Two strangers from different walks of life, brought together by a shared achievement and a common goal, have taken the first step into a new chapter of their lives.
University of Southern Mississippi graduate students Nila Griffin and Laura Stovall, both enrolled in the Master of Professional Accountancy program, were among a select group of students from across the country nominated for the prestigious Public Company Accounting Oversight Board scholarship for the 2025 academic year.
The PCAOB scholarship is a prominent award for accounting students, designed to provide financial support to those who demonstrate dedication to the accounting profession and strong academic performance. Each recipient must be nominated to be eligible; Stovall and Griffin were both nominated by Dr. Blaise Sonnier, director of the School of Accountancy at USM.
“I just felt truly so blessed and grateful to have been given the opportunity to receive it,” Stovall said. “It’s truly a life-changing scholarship.”
Griffin echoed the sentiment, saying she was happy to receive the unexpected news, which also provided some relief in paying for school.
Neither Griffin nor Stovall initially planned to pursue accounting when starting college, yet both discovered a passion for the field during their undergraduate studies. Griffin originally planned to major in business administration but found her interest in accounting through her love of math—and her decision not to become a math teacher.
Stovall’s interest in accounting emerged during her second semester of her freshman year. She was drawn to the field’s stability and challenges, enjoying the blend of writing and numbers it offers.
“I believe every great accountant needs communication skills,” Stovall said, a sentiment Griffin agrees with.
“You have to have great communication and writing skills,” Griffin said. “I didn’t know how much writing you needed to do until I started taking courses.”
Griffin chose USM for its strong accounting program and professional opportunities, especially internships. Stovall said she was drawn to the support she felt from faculty and staff while touring campus, crediting Amber Hatten and her husband, who works in Hattiesburg, as key reasons for choosing USM.
Both women grew up in small towns in Mississippi and credited their families for shaping who they are today.
Stovall grew up in Philadelphia and Flowood, supported by a close-knit family. She shared a strong bond with her older brother and mother and called her late father her hero. After his passing during her senior year of high school, her stepfather became another guiding figure. Stovall earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Mississippi State University before moving to Hattiesburg with her husband.
Griffin grew up in Raymond, in a lively household with her mother, grandmother, and three younger siblings. Her mother inspired her decision to join the Army Reserves, and Griffin spent a year deployed in Kuwait. After returning, she earned an associate degree from Hinds Community College and a bachelor’s in accounting from USM, where she is now pursuing her master’s. She cited strong connections with professors and winning the PCAOB scholarship as reasons for staying at USM.
The scholarship not only provided financial support but also sparked a new friendship. Stovall and Griffin first met while having their headshots taken for the award. Meeting beforehand eased Stovall’s first-day nerves and created a study partnership as they navigated the challenges of the MPA program and CPA exam preparation.
“You can learn a lot from other people. Sometimes they have a different way of understanding something and can explain it better,” Griffin said. “I like to study with other people.”
Though their personalities differ—Stovall describes herself as bright and outgoing, while Griffin describes herself as quiet and kind-hearted—both share a strong connection to their academic goals.
Both are mindful of the challenges facing young women in a male-dominated field, particularly regarding leadership roles. Griffin worries about having her knowledge downplayed but remains determined to persevere, hoping to inspire others.
“Being a young woman going into this industry is a little daunting,” Stovall said. “But representing young women in this industry is honestly so rewarding, because it shows that women can be very successful, even at a young age in corporate America.”
Stovall plans to graduate in July 2026, take the CPA exam, and gain experience at a public accounting firm. Griffin also plans to take the CPA exam but is considering opportunities outside Mississippi, including a career in tax accounting. Both call the PCAOB scholarship one of their proudest achievements.
“The PCAOB selecting me for this is life-changing. It’s a huge blessing, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to continue my education,” Stovall said.
