Inspiring Programs in Business Award recognizes joint effort to diversify and strengthen accounting workforce
RUSTON, LA – Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. This prestigious recognition highlights the College’s successful collaboration with Grambling State University (GSU) to implement the Concurrent Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program.
The Inspiring Programs in Business Award, presented by the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, honors programs across the nation that encourage students from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in business. Louisiana Tech’s innovative partnership with Grambling State University was one of 28 programs recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion in the field of business.
Dr. Chris Martin, Dean of Louisiana Tech’s College of Business, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “We are honored to be acknowledged for our collaborative efforts to diversify and expand the regional accounting workforce. This award is a testament to the impact of our joint program with Grambling State University and underscores the importance of fostering diversity in the business community.”
The Concurrent Master of Accountancy program allows undergraduate accounting students from Grambling State University to seamlessly transition into Louisiana Tech’s MAcc program. Through this accelerated pathway, students gain valuable skills and experiences to prepare them for successful careers in accounting.
Geormar Owens, a graduate of the program, shared his experience, stating, “Completing the program was a huge personal achievement! My networking connections expanded, and I would not be employed with Deloitte had it not been for my success in this program.”
Despite the financial challenges faced by GSU students entering the program, Louisiana Tech’s College of Business provides scholarships and graduate assistantships to alleviate the financial burden. These initiatives are funded through gifts from alumni and corporate partners, including a lead gift of $250,000 from Deloitte.
Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the College of Business at Grambling State University, praised the collaborative effort, stating, “The successful implementation of the Concurrent Master of Accountancy program exemplifies excellence in fostering pathways for Grambling and Louisiana Tech students. By inspiring a new generation of young minds to explore accounting careers, we’ve not only transformed lives but also contributed to the future success of our global society.”
The recognition from Insight Into Diversity magazine highlights the positive impact of collaborative initiatives in higher education and underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in business education.
For more information about the Inspiring Programs in Business Award and Insight Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
About Louisiana Tech’s College of Business Louisiana Tech University’s College of Business prepares business and academic leaders who are innovative, entrepreneurially minded, and analytically and technologically skilled for a globally competitive marketplace. The College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is accredited by AACSB International. For more information, visit business.latech.edu.
About Grambling State University Grambling State University fosters an environment where students develop into trailblazers, thought leaders, and innovators of the next generation. The university offers a range of academic programs and is renowned for its contributions to African American graduates in Computer Information Science. For more information, visit www.gram.edu.
