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Erin Whatley earned the University of North Georgia's (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) (PCAOB) Scholar award for the 2023-24 academic year.

Whatley is president of the Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Nu Gamma chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for financial information students and professionals.

"Erin is one of the most engaged students I've ever worked with," Dr. Ellen Best, department head of Accounting and Law and associate professor in the Mike Cottrell College of Business, said. "She is truly deserving of this scholarship."

Whatley, a Master of Accountancy student, will receive a $10,000 scholarship through her selection. She graduated in May 2023 from Â鶹ÊÓƵ with her Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and has begun studying for the CPA exam in addition to her graduate school studies.

"I am honored to have been nominated by the incredible institution I attend for this scholarship. It was very humbling to even be nominated, but all that more exciting to receive the acceptance," Whatley said. "With this scholarship, the weight of financial hardship has been lifted, and my goal of graduating with my master's and completing my CPA exams is now realistic for me. Thank you to my professors for believing in me, and to the PCAOB for making higher educational goals for accounting students like me possible."