Three UF accounting students selected as prestigious PCAOB Scholars
Accounting students Jasmine Crockett (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26), Monorath Khinsim (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26) and Emily Lu (BSAc ‘25, MAcc ‘26) at the University of Florida were selected as 2025 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars. This prestigious scholarship awards winners $15,000 for the upcoming school year.
“My initial reaction was shock,” Lu said. “I almost unhinged my jaw from how fast it dropped to the floor. And then, I felt immense pride. Receiving this award is more than just recognition, it’s affirmation. Not just for me, but for everyone who helped me reach this point, like my parents, my professors, my classmates, everyone. I’m deeply honored to be nominated for this scholarship and to stand alongside the incredible individuals who have received it before me.”
The PCAOB Scholars Program seeks to award undergraduate and graduate accounting students with financial aid and resources to facilitate academic and professional growth. This program specifically focuses on students from populations who are historically underrepresented in the accounting field.
“Becoming a PCAOB scholar, made me feel recognized of my effort and journey, coming to the US for college and transferring to UF,” Khinsim said. “For my career, the PCAOB scholarship will play a crucial role in propelling me forward.”
“This scholarship allows me to focus fully on finishing my graduate studies while studying for the CPA exam, setting me up for a career as a CPA and auditor,” Crockett said.
Not only does the scholarship provide financial support for the winners, it also connects students with PCAOB staff through their mentorship program.
These students were nominated for this scholarship by the Fisher School of Accounting based on their academic achievements, ethical standards and aptitude in accounting and auditing. This merit-based scholarship has spearheaded academic achievement in accounting and auditing since 2011.
“Professionally, the school has opened doors I never thought possible,” Lu said. “From internship opportunities to networking events with recruiters and industry leaders to resume-building workshops and mock interviews, I’ve been equipped with the tools and connections to walk into professional settings with confidence.”
“The Fisher School of Accounting places a wealth of opportunities at your footstep from supportive and knowledgeable professors to steady communication with recruiters,” Crockett said. “It also helps that the Fisher School of Accounting has such a large network of alumni, so whenever you are feeling discouraged, you can easily look and see where your education can take you.”
The three students are anticipating graduation with their Masters of Accounting at the end of the spring 2026 term.
“Apply!” Lu encourages potential applicants. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Don’t let the “I won’t win anyway, so why bother” thoughts stop you. Applying for any scholarship is an act of believing in yourself. You are worthy of the opportunity, and the effort you put into the application is an investment in your future.”
