Shout out to our student organization leaders: Get to know Keely Fuquay, an accounting and finance major. She is the new president of USI's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi.
Why did you choose USI and the Romain College of Business and what makes them special to you?
I chose USI because I have always been so comfortable on the campus. I grew up walking on the USI-Burdette Trail, so I have always known that this is where I wanted to end up. The Romain College of Business has become so special to me because of all of the great faculty and staff members, like the advisors and professors.
What are some of your favorite classes or experiences at Romain College?
One of my favorite classes has been BLAW 263 with Dr. Oeding. I learned such a broad array of information in relation to ethical behavior and business law. One of my favorite experiences has been participating in Cardio 4 Canines through the Vanderburgh Humane Society with Beta Alpha Psi. We got to walk dogs who have spent time in the humane society. It feels so good being able to give back to the community that I have lived in my whole life.
Why did you choose your current majors?
I chose accounting because accountants are always going to be needed. For me, choosing a major that I know is going to be beneficial forever was super important. Also, I have always been super detail-oriented, and I think that's a good trait to have as an accounting major. I added finance as another major not only because I want to be able to reach the 150 credits to take the CPA exam, but also because it fits so well with accounting. These two majors have topics and concepts that intertwine and build on each other.
What has surprised you about college?
Something that has surprised me about college is how you have to hold yourself accountable for everything. There is a lot of freedom in college, so you have to be able to manage your time and be smart about time-related decisions. Overall, it is so important to have self-discipline when it comes to going to class or reaching out and going to an organization.
What are some of your favorite spots on campus and why?
My favorite spot on USI's campus is the second-floor balcony in the Business and Engineering Center because you can sit either inside or outside. It is so nice to be able to study while looking over Reflection Lake. My second favorite spot is the third-floor study lounge because you can study while looking out over the quad.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen? What do you wish someone had told you?
The most important thing I could tell any freshmen is to just show up! Showing up to a meeting for a club or organization is 95% of the "battle" in regard to nerves or worries. Once you're there, then you can evaluate whether you feel like this is the right place for you. If someone had told me this earlier on in my college experience, I probably would be even more involved than I am now.
What made you decide to pursue being president of Beta Alpha Psi?
I decided to pursue being president of Beta Alpha Psi because of the values behind the organization. I think having the consistency of knowing that we are going to meet in BE0030 every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. has made me better at committing to other experiences as well. I also knew that I wanted to be president because of the amazing people in the organization! It is an honor to be able to work with my fellow Beta Alpha Psi members throughout this year.
Tell us more about USI Beta Alpha Psi and why USI students should get involved with it!
Beta Alpha Psi has allowed me to become friends with people who I see in all of my classes. Before I was in the organization, I just kept seeing the same people repeatedly, but now I get to call them my friends! I think getting involved can truly make your college experience better than the average experience. Not only can you make friends through the organization, but I have also gained some professional skills that I wouldn't have had otherwise. Also, I got to travel to Las Vegas alongside one of my friends in the organization for the annual meeting, which was an amazing experience.
What are your career goals?
I don't have a set career path, but I know that I want to be able to experience all of the different sides of accounting. I will most likely try to get my CPA license at some point, but the timeline of that is still undetermined.
Fun fact about you:
I am a Peer Advisor in the Romain College of Business Advising Center!!!
Published August 30, 2023