Student Spotlight

Grace Staten

Spring 2025 Graduate
Accounting

With a strong interest in numbers and problem-solving and a family legacy in the accounting world, Grace Staten chose RELLIS as the place to achieve her goals.  Now at RELLIS Grace is pursuing her accounting degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to the fullest.

When she first started her degree, Grace was concerned about not being able to grow at college.

“The biggest challenge I have faced while at RELLIS was the fear of not finding opportunities to grow while at college,” she said. “But this quickly was overcome when I realized just how much opportunity this campus has for students to grow.”

Grace noticed that these opportunities were especially present in her day-to-day interactions with professors. Plus, the small classes at RELLIS allowed her to really get to know her professors.

“One of my favorite aspects of attending the RELLIS campus has been the professors. Their passion for teaching, dedication to their students, and willingness to go above and beyond have impacted my academic journey,” she said. “[RELLIS] is a space where I [can] ask questions, engage in discussions, and receive personalized feedback. The connections I’ve built with professors have enhanced my education and inspired me to pursue my goals with greater confidence.”

Grace mentioned Dr. Laurence Murphy Smith as someone who helped her along her academic journey. His academic and personal guidance benefitted Grace greatly.

“From the moment I entered Dr. Smith’s class, he saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized in myself,” she said. “His strong belief in my abilities and constant support have motivated me to strive for excellence, not just as a student, but as a person.”

In pursuit of excellence Grace’s efforts led to her receiving the Accounting Excellence Award from the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

“Receiving the Accounting Excellence Award is more to me than just an award…It represents the countless hours of hard work and dedication I’ve poured into being the best student I can,” she said. “Additionally, receiving the Accounting Excellence Award is a reminder of the challenges I’ve overcome and the growth I’ve experienced along the way [that fuels] my drive to continue pushing myself.”

For students interested in RELLIS, Grace’s advice is to leverage RELLIS to the fullest.

“If I could tell a potential RELLIS student about the RELLIS campus, my biggest piece of advice would be to use your time as a RELLIS student wisely. This is an incredible place to not only grow in your academic career but also to meet lifelong friends and build relationships with professors who will stick with you for years to come,” she said. “Additionally, take the time to build connections with your classmates. Chances are you will be walking alongside them in almost all of your classes for the next 4 years, and they are wonderful people to have in your corner. The RELLIS campus does an incredible job at giving students a safe space to learn and have fun, so take advantage of it while you can.”

Grace will begin her master’s in accounting at Texas A&M University this Fall.