bhai, Casey Rockwell, Cynthia Taylor, and Sharon Grissom for their help and support.

With his graduation coming up in December, McMillian offered the following advice for college students to be successful.

“I would say there are three things to remember to be successful in college,” McMillian said. “No. 1 is to go out of your way to connect with your professors because they have insight and wisdom that is hugely beneficial to your development. Be really thoughtful about the path you are choosing and get advice from your peers, professors, and family to see that it makes sense. And last, the social part of college is important, but academics is also important. Make sure you prioritize doing well in school while you prioritize making lifelong friends.”