Five Doane University accounting majors — Payton Cast, a junior; Ashleigh Kirkendall, a junior with senior academic standing; and Zach Fox, Conor Gilreath and Tyler Caldwell, seniors — are among this year's recipients of Nebraska Society of CPAs Foundation scholarships. Doane had more recipients in the Foundation's CPA Pathways Achievers Scholarship category than any of the other eight participating colleges, with four students earning awards.
Cast, Fox, Gilreath and Kirkendall each received a CPA Pathways Achievers Scholarship, which supports students completing the 150-hour education requirement to become certified public accountants (CPAs).
Caldwell received the inaugural Linda M. Scholting Scholarship, a Build a Pipeline Scholarship. The award carries a special connection to Doane, as Scholting serves as the university's vice president for business and finance and chief financial officer.
Scholting, a CPA for more than 40 years, said her experience in the profession inspired her to give back by supporting the next generation of accounting professionals.
"I have been a CPA for over 40 years, and the Nebraska Society has all been a huge help to me and my career. Being an accountant is a very important role in our businesses. When I heard we could sponsor a scholarship to help the next generation of students with their accounting degree, I felt this would be a great way to help and give back," Scholting said.
"Receiving this scholarship is an honor," Caldwell said. "As an accounting student at Doane, this scholarship serves as a reminder of the opportunities that come with persistent hard work, dedication and a commitment to growth."
Caldwell plans to pursue a career as a financial advisor, sharing his knowledge to help members of his community make responsible financial decisions. He credits Doane accounting professors Jean Walkenhorst ’83 and Tracy Corr ’01L, along with leadership instructors Tiffany Shonerd and Quint Geis ’13, for encouraging him to grow both professionally and as a leader.
Corr has had the opportunity to watch Caldwell grow throughout his time at Doane. Having taught him in several accounting courses and observed his involvement representing student organizations at Board of Trustees meetings, Corr said his curiosity, enthusiasm and willingness to engage with others have made him stand out.
"Tyler has always brought insightful questions to class that encourage everyone to think more deeply, along with an upbeat attitude and genuine enthusiasm for connecting with others," Corr said. "It has been especially rewarding to watch him develop his accounting expertise and confidently engage with board members through his thoughtful questions and reports."
For Cast, the scholarship represents both recognition of her work and an opportunity to build connections within the accounting profession.
"Receiving a scholarship from an organization like the Nebraska Society of CPAs is a huge achievement. It means a lot to me, and it was also a great way to get my name out there. Many CPAs attended the event, and this scholarship opened a new door. As a junior, I want as many options as possible after I finish my degree. This is a great step in that direction," Cast said.
Cast said her interest in accounting began with a high school class and has continued to grow through her education at Doane and internship experience.
"I always knew I wanted to go into business. An accounting class in high school ignited my spark. I was only a high schooler, but I recognized what I wanted to do in life. After I graduate from Doane, I plan to get my master's and sit for the CPA exam," Cast said.
She also emphasized the value of building on classroom learning and gaining professional experience.
"Accounting is a comprehensive major. Every semester, you build on what you learned previously, even from your first semester. That, along with my internship, gives me a clear view of what my work will look like. Internships are a huge part of the process. They give you real-time experience and help you decide if you actually want to go into that field. I am so thankful to Jean Walkenhorst for nominating me for this scholarship and all the guidance she provided," Cast said.
The Nebraska Society of CPAs Foundation awards scholarships to support students entering the accounting profession and strengthen Nebraska's future accounting workforce. This year, 22 scholarships were awarded to students in the final semester of their 150-hour education requirement, an important milestone in their journey toward CPA licensure.
Doane's representation among this year's recipients reflects the strength of its accounting program and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in the profession.
Learn more Doane's accounting program today!
