Alabama A&M University sophomore Timothy Smith III, an accounting major from Tallahassee, Florida, has been named a 2025–2026 Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar, earning a $15,000 merit-based scholarship. Smith becomes only the second AAMU student to receive the honor, following Amberly Pettaway’s selection last year.

The PCAOB Scholars Program, established under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, provides scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in accredited accounting degree programs. The initiative aims to encourage promising scholars to pursue careers in auditing and accounting while easing the financial burden of higher education. Since its inception in 2011, the program has awarded nearly $43 million in scholarships to more than 3,600 students nationwide.

Smith said he was both humbled and inspired when he learned he had been chosen as AAMU’s representative for the prestigious award. “I was recommended to be the representative for the whole university for this prestigious scholarship,” he said. “On June 27, 2025, I received the notification that I’d been named the second PCAOB scholar at AAMU. Due to my excellent studies and my village pushing me hard, I was able to obtain this incredible award.”

For Smith, the scholarship represents more than financial support – it is a testament to perseverance, family, and faith in his academic journey. “It honestly means the world to me,” he shared. “This academic achievement magnified that I’m moving in the right direction to becoming a big change in the world. This scholarship allows me to solely focus on my academic excellence and service because I’m not worried about how school will be paid for.”

At Alabama A&M, Smith has embraced leadership and service roles that reflect his dedication to excellence. He currently serves as a University Freshman Peer Mentor through the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement and is an active member of the Honors Program, the National Association of Black Accountants, and the Pre-Alumni Association.

Smith said he chose Alabama A&M for connection and community. “This university was the only school to give me a family-like feel,” he explained. Although no one in his family had attended AAMU, the sense of belonging he found on The Hill confirmed his decision.

Looking ahead, Smith hopes to join a Big Four accounting firm as a public accountant, while using his platform to give back. He envisions a future as both a motivational speaker and founder of a mentoring nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people to overcome barriers and achieve success.

“Being the first male in my family to attend college drives me to achieve the highest academic honors.”