AAMU Business Leader Earns National Acclaim and Key Appointments

Dr. Felicia Farrar, CPA, CFE, and director of the MBA Program and Accounting Coordinator in Alabama A&M University’s College of Business and Public Affairs, has been appointed to key regulatory and advisory boards that influence public accountancy standards and professional governance nationwide. Farrar has been at the University for four years.

The Governor of Delaware appointed Farrar to serve on the State Board of Public Accountancy, one of the profession’s highest regulatory authorities. This appointment also designates her as a representative to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) – a critical body in shaping and maintaining the standards of public accountancy across the United States.

Farrar has also been named to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Council, the governing group responsible for directing the national policy agenda of the accounting field. Her concurrent leadership roles in NASBA and AICPA position her among the most influential voices in the industry.

Farrar’s service extends beyond academia and regulation. She was recently appointed to the Texas Tri-Cities Advisory Board of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), reflecting her commitment to ethical governance and strategic leadership in corporate boardrooms.

These appointments come on the heels of national recognition. Farrar received the 2025 Earl S. Bigget National Achievement in Education Award from the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) during its 54th Annual Convention & Expo. The award honors her outstanding contributions to accounting education and her lasting impact on the profession.

Farrar was also honored with the Alabama A&M University Excellence in Service Award for writing and securing the IRS’s $30,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Grant. AAMU was the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to receive the grant in 2025. Through her leadership, the VITA program is now fully integrated into the undergraduate tax curriculum, offering students hands-on experience while providing vital tax assistance to the community.

The Cleveland native holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kent State University, a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, and a doctorate in accounting from Oklahoma State University – credentials that reflect her deep academic foundation and professional preparation.

“Serving on both the Delaware State Board of Public Accountancy and the AICPA Council is not only a personal milestone, but a reflection of the path my ancestors helped pave through resilience and purpose,” said Farrar. “Their sacrifices laid the foundation for my journey, and now, I stand committed to doing the same for others. Whether through leadership, education, or service, I strive to open doors, create opportunities, and inspire future generations to rise, lead, and thrive.”