TXST NABA organization named Western Region Student Chapter of the Year

SAN MARCOS — Texas State University’s National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) student organization was recently awarded Student Chapter of the Year in the Western Region by NABA, Inc., a nonprofit membership association dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for Black business leaders.

It’s the first time the student chapter received the award since its founding in 2004. Jerome McWilliams, the faculty advisor for the chapter, shared insights into the organization's success, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and community.

"We don't limit ourselves to just Black students or even just accounting majors," McWilliams said. "We view ourselves as a place of inclusivity where anybody can feel at home."

Texas State’s NABA student chapter is a student professional organization that aims to “unite students who have similar interests and ideals… and concern for enhancing opportunities for minorities in the accounting, finance, and business related professions,” according to McCoy College’s student organization webpage.

McWilliams credited the chapter's recognition to its enhanced outreach efforts and the dedication of its members. He said that the chapter's leadership played a crucial role in engaging with the student body, promoting NABA's mission, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

"Everyone did a wonderful job of making people feel at home enough to want to be a part of the organization," McWilliams said.

The chapter's award is particularly significant in the context of the challenges faced by student organizations following the COVID-19 pandemic. McWilliams acknowledged that the pandemic had a drastic impact on student engagement, but the chapter's leadership was purposeful in rebuilding and expanding the organization.

Under the leadership of its former president, accounting major Xavier Oliphant, who is starting graduate school at Texas State this fall, the chapter focused on active participation and creating opportunities for its members.

"It's a blessing just to be recognized for the work we put in on campus," Oliphant said.

He also emphasized the importance of the groundwork laid by previous leaders, which allowed the chapter to focus on building its membership and fostering a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

The chapter’s success, according to Oliphant, was largely due to the active participation of its members.

“Seeing all the students willing to go out and find opportunities was why we were able to win that award,” he said.

Oliphant’s journey as president was not without challenges. As a young professional, he found the role similar to running a small business, requiring him to navigate different perspectives and responsibilities.

“It was a lot of personal development,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself and how I work with others and how I could do a lot better.”

His advice to future leaders is to put others first and to enjoy the journey.

“Do it for the people. That’s what we’re tasked to do as a student organization, to create opportunities for students outside of the classroom,” Oliphant said. “And of course, have fun with it.”

Senior accounting major Chelsea Jackson, NABA’s new President, has set ambitious goals for the upcoming academic year. She is focused on furthering the chapter’s growth and fostering a strong, supportive community for students.

"My goal is to get more students involved in and outside of accounting, helping people professionally and personally, and also building a community that goes beyond college," Jackson said.

One of the challenges Jackson anticipates is breaking down the misconception that NABA is exclusively for Black students or accounting majors.

"I want to show people that all are welcome," she said, emphasizing the chapter’s inclusivity.

Her efforts include ensuring that the chapter’s messaging, both in their physical space on campus and online, reflects this open invitation to students of all majors and backgrounds.

Jackson also highlighted the importance of NABA’s role within the broader Texas State community, particularly in supporting minority students within the McCoy College of Business. She believes that involvement in organizations like NABA is crucial for building networks, securing internships, and enhancing resumes, ultimately leading to full-time job offers after graduation. 

Reflecting on her leadership goals, Jackson expressed her desire to leave a lasting legacy by ensuring a smooth transition for future leaders of the chapter.

"The best measure of a leader isn’t what you do in your role, but what you do for the next generation," she said. ✯

For more information about this story or other news, email Twister Marquiss, manager of marketing and communications for the McCoy College of Business, at twister@txstate.edu.

About the McCoy College of Business 
Established in 1970, Texas State’s business school officially became the McCoy College of Business in 2004 following a transformational gift of $20 million by Emmett and Miriam McCoy. The college, which offers classes in both San Marcos and Round Rock, is accredited by AACSB in both business and accounting, and has graduated more than 44,000 alumni.