Johnna Murray, an associate teaching professor in the accounting department at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, was recently named one of four international recipients of the RSM Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Since Murray became its advisor during the 2014-15 academic year, UMSL’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has earned gold status every year but one, and it is under consideration for platinum status for 2025-26. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)
It likely comes as no surprise to those who know Johnna Murray that one of her first thoughts after learning she had received a prestigious personal award was how she could use the experience to benefit her students.
Murray, an associate teaching professor in the accounting department at the University of Missouri–St. Louis and faculty advisor for Beta Alpha Psi, was recently named one of four international recipients of the RSM Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Sponsored by RSM, a global network of audit, tax and consulting firms, the award recognizes Beta Alpha Psi faculty advisors across the United States, Australia and New Zealand who go above and beyond in mentoring students, strengthening chapter engagement and creating lasting impact through their support.
Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor organization that promotes academic excellence, professional development, ethical leadership and service among students and professionals in accounting, finance, business technology and analytics. Since Murray became its advisor during the 2014-15 academic year, UMSL’s chapter has earned gold status every year but one, and it is under consideration for platinum status for 2025-26.
“It’s a tremendous honor, and I think it’s long overdue,” said Michele Meckfessel, professor and chair of the accounting department. “The way she has impacted students, year after year, has been incredible. This is well-deserved.”
And not easily earned. In fact, Murray said she had to go through a bit of an awkward process to be considered for the award. Twice, actually.
“I applied for it last year, because I always want to just apply for everything,” Murray said. “But I had to ask people to write letters for me and say nice things, and that’s a pretty uncomfortable position. I didn’t get it last year, but this year, I was like, ‘Well, what’s it going to hurt? I’ll try it again.’ Still uncomfortable – ‘Can you write me a letter, please?’ – and it’s hard.”
But in true teacher fashion, Murray said she began to think about how she might be able to turn that into a life lesson for the students.
“Oftentimes, you have to go in and do things that are uncomfortable to get something good,” Murray said. “If the worst thing that happens is you’re told no, you can always try again, right? And the next time, maybe you’ll be successful.”
Johnna Murray (far right) stands with UMSL Beta Alpha Psi officers (from left) Michael Davis, Linda Lam, David Farnham, Nayehsa Sullivan and Cheyenne Kemp during Beta Alpha Psi’s 2025 Annual Meeting last August in San Antonio. UMSL was one of only eight chapters to receive Superior recognition for its participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program run by the IRS. (Photo courtesy of Johnna Murray)
Cheyenne Kemp, who served as president of UMSL’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter during the 2025-26 academic year, credited Murray as “the driving force” behind both the organization’s success and her own professional growth. Through networking events, professional development seminars and community service opportunities, Kemp said Murray consistently created spaces for students to build confidence and connect with accounting leaders across the region.
“She was able to help us blossom and showcase our skills for some of the top professionals,” Kemp said. “I feel like her being able to connect me with these opportunities has really helped me on my journey to be a better accountant and be better prepared for my career.”
Murray spent over a decade in the accounting industry before she began teaching Saturday classes at UMSL in August 2000, and she became a full-time faculty member in 2009. Murray was initially the faculty advisor for UMSL’s Accounting Club but said she was drawn to Beta Alpha Psi as an international organization that would present more opportunity to travel for meetings and events, as well as the chance for students to participate in competitions.
Murray said that working with Beta Alpha Psi has had a significant impact on how she views her role at UMSL, and it has allowed her to make more of a connection with the students. It has also given her plenty of satisfying moments knowing that she played a part in jumpstarting many careers.
“When we have events, for instance the accountants networking night, and a student comes to me the next day and says, ‘Hey, I got an interview,’ and then the next week they say, ‘I got another interview, and I think I got a job,’ that’s a home run,” Murray said. “That feels wonderful, and it’s happened pretty frequently. I’m always happy about that.”
In recognition of the award, Murray and the other recipients of the RSM Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award – Timothy Baker of California State University, Fresno; Michael Bootsma of Iowa State University; and Leslie Blix of Sam Houston State University – will be honored by the American Accounting Association during a celebration luncheon as part of its annual meeting in Las Vegas Aug. 1-5. Additionally, Murray will receive $5,000, and she plans to give half to UMSL’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter.
“Because of what I think the club has given me, I want to give back to the club,” she said.
