Commencement Spotlight: Joy Robinson

Joy Robinson, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, will graduate on December 14 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Albany State University College of Business, Education, and Professional Studies. 

Robinson is actively involved in campus life, serving as Treasurer for the Delta Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., President of the ASU Accounting Club, Secretary for Delta Mu Delta, and Co-captain of the ASU Women’s Volleyball Team. She is also a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Robinson also dedicates herself to community service, volunteering with Feeding the Valley, Arrive Alive, United Way of Southwest Georgia, and initiatives such as Stash the Trash and the ASU Foundation Scholarship Fundraiser.

Her achievements include being a Strada Scholar, a multiple-time Thurgood Marshall College Fund Scholar, and an HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative Scholar. She also participated in the prestigious “Creating a Community Engagement and Experimental Learning Continuum” event, where she interviewed WNBA legend Lisa Leslie.

Robinson’s professional development includes an internship with KPMG, through their Embark and Audit Internship programs, as well as the VITA Program, where she gained hands-on experience in tax preparation and auditing.

Robinson plans to continue her education at Alabama State University, pursuing a master’s degree in accounting with a focus on data analytics. After graduation, she will begin her career as an Audit Associate with KPMG in Birmingham, AL, as she works toward her ultimate goal of becoming a forensic accountant to combat financial fraud and embezzlement.

 

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
I was motivated to learn more about my field as I have always been passionate about numbers, budgeting, and understanding rules and regulations. All these interests partnered with each other to lead to my desire for accounting.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
My first time on the ASU campus was when I was trying out for the ASU Women’s Volleyball Team. Initially, I enjoyed the team's vibrant, family atmosphere, but I realized that the rest of the campus exuded this family-oriented culture. This feeling of having another home five hours away from home truly was the reason I chose to commit to ASU.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
I love how versatile my major is because I can choose whatever passions may interest me most within accounting. I can diversify myself while still working in the same field of work.

 

Who has made the biggest impact on you and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
My parents have made the biggest impact on me as they have shown me that through hard work and determination, I can do anything my heart desires. They sacrificed so much for my siblings and I, and I will forever be grateful and have admiration for them. At ASU, I consider Dr. Uzell Williams, who was one of my accounting professors, to be a huge role model to me. I admire her hard work and compassion for students’ success beyond the classroom. To this day, she still gives me great advice and encourages me as I continue my matriculation and in life.

 

What are you passionate about outside of your education?
Outside of my education, I am passionate about God, my family and friends, volleyball, and community service. Improving my relationship with God will always be at the forefront of my life as I have been able to accomplish so much with his guidance and respond maturely to adversity. I love spending time with family and friends as they continue to show me continuous love and support. Additionally, I enjoy playing volleyball. I have played throughout my matriculation at ASU and was a co-captain this season, helping my team place second in the SIAC Women’s Volleyball Conference Tournament. Lastly, I love having the ability to give back to the community as they have poured so much into me. I love helping others and showing them that they have love and support to help them during trying times.

 

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
I would encourage other ASU students to go after everything their heart desires and dream big. There are so many amazing opportunities the university offers and provides resources towards. Please utilize all of them because they are incredibly helpful, especially entering the workplace upon matriculation.

 

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education? I would tell them that ASU is truly a family, and everyone wants all students to succeed. It’s scary at first to leave home, but the relationships and friendships you’ll develop make the university a home away from home. Make your decisions wisely and get to know yourself and your desires during your time at ASU.