Learning balance has been a way of life for Kate Deese.
As an accounting major in the Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University, Deese has quickly learned the importance of “balancing the books” for a company.
But she’s also learned to have balance in her life.
A senior, Deese has excelled in the accounting program in the Rankin College of Business, and at the same time has managed to find time to be an active member of the SAU student body.
Deese attributes that to the benefits of attending a smaller university.
“I thought I was meant to go to a big university,” said Deese, who graduate
d from Texas High in 2013. “But I love the smaller setting at SAU. If I have to go see one of my professors, I don’t feel intimidated. I love their open-door policy. I love the smaller environment of SAU. It’s very relaxed.”
The senior has found the business program and the university has opened doors for her to become involved in a number of school activities. She is a member of the SAU Honors College program, and the band, where she plays flute.
Deese is also a President’s Ambassador, a member of the Business Students Advisory Council, Phi Mu sorority, and Beta Gamma Sigma, a business student honor society.
She began her studies at SAU as a finance major. However, she changed her mind after her initial accounting class with instructor Jody Nations.
“Mrs. Nations probably had the biggest influence on me. I loved her accounting classes. But I’ve also loved all my accounting instructors. They always use real-life examples. That really helps. The classes aren’t easy, but I feel like it’s totally preparing me for the CPA exam,” said Deese.
Deese hopes to graduate with her degree in accounting in the spring for 2016. She then plans to pursue her MBA, before going to work full-time. The Texarkana native hopes to earn a job with one of the larger accounting firms, and then work for a smaller company at some point in her career.
During this past summer, she worked as an intern at Texarkana College for Kim Jones, Vice President of Finance for the college.
