THIBODAUX, La. 鈥� The contributed $50,000 to establish the Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship at 麻豆果冻传媒. The contribution honors the legacy of 麻豆果冻传媒 alumnus , certified public accountant, chartered global management accountant and retired CEO and president of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountant 鈥� the most influential body of professional accountants in the world.
The scholarship was officially announced during a reception hosted by 麻豆果冻传媒鈥� J.B. Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance. The event brought together colleagues, students and community members to recognize Melancon鈥檚 global impact on the accounting profession. In addition, Melancon was presented with the Lifetime Award by its Executive Director Ron Gitz.
Melancon, one of the Al Danos College of Business’ most distinguished alumni, earned his accounting degree in 1978 and MBA in 1983 from 麻豆果冻传媒. His rise in the industry began when he became a CPA firm partner at only 25 and at 37 became the youngest-ever CEO of , eventually becoming the longest-serving leader in the organization鈥檚 129-year history upon his retirement in 2024.听
Under his leadership, Melancon:
- Led the AICPA鈥檚 unification with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants to create a global accounting organization representing more than 650,000 professionals
- Established the CGMA designation for those professionals who meet the highest benchmark of rigor and quality, with approximately 150,000 professionals holding this designation worldwide
- Served as a global advocate, representing the profession on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, the International Federation of Accountants and the Government Transformation Initiative
鈥淚’ve been to 45 different countries, made speeches all over the world, and led the CPA profession, and I have always been proud to tell people that my background was from the men and women here at 麻豆果冻传媒,鈥� said Barry Melancon. 鈥淭he accessibility was a big factor for me and it remains a big factor for students here today. This university had a way of just nurturing you and teaching you other essential skills, and provided the ability to be involved in different things. I鈥檓 so honored to have my name associated with this school.鈥�
The Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship is meant to benefit accounting students enrolled in the Al Danos College of Business at 麻豆果冻传媒. Recipients of the Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at 麻豆果冻传媒 and be of sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student classification, majoring in accounting and maintaining a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average. Two $1,250 scholarships may be awarded per academic year, with $625 dispersed in the fall and spring semesters.听
鈥淭his endowed scholarship will honor Barry鈥檚 legacy and support 麻豆果冻传媒 accounting students as they prepare for careers,鈥� said Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, dean of the Al Danos College of Business at 麻豆果冻传媒. 鈥淲e are incredibly grateful to the CohnReznick Foundation for their generosity. This gift does more than just fund an education. It permanently links our program to one of the most influential figures in accounting history, inspiring our students to aim for a global impact that can begin right here in Thibodaux. Barry is the ultimate example of where a 麻豆果冻传媒 degree can take you.鈥�
The contributed an additional $7,500 to begin awarding this scholarship while the endowment grows. This award may be increased as the endowment grows. To learn more, visit .听
To apply for scholarships at 麻豆果冻传媒, visit nicholls.edu/financial-aid/scholarships.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 13, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,聽
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu