Today we’d like to introduce you to Adrian Mayse

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

I am a native of Victoria, Mississippi, and I graduated as the valedictorian of Byhalia High School in 2002. In 2005, I received my B.B.A. in Banking and Finance, and Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi. In 2007, I earned my M.P.A. (Master of Professional Accountancy) from Jackson State University. I worked for the Mississippi Department of Revenue (formerly the Mississippi Tax Commission) for three years as a tax auditor and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2010. I taught as an instructor at Jackson State University from 2012 to 2013 and received my Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a minor in Management in 2014 from Jackson State University.

My academic and administrative career includes serving as an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Middle Tennessee State University from 2013 to 2015. From 2015 to 2023, I held various positions at Howard University, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Department Chair of Accounting. During my tenure at Howard University, I made significant contributions such as securing major funding for the Master of Accountancy program and converting it to an online platform, as well as overseeing multiple accreditations and curriculum developments.

Currently, I am a tenured Full Professor of Accounting at Talladega College, where I also served as Dean of the School of Business from July 2023 to May 2024. At Talladega, I managed a broad portfolio and achieved significant milestones, including establishing an Academic Advisory Board and obtaining ACBSP membership and candidacy status.

In addition to my academic role, I am the CEO and Founder of A L Mayse, LLC. At A L Mayse, LLC, we focus on assessment, compliance, and effectiveness, championing academic excellence and institutional success.

I have received various honors and awards, including the Outstanding Young CPA Award (AICPA) in 2022 and the Business of Pride award from the Washington Business Journal in 2021. I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Accounting Association (AAA), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the PhD Project, the National Society of Black CPAs (NSBCPA), and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

I have a deep passion for diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace, classroom, and the world. I have been recognized for being the youngest tenured Associate Professor of Accounting at Howard University and have been featured in the Clarion Ledger for my opinion piece on the importance of diversity and inclusion. I currently reside in Washington, DC with my husband, Duvalier Malone, and our dog, Guy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The journey to where I am today has not been a smooth road. There have been significant challenges and struggles along the way. One of the most profound difficulties I faced was the tragic loss of my brother in a car accident just months before I began my Ph.D. program at Jackson State University. This event was a turning point in my life, forcing me to rely on a strength greater than myself to continue forward.

Balancing the demands of my academic pursuits with personal grief was incredibly challenging. However, I learned to transform my tragedy into a testimony, using it as a source of motivation and resilience. My journey has been marked by moments where I had to navigate the complexities of academic life, including research, teaching responsibilities, and the pursuit of tenure.

Despite these struggles, I have been fortunate to have the support of mentors like Dr. Quinton Booker and Dr. Bobbie Daniels, as well as my husband, Duvalier Malone. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me achieve milestones such as becoming the youngest tenured Associate Professor of Accounting at Howard University.

Today, as a tenured Full Professor of Accounting at Talladega College and the CEO and Founder of A L Mayse, LLC, I continue to strive for excellence in my field. My focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace and classroom is a testament to the lessons I’ve learned through my struggles. I hope that my journey inspires others to overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams, always remembering those who have paved the way for us.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A L Mayse LLC?

At A L Mayse, LLC, we specialize in the initial accreditation and reaffirmation of HBCU business and accounting programs. Our comprehensive services include impact measurement, compliance and reporting systems, and thorough documentation of success stories. We conduct pre-audits, pre-questioning, proposals, and assessments to ensure rigorous evaluation and continuous improvement.

In addition to accreditation services, we develop financial literacy and accounting resources tailored for students from K-3 to college. These resources encompass books, flashcards, videos, and interactive tools, available in multiple languages to enhance accessibility and engagement.

Furthermore, we offer expert grant writing services to secure funding for these educational initiatives, ensuring our clients have the financial support necessary to implement and sustain their programs.

What sets us apart from others is our commitment to academic excellence and institutional success. We are known for our meticulous attention to detail and our ability to provide customized solutions that meet the unique needs of each institution.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of our ability to support and enhance the educational experiences of students and faculty at HBCUs. Our work not only ensures compliance and accreditation but also promotes financial literacy and prepares students for successful careers in business and accounting.

I want our readers to know that A L Mayse, LLC is dedicated to fostering an environment of excellence, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Our services are designed to empower institutions to achieve their highest potential and make a lasting impact on their communities.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?

One surprising thing that most people who know me or my work might not know is that, in addition to my extensive academic and professional career, I have a deep passion for storytelling through various mediums. I am the author of children’s books titled “When I Grow Up I Want To Be… An Accountant” and “When I Grow Up I Want To Be An Accountant, Too!,” which aims to inspire young children to see themselves in the accounting profession. These books reflect my commitment to diversity and inclusion, starting from an early age, and my belief in the power of representation to shape future generations. Through my writing, I strive to break down barriers and encourage children from all backgrounds to pursue their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://almayse.com