Larzette Golden Hale-Wilson made history as the first Black female Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Georgia, leaving a profound legacy in both accounting and higher education. She not only broke racial and gender barriers but also became a beacon of excellence for countless aspiring professionals. Hale-Wilson’s impact extended far beyond her CPA license, influencing education, leadership, and professional development.
A Trailblazer in Accounting and Education
Larzette Hale-Wilson’s groundbreaking achievements began with her work in accounting. In 1951, she became the first Black woman to pass the CPA exam in Georgia, a remarkable feat considering the racial segregation of the time. Her path to this accomplishment was not easy; Hale-Wilson was forced to take the exam in a segregated room where she had to sit at the back, a harsh reminder of the societal challenges she faced. Despite these obstacles, she earned her CPA license and continued to break boundaries in the accounting profession.
Her legacy didn’t stop with her CPA certification. Hale-Wilson was also the first Black woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in accounting. She achieved this milestone in 1955 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also completed her dissertation titled Relationship of Cost Accounting Concepts to Corporate Product-Line Analysis and Pricing Policy. Her academic achievements set the stage for her future career, which combined accounting, teaching, and leadership.
From Langston University to Clark College
Born in Idabel, Oklahoma, Hale-Wilson’s journey in academia began early. After graduating from Langston University with honors, she continued to pursue her passion for education. Her career took her to Bethune-Cookman College in Florida, and later to Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia. There, Hale-Wilson joined the Business Administration department, teaching while also taking on other roles, including becoming the Acting Chair of the Department of Business Administration at Clark College.
It was at Clark College that Hale-Wilson was inspired by a mentor to pursue her CPA license. This was a turning point in her career, as she navigated the challenges of segregation while striving to excel in a predominantly white field. She went on to establish herself as an educator and CPA, significantly shaping future generations of students.
Leadership and Service to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Beyond her career in accounting and education, Hale-Wilson played a pivotal role in leadership, particularly with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA). She became the international president of AKA from 1966 to 1970. During her tenure, she worked tirelessly to support the organization’s goals and initiatives. Her leadership extended to national levels as she served as the sorority’s national treasurer from 1958 to 1962.
Hale-Wilson’s influence also reached beyond her sorority work. She contributed significantly to various professional organizations, including the American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants (AWSCPA), where she served as president from 1984 to 1985. Her career was a testament to the importance of service, leadership, and professional development.
Advancing Higher Education and Professional Development
After retiring from Utah State University in 1990, Hale-Wilson continued to contribute to higher education by serving in various academic roles. She held the Georgia White Distinguished Professorship at Brigham Young University and chaired several committees within the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Her tireless advocacy for women and minorities in accounting earned her numerous awards, including the Utah Association of CPAs Distinguished Service Award in 1999.
Hale-Wilson’s contributions to education and accounting were honored after her passing in 2015 with the creation of the Larzette Hale Scholarship in Accounting at Utah State University. This scholarship continues her legacy, supporting students pursuing careers in accounting, and ensuring her impact is felt for generations to come.
Leave a Reply