UWF Beta Alpha Psi Officers

PRESIDENT

Austin is a Tax and Accounting Associate at Jones & Co. CPAs & Advisors, where he applies his academic knowledge to real-world client engagements. He earned his BSBA in Professional Accountancy from the University of West Florida in Summer 2025 and is currently pursuing his Master of Accountancy with a specialization in Taxation. While completing his graduate studies, he is also preparing to obtain his CPA license. Passionate about giving back, Austin volunteers with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, helping low- to moderate-income families file their taxes at no cost. Outside of work and school, he enjoys playing golf, traveling, and listening to music. 

VICE PRESIDENT

Melody is a dedicated undergraduate student majoring in Professional Accountancy with a minor in Finance. She currently works as a Staff Accountant at Brown Thornton Pacenta & Co., where she is gaining hands-on experience in public accounting. Originally from Fort Myers, Melody moved to North Florida to attend a small Christian college before transferring to UWF in Spring 2025. She plans to pursue a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) after graduating in Spring 2027. She is actively involved in several campus organizations and greatly values the professional connections and opportunities offered through Beta Alpha Psi.

SECRETARY

Bea is a current undergraduate Accounting major with a background in finance, having earned her first bachelor’s in Finance before transitioning into the field of accounting. Through Dr. White’s taxation class and her involvement with the VITA program, she discovered a love for accounting, and developed an interest in applying that knowledge to help individuals and communities. She plans to pursue her CPA license in the future and aims to build a career in the tax field of public accounting. Outside of academics and professional development, she enjoys listening to music and engaging with new people. 

TREASURER

Leland is a proud graduate of the University of West Florida and is currently working on his Master’s in Accountancy. He has lived in Florida his entire life and is currently a graduate assistant in the Department of Accounting and Finance, where he’s always happy to help anyone who stops by with a question or need. He has been a dedicated member of the Iota Phi Chapter for several years, before deciding to give back to the organization that has meant so much to him. One of his favorite parts of the chapter is working with VITA to provide tax services to the community.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Alicia is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Accounting and plans to continue her education by earning a Masters in Accounting at the University of West Florida. As a first-generation college graduate, Alicia is motivated by education as a pathway to breaking generational barriers and creating lasting opportunities. She is passionate about community and hopes to help individuals build financial literacy and empower students to seek higher education. Alicia currently lives in Destin, Florida, where she enjoys fishing and spending time outdoors. Outside of academics, she is a devoted dog mom to two dogs who are her world. She also enjoys dancing, baking sourdough, and brewing kombucha.

FACULTY ADVISOR

Dr. Barbara S. White received her Ph.D. in Accountancy from the University of Mississippi, her Masters in Business Administration from Auburn University - Montgomery, and her Bachelor of Business Administration from Millsaps College. She has run marathons in all 50 states and on all 7 continents.  She is also a Six Star Finisher of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series, running marathons in Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin, and Tokyo.