Beta Alpha Psi: An Organization That Counts

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Local Beta Alpha Psi members held a food drive to benefit those in need in Northwest Arkansas in October.

When the local Alpha Iota chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honors organization for financial information students and professionals, is not exploring aspects of their profession, they are doing good for the community. In fact, part of BAP's mission is to foster lifelong ethical, social and public responsibilities.

In October, the chapter organized and facilitated a food drive to benefit those in need in Northwest Arkansas.

"We collected donations from Oct. 14-20," said Tom Hayes, associate professor of accounting and faculty adviser for Beta Alpha Psi. "We bagged everything up on Oct. 20 during our weekly meeting and delivered the goods to the NWA Food Bank on Oct. 28."

"The food drive was so important to us because it is such an effective way to help the community and is a great way for more of our members to be able to participate through donating," said Joe Solon, president of Beta Alpha Psi and accounting graduate student (Master of Professional Accounting, May 2023). "In total we had 58 members donate at least one item for the Thanksgiving rush — many members brought two." 

Why Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Alpha Psi promotes academic excellence, professional development, responsible practices, advocacy and ethical leadership. The organization includes more than 300 chapters on college campuses and over 300,000 members.

To advance its mission, BAP incorporates professional mentorships, competitions, awards and more.

"Students should join Beta Alpha Psi to expand their professional network and gain valuable perspectives through various professional opportunities," Solon said. "Being able to learn and meet all the different people from companies around NWA and within the Beta Alpha Psi organization has been a very fulfilling opportunity."

Beta Alpha Psi members also benefit from guest speakers and networking events.

"Throughout the semester, we have guests from accounting firms and other companies that present to the group," Hayes said. "We also have a service project coming up the first week of December for the Ronald McDonald House. We are partnering with a regional firm (Landmark CPAs) to make toiletry and snack bags for the Ronald McDonald House to distribute. We also organize the Meet the Employers event every fall and spring where we bring in various employers to network with our accounting and finance students."

The group meets weekly and hosts guest speakers from public accounting firms and Fortune 500 organizations to discuss industry topics. Walton College accounting faculty also discuss the CPA exam, graduate degrees and other opportunities with Beta Alpha Psi members. Overall, the organization assists financial information students prepare for accounting, finance and information systems careers and network with possible employers. 

"To join BAP, you must have at least a sophomore status, be an accounting, finance or information systems major and hold at least a 3.0 GPA," Hayes said.  

Whether volunteering to better the community or advancing professional opportunities, Beta Alpha Psi is an organization that counts. Learn more about Beta Alpha Psi and apply to become a member through the Registered Student Organization website.