In December 2024, Austin Yang 24Ox 26BBA 26MAcc was walking to class when he was hit by a car.
The driver fled the scene, but Yang was left with serious injuries, ones that required jaw and head surgeries. In the months that followed, Yang found positivity, resilience, and strength from his friends, faculty, and greater Goizueta community.
Every year, Goizueta’s Accounting faculty nominates one student for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) scholarship award. This year, that student was Yang. The scholars are gifted a $15,000 scholarship.
“The PCAOB Scholars Program exists to support future auditors who will uphold public trust, and Austin embodies that mission,” says Jeff Byrne, assistant professor in the practice of Accounting and faculty director of the Master of Accounting program. “His combination of technical excellence, service, and strength of character reflects the best of our profession, and we are confident he will make a lasting impact as a trusted auditor and keeper of public interest.”
The Road to Recovery and the Strength of Community
Recovering from the accident and subsequent surgeries while pursuing two degrees through Goizueta’s dual-degree program was the hardest thing Yang has ever done. The simplest tasks became hurdles, and the road ahead posed not only physical obstacles, but mental ones as well.
“There were months of healing and uncertainty, and it really tested my patience and resilience,” he recalls.
Even though Yang was encouraged to take a gap semester to focus on recovery, he was determined to graduate on time. He did not want the accident to “define him or hold him back.” Through the support of his professors, advisors, and classmates—including their generosity, guidance, and flexibility—Yang was able to combine recovery with continuing his studies.
His gratitude extends to Byrnes; Steve Savage, assistant professor in the practice of organization and management; Usha Rackliffe, associate professor in the practice of accounting and associate dean and academic director for Goizueta’s Master in Management program; Jessica Lowy, assistant dean of Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program advising and academic affairs; Rob Bobowski, associate director of BBA advising; and the Accounting program.
“That period taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of community,” says Yang. “Through it all, I learned how to appreciate progress, no matter how small, and how important it is to stay hopeful.”
Yang says the people at Goizueta are his favorite thing about being a student. He can recall visiting the school before officially transitioning from Oxford College, where he was the vice president of the Taiwanese American Student Association. The presence of such a strong community at Goizueta impacted him the most.
“This past year reminded me to be grateful for health, education, and the people who stand by me during difficult times,” says Yang. “I hope my story reminds others that even when things feel uncertain, perseverance and community can carry you forward.”
Looking to the Future
Yang’s positive perspective and determination in the face of extreme physical and mental challenges made him a stand-out, top-choice candidate for this year’s Goizueta nomination to the PCAOB scholarship program.
“Despite his challenges, Austin remained positive, continued to excel academically, and stayed deeply engaged in our community, including mentoring peers, helping recruit new students, and always stepping up when there was a need,” says Byrnes.
Yang says when he received the email from the PCAOB, he had to read it twice. He couldn’t believe it. The PCAOB was established by Congress to act as a nonprofit that “oversees the audits of public companies,” according to the website. For Yang, accounting is such an intriguing profession because he views it as “the language of business.” Accounting provides “clarity and structure” to how the business world works. It’s also a field that combines the skills Yang excels at—logic and problem-solving—with a strong core of ethics and responsibility, he says.
“Accounting is more than numbers. To me, it’s about trust, transparency, and helping organizations stay accountable,” says Yang.
After graduation this spring, Yang will begin studying for his certified public accountant license test. He’ll also join Ernst & Young, where he interned, in their government and public sector audit practice.
“The PCAOB plays such an important role in maintaining integrity and transparency in the accounting profession, so to be recognized by them is truly an honor,” says Yang. “To me, the scholarship represents more than financial support: It’s a reminder of what I’ve accomplished and the responsibility I carry as a future professional in this field.”
Ready to build your own path with purpose and resilience? Learn more about Goizueta’s undergraduate Bachelor of Business Administration program.
