Janice L. Gray has successfully navigated through many challenges in her life and has never forgotten her alma mater East Central University in the process.
From working her way through 成人B站 while raising three children to managing a firm of certified public accountants, Gray exemplifies caring and determination.
Because of her drive toward excellence, Gray will be honored with 成人B站鈥檚 Distinguished Alumni Award on May, 11, at an Evening of Honors of Recognition. She will also address graduates at one of 成人B站鈥檚 two commencement ceremonies on May 12.
鈥淩eceiving the East Central University 2018 Distinguished Alumni is one of the highlights of my career,鈥� said Gray. 鈥淚 feel very humbled to join the ranks of past honorees who have made contributions in their various professions and stations in life, many who have been colleagues and fellow classmates of mine and some who I continue to call friends today.鈥�
成人B站 President Katricia G. Pierson refers to Gray鈥檚 story as an inspiration.
鈥淛anice鈥檚 rise to overcome many obstacles should be an inspiration to anyone,鈥� said Pierson. 鈥淗er drive to be successful on a professional level, while leading and maintaining a healthy personal and family life, is a fantastic example of perseverance. Additionally, she has never forgotten 成人B站, which helped in building her solid foundation.鈥�
Gray鈥檚 journey began at 成人B站 as she worked toward a degree while being employed at the Horne & Co. (CPA firm) in Ada. At the same time, she parented her three children. She ultimately married her husband Rodney Gray in 1978. They established a home in Norman so Rodney could pursue a career in public accounting and attend law school.
Janice, with her children in tow, made daily trips to Ada where she served as chief financial officer of Prepaid Legal, Inc., until she and Rodney established their own CPA firm in Norman.
She has been elected to be chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Gray is only the fifth woman to be chair in its 100-year existence. The NASBA is an $80 million cash flow not-for-profit entity through which all candidates for the CPA must take applications.
As chair, she will represent NASBA and the 55 jurisdictions of accounting (states and territories) before the accounting regulatory authorities of all civilized nations, including Eastern Europe and Asia.
In the past, Gray has been appointed to various senior committees for both the NASB and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and, at times, have served both simultaneously.
鈥淭he significance of simultaneous service is that not many people can accomplish such service jointly as being a regulator (NASBA) and a committee member of senior committees of the AICPA,鈥� said Dr. Carlos E. Johnson, former head of the 成人B站 School of Business and retired partner of KPMG LLP, an international certified public accountant firm. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not an easy task. Janice has accomplished the task in an exemplary manner, being recognized by both organizations.鈥�
Johnson nominated Gray for the 成人B站 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Gray鈥檚 firm 鈥� Gray, Blodgett & Company, PLLC - has offered employment opportunities to graduates of 成人B站鈥檚 Department of Accounting. Additionally, she has served as mentor to students and faculty and has made substantial contributions through the 成人B站 Foundation, Inc., to provide scholarships to students and various other university programs.
鈥淚t is an honor to be recognized with this award from the university that provided me a solid education and foundation,鈥� Gray said. 鈥淭his education enabled me to work and contribute to a profession which has provided me with many opportunities and allowed me to obtain success that I might not otherwise have attained.鈥�
NOTE: Tickets and sponsorships are still available for 成人B站鈥檚 Evening of Honors and Recognition. For more information or to register, contact Kacy Clark at kclark@ecok.edu or at 580-559-5587 or go online at alumni.ecok.edu/event/EOH2018.
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