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The Power of Perseverance: Marian Keim (BS ’16, MAC ’18) Blazes Her Own Trail

On-Campus MAC Alumni Profiles

Man smiling with arms crossed.

Feb 25, 2026

Eric Spaugh, 2025, Audit Staff, Ernst & Young (EY)

Drawn by reputation and affordability, Eric stayed at NC State for his MAC degree and left not only CPA-ready – but backed by a network of professors and peers who continue to shape his career.
Madison Bell smiling

Jul 2, 2025

Dean’s Dialogues: Get to Know Poole Alumnae Madison Bell

Bell, who has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Poole, talks with Dean Frank Buckless about her favorite classes and gives advice for students.

May 14, 2025

Brandon Bjornson, Audit Associate, Forvis Mazars

Brandon’s journey from the oil fields of Wyoming to an accounting classroom may have been unconventional, but the encouragement and support of the MAC faculty made the experience well worth the effort.

Dec 3, 2024

Michael Ferguson, From Entertainment to Accounting

Thanks to the Jenkins MAC program’s ASAP program, faculty mentorship and Career Services office, MAC student Michael Ferguson feels prepared to make a successful career change from the entertainment industry to accounting.

Sep 18, 2024

MAC Alum Cole Shephard on Building a Global Career Through Accounting and Entrepreneurship

Cole Shephard’s journey from NC State to founding the largest coffee producer in Colombia is built on a strong accounting background and global experience. As an entrepreneur and founding partner of Legacy Group, Shephard emphasizes the importance of mastering business fundamentals and embracing lifelong learning.

Jul 17, 2024

Lauren Kern, Assistant Director of Accounting and Finance at USA Baseball 

Two-time NC State alumna Lauren Kern is leveraging the accounting skills she gained in the MAC program – as well as the sports management experience she gained in undergrad – to work in her dream job: an accounting role for a major sports organization.

Jun 7, 2024

Michael Cento ‘17, Corporate Accounting Manager, Kymera International

Thanks to the Jenkins MAC program, Michael Cento developed the foundation he needed to change careers from education to accounting – and gained the skills he needed to contribute to the workforce on day one.

Mar 8, 2024

Q&A With Jenniffer Lozano Rodriguez, a Colombian Single Mother and Jenkins MAC Student

Jenniffer Lozano Rodriguez is a student in the Jenkins Master of Accounting (MAC) program at NC State’s Poole College of Management. Vikas Anand, associate dean of academic programs at Poole, recently interviewed Jennifer about her experiences. Get to know Jennifer in this Q&A.

Jan 26, 2024

Brendan Madigan ’16, CFO, Limited Run Games

Choosing a MAC program with a strong alumni network and high-impact curriculum allowed Brendan Madigan, chief financial officer at Limited Run Games, to accelerate and create long-lasting value for his career.

Marian Keim delivers the 2016 Poole College commencement address.

Dec 6, 2023

The Power of Perseverance: Marian Keim (BS ’16, MAC ’18) Blazes Her Own Trail

The first-generation college graduate says she knew she was “never going to give up” on her journey to success.