Kreischer Miller Funds Scholarship for Diversity In Accounting
West Chester University is pleased to announce the creation of the Kreischer Miller Scholarship for Diversity in Accounting. Kreischer Miller, a leading independent accounting, tax, and advisory firm serving the Greater Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, has been active with West Chester University for many years and employs several WCU alumni, including its Managing Director, Chris Meshginpoosh (pictured).
“Kreischer Miller is already lucky to have so many talented WCU alumni on our team. Having benefited from the education, mentoring, and support I received as a student at West Chester University, I know firsthand how well West Chester prepares students for their careers in accounting,” Meshginpoosh said. “By establishing this scholarship, we hope to provide diverse students with the opportunity to realize those same benefits, as well as help shape a profession that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.”
Awarded annually by the chair of the accounting department in the University’s College of Business & Public Management and in collaboration with the WCU Foundation, this scholarship serves as a reflection of Kreischer Miller’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the field of accounting. Recipients must be recently declared WCU accounting majors from a racial or ethnic background that the University has identified as an underrepresented minority group. Recipients will also have the opportunity to connect with Chris Meshginpoosh for a personal conversation.
The sentiment behind this scholarship mirrors important efforts that the College of Business and Public Management has already set in motion. In fall 2020, the College launched a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee to focus on initiatives related to student support and outcomes, especially for: underrepresented – students of color; culture and climate in the college; and curricular and co-curricular programming. The committee includes a faculty member for each of the College’s departments, a staff representative, and will eventually incorporate graduate and undergraduate student representatives.
The Department of Accounting has historically provided the opportunity for students from the group National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) to attend the NABA Eastern Region Student Conference. The conference includes workshops, seminars and interview sessions designed to prepare students of color for careers in accounting and financial management disciplines – this year’s conference was held virtually at the end of September. Another student group, Women In Business, helps members develop professionally and cultivate connections.
“West Chester University is committed to the success of our students and to building a diverse and inclusive culture,” said Evan Leach, dean of the College of Business and Public Management. “This scholarship program will move us forward in attracting the best and brightest students to our accounting program.”
The Kreischer Miller Scholarship for Diversity in Accounting adds a significant sum to existing resources for students of color, including several donor-funded scholarships.
The WCU Foundation is proud to partner with the University to advance the common mission of student success.