Author: biancagosser

MPA Tailgate Event: Texas vs Florida Football

The recent MPA tailgate was more than just pre-game fun—it was a testament to the camaraderie within the MPA community. One student shares their unique experience as a former University of Florida undergrad cheering for the Texas Longhorns while donning a Florida Gators jersey!

The MPA tailgate was a great bonding experience for students within the MPA program. It was great seeing my friends from different classes come together, wear burnt orange, and get excited for the Longhorns’ SEC matchup against the Gators. Many of us rooted for different teams throughout our undergrad, but this game meant much more to me since I did my undergrad at the University of Florida and was a photographer for the Florida Gators’ athletics program. When I showed up to the tailgate with a Texas Longhorns hat and Florida Gators jersey, my fellow MPA students made sure to get a good laugh, and it made for a lot of fun. This MPA community really thrives off of each other as we are all battle the stresses that come with a prestigious academic program together. I also made sure to fuel up with some catered Chick-fil-A.

As for advice I have for new/prospective students, prioritize and make time for friends and meet fellow students through social outings such as the MPA tailgate. Having friends in all of your classes will make you look forward to your 8 am classes, give you a sense of home away from home, and provide you with lifelong friends down the road. I am looking forward to what the next semester brings and hope we can all get together for a baseball or basketball outing.

-Craig Haas

Learn more about the Master in Professional Accounting program

Meet Our MPA Student Ambassadors

December 4, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

Introducing some of the Texas McCombs MPA Ambassadors!

These dynamic students represent the heart of our program, showcasing the endless opportunities that come with a Master in Professional Accounting degree. Whether your goals are in accounting or beyond, the ambassadors are here to share their unique journeys, insider tips, and personal experiences to help you navigate life as an MPA student. To learn more about the MPA program click HERE!

Demetrius Garza
Connect with Demetrius

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: My favorite spot to study on campus has to be the NRG room in McCombs. I really like the renovations they made over the summer, and the new monitors and study rooms are nice!
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: I enjoy visiting Dog Day Coffee and Mercado Sin Nombre; they both have some fantastic coffee with some unique flavors! If you go to Dog Day, I would recommend the Morning Ralph (thai tea infused nitro cold brew), and at Mercado Sin Nombre, the Horchata Cold Brew.
Q: Favorite show?
A: Severance on Apple TV+. Excited for the second season to come out in January!
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: A great spot for me to de-stress from classes has got to be Barton Springs! Laying on the lawn and taking a dip in the pool on a hot day is always a great way to lighten my mood.

Brooke Harris
Connect with Brooke

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: I enjoy studying at the PCL
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: My favorite coffee shop in Austin is Houndstooth
Q: Favorite show?
A: Suits
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: Hang out with friends and go on walks

Christian Tinoco Lopez
Connect with Christian

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: I consider it a hidden gem, but I love studying in the Governor’s room in the Texas Union Building—the old-timey feel boosts my study power! If not there, you can find me in the PCL 2nd-floor quiet area—it is the quietest area on campus!
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: Such a tough question! It depends on my mood. Habanero Mexican Cafe in South Austin is great. Some good brunch (and a throwback to the past) can be found at Jim’s Restaurant toward North Austin. Nearby campus, my favorite spot is K-Bop—their Bulgogi bowl is amazing!
Q: Favorite show?
A: I haven’t had much of a chance to watch Netflix recently with school and life in general, but when I get a chance I like to catch up on the Outer Banks new seasons or Brooklyn Nine-Nine for a bit of a laugh.
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: I’m an avid runner. Runs down Cesar Chavez Blvd and alongside Lady Bird Lake are truly therapeutic. I love crossing the pedestrian bridge to South Austin and looking back to see the Austin city skyline—it leaves me breathless every time!

Teaguen Weise
Connect with Teaguen

Q: What’s your favorite place to study on campus?
A: PCL 4th floor or UTC 2nd floor by the windows
Q: What’s your favorite coffee shop or restaurant in Austin?
A: Original Blacks BBQ!
Q: Favorite show?
A: Grey’s Anatomy
Q: What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy week of classes?
A: Ice-cream, visiting with friends, and anything nature

Register: Join Us for a Traditional MPA Info Session

November 13, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

Join us for a traditional MPA info session! Gain valuable insights into our top-ranked traditional Master in Professional Accounting program. Learn about our curriculum, application process, and career outcomes, and explore the benefits of studying at the University of Texas at Austin

Register Here: tMPA Info Session

Wednesday, November 20, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

Register: Join Us for Our Virtual MPA Panel Night

November 8, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

Join us for an evening of insight and connection at the MPA Panel Night! This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from Texas McCombs faculty, current students, and alumni. Learn about the program’s academic strengths, explore student experiences, and discover how an MPA can shape your career.

