The Alabama A&M University chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants has achieved remarkable growth. Since the start of the semester the NABA chapter’s membership skyrocketed from 42 to an impressive 200 students.
Established in 1975, the chapter has reached unprecedented levels of participation under the leadership of faculty advisor Dr. Felicia C. Farrar, CPA, CFE, and chapter President Meris Mollel. Dr. Farrar, who recently joined the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Academic Executive Committee, has fostered a culture of ambition and support within the chapter.
Meris Mollel, a senior finance major from Birmingham, Alabama. He attributes this surge in membership to the collaborative efforts and commitment shown by all chapter members. Having secured a position in the Finance Management Analyst Program at Bank of America, Mollel emphasizes the chapter’s dedication to offering professional development and networking opportunities vital for student success.
AAMU NABA Takes on Atlanta
“We’ve had the privilege of helping ten students secure internships and job offers from companies like Microsoft, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and KPMG,” Mollel stated. “We’ve leveraged our network to bring eight companies to campus for panels and informational sessions and developed a six-week professional development boot camp.”
This boot camp was crucial in equipping students for the recent NABA LINK Regional Conference held in Atlanta. The chapter successfully mobilized a delegation of 70 students.
“Our executive board devised a plan to bring 70 students to the conference,” Mollel explained. “After creating a budget, it took significant planning, bonding, and countless late nights to bring everything together, but everyone in the chapter was involved. Atlanta was a tremendous success. Our group had the opportunity to visit JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.”
During their time in Atlanta, the chapter members interviewed industry leaders for their YouTube channel, “Breaking Down Business on the Hill.” Notable guests included Alice L. Jolla, chief accounting officer at Microsoft; Ray Price Jr., CFO of CLA; Kimi Ellen, CPA and chair of the NABA Division of Firms; and Herschel Frierson, chair of NABA and principal at Crowe.
Looking forward, Mollel expresses optimism about maintaining the chapter’s growth trajectory through ongoing events and professional development programs.
“2025 is going to be another landmark year for our chapter,” Mollel stated confidently. “We’re focused on expanding opportunities, strengthening our network, and continuing to support each other as we prepare for our futures. Together, we’re not just growing numbers – we’re building a legacy.”
Founded in December 1969, NABA is dedicated to empowering Black professionals in accounting and finance.