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From Classroom to Future CPAs: Meet the OSCPA’s Scholarship Winners

September 03, 2026

Accounting students from across Oklahoma with dreams of becoming CPAs apply for OSCPA scholarships each year to help them reach their goals of earning a degree and starting a career in accounting. To support this goal, the OSCPA recently awarded more than $90,000 in scholarships to 51 accounting students across the state. These scholarships are made possible by the generous support of businesses, firms, and OSCPA members, helping deserving students continue their education and take the next step toward a career in accounting.

“These scholarship recipients remind us that the future of the profession is heading in the right direction. Every scholarship is an investment in the next generation of CPAs, helping students pursue careers in accounting and preparing them to become the leaders our profession needs.”

-OSCPA President and CEO Blaine Peterson, CPA, JD

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000. In addition to general scholarships, the OSCPA Educational Foundation provides 10 named scholarships to accounting students with significant achievements.

  • Beale Family Scholarship 
    Awarded to Karen Alvidrez Rios from Oklahoma State University
    Named after the Beale Family, partners with the OSCPA's preferred insurance provider, Alliant. It is awarded to a full-time accounting student who has completed a minimum of 60 college credits, including 15 credits in accounting.
  • Henry Bickerstaff Scholarship
    Awarded to Sarah Brashears from Northwestern Oklahoma State University
    Awarded to outstanding accounting students residing in or attending a university located in northwestern Oklahoma.
  • Micah B. Steelman Memorial Scholarship
    Awarded to Katy Croft from the University of Central Oklahoma
    Named after a dedicated professional with a passion for mentoring University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) students. Awarded to a UCO student pursuing a degree in accounting, expressing a primary interest in tax.
  • Retha Duggan Scholarship
    Awarded to Maxwell Johnson from East Central University
    Named after a former executive director of the OSCPA. Typically awarded to a student who has been admitted to a Master of Accountancy program.
  • Rick Kells Memorial Scholarship
    Awarded to Zachary Mays from Oklahoma State University
    Named after a dedicated CPA and attorney who contributed greatly to the ongoing education of tax professionals. Awarded to an accounting student working part-time while attending school full-time who intends on pursuing a career in tax.
  • Robin Byford Scholarship
    Awarded to Amanda Hess from Oklahoma State University
    Awarded to a full-time accounting student attending Oklahoma State University.
  • Rodney and Janice Gray Scholarship
    Awarded to Braden Williams and Bella Koepke from East Central University
    Awarded to one undergraduate and one graduate-level accounting student attending East Central University.
  • Jess Thomas Memorial Scholarship
    Awarded to Maegan Bedwell from the University of Central Oklahoma
    Named after Jess Thomas, CPA, who served on the OSCPA Educational Foundation. Awarded to a full-time accounting student attending either the University of Central Oklahoma or Cameron University.
  • Ruthann Fairbairn Scholarship
    Awarded to Selma Kocaeli from the University of Oklahoma
    Named after one of only two women in her accounting class at the University of Oklahoma, past vice president of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs and Oklahoma Women Business Owners. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding accounting student at an Oklahoma college or university.
  • Randy Thurman Business Scholarship
    Awarded to Camila Gomez from Oklahoma City Community College
    Awarded to a student attending Oklahoma City Community College pursuing business, finance, or accounting.

General OSCPA scholarships have been awarded to the following students:

Cameron University

  • Jose Ramirez

East Central University

  • Daphne Draper

Northeastern State University

  • Patrick Dearman

Northwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Carlos Bustillos

Oklahoma Baptist University

  • Altyn Bartley

Oklahoma Christian University

  • Blaine Bruton
  • Brayden Stalcup
     

Oklahoma State University

  • Jose Avila
  • Madeline Chaney
  • Hunter Combs
  • Ethan Hammer
  • Ashley Hearon
  • Eric Kimbrough
  • Clare Mathes
  • Brock Mattioda
  • Joelie Nicholson
  • Ramses Soto
  • Grace Stotts
  • Ava Townsend

Oral Roberts University

  • Rachelle Holmes
  • Ashlyn Walker

Southwestern Oklahoma State University

  • Brady Harris
  • Aquetzalli Herrera Mendiola
  • Caden Morrow
  • Lilyan Rangel
  • Courtney Riley
  • Bryce Teut
  • Luke Zybach

University of Central Oklahoma

  • Lanie Bowles
  • Thang Nuam

University of Oklahoma

  • Cara Burwell
  • Adam Edelman
  • Aiden Ellis
  • Isabel Favela
  • Joseph Murphy
  • Jenny Phan
  • Rachel Raper
  • Reagin Roudebush
  • Andy Wang

 University of Tulsa

  • Blake Johnson

Scholarship applications open each fall, and students are selected the following summer for the next school year. 

Interested in supporting accounting student scholarships? Donate to the the OSCPA’s Educational Foundation online now!