Register: MPA Panel Night

Thursday, November 14, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Zoom Webinar

UT Austin Rises to No. 7 in U.S. News Rankings

October 18, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

The University of Texas at Austin has climbed to No. 7 among public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. This achievement highlights UT’s commitment to academic excellence, with McCombs School of Business consistently recognized for its standout undergraduate and graduate programs. Notably, the Accounting specialty ranked No. 1, reflecting its leadership in accounting education. As UT Austin continues to excel, our students are poised for success in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Read more details here.

Interested in learning more? Attend an upcoming Master in Professional Accounting info session to explore how this top-ranked program can help shape your future.

Click HERE to view all upcoming events

The Study Abroad Experience – Prague

August 19, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

While in the MPA Prague study abroad program, I learned about Europe through my studies and travels. Between weekend trips across Europe with my peers, engaging classes, and program-planned excursions within Prague, the program was a fulfilling experience that I will cherish. As someone who had never been to Europe, I was nervous about the cultural adjustment. However, the UT and VŠE staff helped us get acclimated to our new environment and the time and effort that they put into this program was clear from the start.

Our courses were fascinating. In our classes taught by MPA faculty, we delved deeper into specialized accounting topics, and in our VŠE class, we simulated the early stages of starting a business in Europe from initial idea to pitch. Furthermore, the planned excursions in Prague gave us the opportunity to see unique sites in the Czech Republic. My personal favorite was our visit to Radio Free Europe, an international media organization with the mission of providing accurate news to countries without freedom of the press.

Unequivocally, my favorite part of the program was growing closer to my MPA peers. I bonded with people who had been in my classes for years but never had the opportunity to truly get to know. The entire group often made plans together and I gained a newfound appreciation for the community that we formed. I always knew I had someone with whom I could grab lunch, study, or explore Prague’s Old Town. These friendships enhanced my experience and made me feel more connected to the MPA program as a whole. After returning to the US, I quickly made plans to see my study-abroad friends and I can’t wait to have classes with them in the Fall.

Hook ‘em! 🤘

Katie Anderson, MPA Class of 2025

Turning the Page: Celebrating the MPA Class of 2024

June 5, 2024 / biancagosser / 0 Comments

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the MPA Commencement Ceremony took place at Gregory Gym, transforming the well-known student fitness hub into a symbol of new beginnings. Professors, family, and friends gathered to celebrate the graduates.

The 2024 MPA graduating class includes those from diverse backgrounds who worked tirelessly to earn their degrees. Among the graduates, Peter Gutierrez’s journey stands out as a testament to perseverance and reinvention. Formerly a high school math teacher, Peter decided to make a bold career transition and pursue his MPA. As he eagerly anticipates his next steps, including a summer study abroad in Prague and a financial analyst role for Dell upon his return to Austin, Peter embodies the spirit of transformation and ambition that defines the MPA graduates.

Hong Nguyen has a similarly inspiring graduation story. As a first-generation graduate, Hong’s MPA degree holds deep significance not just for her, but for her family. With her family by her side and the support of her peers in the Asian Business Student Association, Hong’s achievement symbolizes the fulfillment of a dream and the promise of a bright future.

The MPA commencement speakers further highlighted the potential of the MPA graduating class. Professor Steven Kachelmeier noted that the program’s excellence echoes in every graduate’s journey and reflects their commitment to success and innovation. Dean Lillian Mills emphasized the graduates’ role as agents of change and progress while distinguished speaker Paul Knopp (BBA Accounting ‘81, MBA ’83) shared his journey from accounting student to CEO. Paul highlighted the pivotal role of accounting as well as mentorship and resilience in shaping his success. Through his heartfelt message, he encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty, celebrate their achievements, and envision a future defined by purpose and impact.

During the ceremony, MPA Program Faculty Director Kristina Zvinakis recognized students who demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement while in the MPA program. Gracelynn Keener received the CPA Accounting Education Award in recognition of her mastery of accounting knowledge, while Zachary Sly and Krishan Gupta were honored as the outstanding integrated and traditional MPA students, respectively, in their graduating class.

Prior to the graduates walking across the stage to have their names read and be recognized, Ally Rosmiller stepped forward as the student speaker. Her words conveyed a sense of camaraderie and shared triumph, and she urged her fellow graduates to embrace every victory, big or small.

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. Each graduate stands at the threshold of a new chapter, armed with knowledge, resilience, and boundless potential. Today, they not only celebrate their achievements but also their capacity to shape the future and change the world.

Congratulations to the MPA graduating class of 2024!