Brandi Holley, assistant professor of accounting in Samford University’s Brock School of Business, won a Best Paper Award from the American Accounting Association’s Academy of Accounting Historians.

“The Power of One: A Memorial to Dr. Larzette Golden Hale (1920–2015)” memorializes Larzette Golden Hale, the first Black female certified public accountant to also earn a PhD in accounting.

According to Holley’s paper, Hale was a remarkable figure in accounting history whose work showcased the impact one individual can have on society. As an accounting educator for more than five decades, Hale used her hard-won accounting credentials to inspire others.

Hale recognized the power and responsibility that educated individuals must have to positively affect humankind. She overcame spending her childhood in an orphanage to impact the lives of countless individuals spanning multiple geographies across decades. Her impressive life’s work as an accounting educator is made more momentous considering the systemic obstacles to achievement faced by Blacks and women of the time.

“While researching Dr. Hale’s life, I was constantly impressed at her tireless giving,” Holley said. “She gave her time, energy and God-given talents to the betterment of others. Dr. Hale remains an inspirational educator to this day.”   

Holley worked with her co-author, LaToya Flint from the University of Mississippi, to write this important paper. Their article was published by the Accounting Historians Journal in December 2023.