Stephen F. Austin State University

Nikki Parker, a Stephen F. Austin graduate student from Lufkin, is one of four students nationwide to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the Association of College and University Auditors. The scholarships are available to undergraduate and graduate students in degree programs leading to careers in accounting, auditing, finance and/or higher education administration, according to information on the ACUA Web site.

SFA has some of the best accounting students in the nation, according to chairwoman of the Gerald W. Schlief Department of Accounting, Dr. Treba Marsh.

Marsh said she believes Parker is the first SFA student to receive this scholarship, and she said she is proud of Parker's accomplishment.

Parker works in the SFA auditor's office as a graduate assistant. Gina Oglesbee, director of audit services at SFA, said Parker is a hard worker, and she was happy that Parker and SFA were recognized in this way.

Parker said she was surprised and excited, when she learned she received the scholarship.

"Everyone at SFA has been so helpful, and they do all they can so your experience as a student is as pleasant as possible," she said. Parker said she just started grad school, and she hopes to complete her master's and doctoral degrees so she can one day teach at the university level.