Tara Pritchett, a staff auditor in the Internal Audit Department, recently received a Janet Royster Scholarship to pursue specialized professional development in the field of internal audit.
Pritchett, who holds a master’s degree in accounting, plans to use the scholarship to obtain certification in internal controls self-assessment through the Institute of Internal Auditors. According to Tom York, director of internal audit, this certification is a building block toward the profession’s ultimate credential – certified internal auditor.
“I have a passion for teaching and training others about what internal controls do for their departments and how proper controls can actually make their jobs easier,” said Pritchett. “Earning my certification will not only increase my credibility as an expert in internal controls but will also open more opportunities as a trainer and teacher about controls.”
The Janet Royster Memorial Staff Scholarship Fund was created in August 2011 by the UNC Staff Assembly in memory of its namesake, a UNC-TV employee. Royster represented UNC-TV on the General Administration Staff Forum and was subsequently elected to the UNC Staff Assembly. She served as its first parliamentarian until her untimely death in June 2011. This scholarship promotes staff development for permanent, full-time, non-faculty employees.