The College of Business congratulates Ryan Avery (BSA ‘28), Erynn Robinson (BSA ’27), and Rina Xayasy (BSA ’26, MSA ’27), who have been named Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year. This prestigious scholarship grants the recipients $15,000 in honor of their academic excellence and promises as future accounting professionals.

“We are incredibly proud to see three UA students selected as PCAOB Scholars for the 2026-2027 academic year,” said Julianne Jones, director of the College of Business George W. Daverio School of Accountancy. "These students represent the next generation of accounting professionals, and we look forward to seeing the contributions they will make to the profession.”

Ryan Avery, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's in accounting, serves as co-president of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), a professional fraternity dedicated to connecting students interested in insurance, risk management, and actuarial science with industry professionals. In addition to his involvement with GIS, Ryan is a member of the University Investment Club and the Young Entrepreneurs of Akron (YEA).

“The University of Akron has provided me so many opportunities in my time here,” Avery shared. “Akron means a lot to me. Thank you all who have supported me."

Erynn Robinson, who is currently pursuing a bachelor's in accounting, began her academic journey at Stark State College, where she earned an associate degree in Tax Accounting and an Enrolled Agent Certificate. 

"I am very fortunate to receive this scholarship and truly would not have made it this far without the support of those around me,” shared Robinson. "I look forward to using this opportunity to further my knowledge of accounting and encourage others to continue working hard and pursuing what they are passionate about!"

Rina Xayasy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting this past May and is now pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA). 

“I am eternally grateful for the PCAOB scholarship,” shared Xayasy. “It has brought me closer to my goals while giving me lifelong connections and mentors. I am able to stay focused on my studies without the financial hardship.”

Established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the PCAOB Scholars Program is funded through monetary penalties collected by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The program supports students pursuing accounting degrees at accredited institutions while strengthening the pipeline of highly qualified accounting professionals dedicated to protecting investors and serving the public interest. These students are among a select group of accounting students nationwide to receive the scholarship for the 2026-27 academic year.