A Gift That Keeps Giving: Kate Wallace and her A&M-Commerce Journey

Reflecting back on her alma mater, Texas A&M University-Commerce proved to be a gift for Kate Wallace that continues to see its gifts being paid forward.

From starting with a scholarship opportunity through the Honors College to meeting her husband in the College of Business. From passing her CPA exam and then helping other Lion alumni secure jobs, life has come full circle for Wallace.

In December 2015, Wallace earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting, followed in 2018 with a Master of Business Administration degree in Accounting. It was during her academic journey that she discovered her desire for a career in accounting, realizing that accounting aligned with her strengths and came naturally to her. She credits the professors at A&M-Commerce for having a profound impact on her life, particularly those who had come into academia after having successful careers in public accounting and private industry.

Wallace’s journey at A&M-Commerce also included a unique endeavor – an honors thesis project. During her time at the university, she wrote a children’s book titled “How to Win the Bucks County Fair,” which introduced basic personal finance concepts. Self-published through Amazon, the project concluded with Wallace reading the book to local elementary school students, which was a highlight of the process for her.

In addition to impacting her academic life, A&M-Commerce has played a significant role in Wallace's personal and professional life as well. While pursuing her education, she met her now husband, Jaylen, who was an agribusiness major at the university. Although she had planned to work for one of the “Big 4” accounting firms in the city, thanks to a conversation with Dr. Robert Rankin and his advice to “bloom where you were planted,” she saw the importance of staying local. She married Jaylen and now lives in a rural community where she is able to work remotely and focus on what matters most to her: Her two bright and lively children.

Today, Wallace holds the position of Senior Auditor at BHLF LLP, a public accounting firm. In her role, she manages a wide range of audits, including those for employee benefit plans, nonprofit organizations and non-public companies. During her tenure at BHLF LLP, Wallace maintained the relationships she had forged in college with several of the College of Business faculty and staff. Through those relationships, she was able to connect College of Business Alumnus Priscilla Babaa with her firm. Wallace's unique ability to work remotely enables her to seamlessly balance her roles as a dedicated wife, loving mother and accomplished Certified Public Accountant (CPA).