Kayla Fuller, a junior at Montana State University, received a $15,000 national accounting scholarship in April that will enable her to pursue a master’s degree she otherwise could not afford.
The award is significant for Fuller, who is the first in her immediate family to attend college. She said the scholarship was “genuinely life-changing” and will allow her to remain at Montana State University (MSU) for a Master of Professional Accountancy program. The funding comes from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and is intended for students pursuing careers in accounting.
Fuller explained that without this support, she would have had to work full time at an accounting firm and study independently for the certified public accountant exam. She noted that MSU’s one-year master’s program reduces required work experience hours and provides institutional guidance. “A master’s program will allow me to put more time into studying for my CPA exam as I try to become the most knowledgeable financial professional that I can be,” Fuller said.
Angela Woodland, an accounting professor who administered the award, said of Fuller: “Kayla displays high ethical standards, focusing on independence, acting fairly and with professional skepticism, carefully questioning assumptions and being thorough. She knows when to ask for guidance or a second opinion to ensure decisions are correct.” According to university data cited in the release, MSU’s Master of Professional Accountancy program has a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.
This summer, Fuller plans an internship as a credit analyst at Opportunity Bank in Bozeman after connecting through Jabs Networking Night and support from MSU’s Bracken Center. Outside academics, she participates as president of Backcountry Squatters chapter—supporting women and nonbinary athletes—and serves as communications director for Associated Students of MSU.
MSU enrolls about 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to its official website. The university leads research funding in Montana with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to its official website, ranks among the top five percent of global universities per the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website, contributes through volunteer efforts and outreach according to its official website, operates as Montana’s land-grant institution focused on research and community challenges according to its official website, and extends influence beyond state borders according to its official website.
Reflecting on her achievement, Fuller said: “I just feel super blessed to have this opportunity. I’m so excited to be able to continue my education and hopefully contribute to the accounting world.”