Islander Business Student Earns $10K Scholarship from National Accounting Organization

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – There are several qualities that can spell success for a college student. Resilience, a strong work ethic, and determination in the face of challenges are but a few. One student who exhibits all of these traits is Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi accounting major Amy Vera ‘22. Through perseverance and dedication to her education, not only has Vera secured a place on the dean’s list, but she has also earned a prestigious scholarship.

Vera’s strong academic performance led the College of Business to nominate her for a scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The PCAOB, headquartered in Washington, D.C., audits public companies and stockbrokers to protect the interests of investors nationwide and created an annual scholarship to help further the goals of outstanding students who wish to enter the field of accounting.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the board selected Vera as TAMU-CC’s sole recipient of a $10,000 scholarship. The award will help Vera cover tuition and has given Vera the boost needed to take an internship with Park Fowler & Co., PLLC to gain valuable professional work experience. Prior to receiving the scholarship, Vera worked as a middle school math tutor, often prioritizing work over school to help pay for her education.

“This scholarship will help me pursue my academic goals because it will allow me to spend more time on my studies,” said Vera. “Now, I can focus on learning the material and understanding the application in the real world.”

Vera comes from an Islander family and chose to attend TAMU-CC based on the experiences of the many who went before her. Vera’s father graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts in Trumpet Performance and Music Arrangement. Her mother graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Vera’s two older brothers also graduated from the Island University, one in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, and the other in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

“My brothers often told me about the amazing sense of community they had on campus and what a great education they received from their instructors,” said Vera. “I am glad I listened to them and attended TAMU-CC because I am able to receive a more individualized education and make a personal connection with the professors that I wouldn’t be able to receive if I had attended a different university.”

Vera said there has been one professor in particular, Dr. Matthew Starliper, TAMU-CC Assistant Professor of Accounting, who helped convert her interest in accounting into genuine enthusiasm. Starliper describes Vera as a reliable and hardworking student who always puts maximum effort into her coursework.

“I was always excited to see Amy’s name on my class roster each semester I had her because I knew she was going to bring a spirit of excellence to that class,” Starliper said. “I think Amy is a good representation of why the TAMU-CC College of Business has accreditation in both business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. We attract high-quality students and then prepare them to compete for prestigious awards and jobs. Amy is incredibly deserving of this scholarship.”