By Jeff Wilson

Sydney Mott’s experience with Southern Illinois University and its College of Business and Analytics started with a great first impression.

When transferring from Southeastern Illinois College, she was considering Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and the University of Southern Indiana.

“I knew I wanted to stay close to home,” she said. “I met Rachel Richey (coordinator of recruitment and retention for COBA) and Benna Williams (assistant lecturer in COBA), and I knew I was going to come to Carbondale. I didn’t even visit USI.”

The Harrisburg High School graduate and Eldorado native knew early on that she wanted to become a certified public accountant and pursue a career with the federal or state government.

“My parents both worked as correctional officers, and I knew I wanted retirement security,” Mott said. “I always loved math, and I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I took an accounting class at SIC and got a job at Kemper CPA Group in Harrisburg, and it all just clicked.”

During her time at SIU, Mott has received multiple scholarships, including the Bill and Barbara Beck Accounting Scholarship, Kenneth J. and Jacqueline M. Hull/Illinois CPA Society Accounting Scholarship, and the Robert and Patricia Sforza Memorial Scholarship.

“When you add them up, these scholarships take the load off,” she said. “Even though donors may not always see the people they support, it’s important to know that student success may not be possible without those donations. It’s helping students not just in school, but it’s helping them find a job and further their lives.”

The adjustment from community college to SIU has been smoother because of the people Mott has met along the way.

“Coming in as a transfer student, you’re being placed in a completely different world,” she said. “SIU has been great. I’ve made great friends. The people in the College of Business and Analytics want to see you succeed.”