Academic Clubs

The Advanced Manufacturing Club is a student-led organization dedicated to exploring the future of modern manufacturing.  Our mission is to bring together students from all colleges and disciplines to collaborate, innovate, and prepare for careers in advanced technologies.

What is Advanced Manufacturing?

The Advanced Manufacturing Club explores the latest innovations, technologies, and practices shaping the future of manufacturing.  Our mission is to provide hands-on learning opportunities, foster collaboration among students, faculty, and industry professionals, and prepare members to excel in a rapidly evolving global manufacturing environment.  Through workshops, guest speakers, plant tours, and project-based activities, the club creates a platform for developing technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional networks that support both academic and career success.

The roles we play

Club students bring knowledge of project management, supply chains, and entrepreneurship to help turn technical ideas into market-ready solutions, contribute design, technical skills, robotics, and software expertise to build and improve manufacturing systems, add problem-solving, creativity, and communication skills that strengthen teamwork, design thinking, and outreach, as well as support training, workforce development, and teaching practices that make advanced manufacturing accessible to all.

What to Expect in the Club

• Guest speakers from industry leaders and faculty advisors

• Opportunities to tour local companies and manufacturing facilities

• Networking with peers across disciplines to prepare for internships and careers

The Advanced Manufacturing Club is more than just a student organization, as it is a community where collaboration, innovation, and leadership come together to shape the future.

The purpose of the Alpha Iota Sigma Honor Society is to promote the benefits of interdisciplinary work;

• provide a forum to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration among students, faculty, and community members;
• investigate and encourage methods of interdisciplinary learning;
• enhance understanding and application of interdisciplinary knowledge among the general public;
• create a sense of community among interdisciplinary students and graduates of interdisciplinary programs.

Theta Alpha Kappa, the National Honor Society for Religion and Theology, is dedicated to recognizing academic excellence in baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate students and in scholars in the fields of Religious Studies and Theology. Induction requires nomination by a local chapter and, to be eligible, students must have a 3.5 GPA in Religious Studies and/or Theology and a 3.0 GPA overall.  Residency, class ranking, and unit requirements must also be met. 

For more information, contact:

Sigma Tau Delta is the international English honor society. The Athens State Kappa Zeta Chapter, founded in 1954, welcomes English majors, minors, and students seeking teacher licensure and certification in English who have appropriate academic accomplishments.

Eligibility:

• Candidates for undergraduate membership must have completed a minimum of two college courses in English language or literature beyond the usual requirements in freshman English. The candidate must have a minimum of a B or equivalent average in English and in general scholarship, must rank* at least in the highest thirty-five percent of his/her class, and must have completed at least three semesters or five quarters of college course work. Candidates for undergraduate membership need not be currently majoring or minoring in the discipline of English, but may have completed sufficient English coursework at transfer institutions, or been members of Sigma Kappa Delta.
• The cost is $70 for a lifetime membership, payable to Athens State University Sigma Tau Delta. Scholarships from Athens State Sigma Tau Delta are available for students who demonstrate financial need.

Member Benefits

Academic Recognition

• Members receive a personalized Sigma Tau Delta membership certificate and the official Society pin to signify high achievement in English language, writing, and literature.
• Members may wear Sigma Tau Delta regalia at graduation and other important ceremonies to celebrate their accomplishments.

Scholarships

• Members are eligible to apply for a variety of Sigma Tau Delta scholarships valued at up to $5,000 each.
• Members are eligible to apply for a merit-based $1,000 scholarship to attend The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) Summer Institute or Capital Semester. This scholarship is available to one Sigma Tau Delta member per year through a partnership with TFAS and the Association of College Honor Societies. 

Writing Awards and Opportunities

• Members may submit papers for publication in The Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and The Sigma Tau Delta Review. Works selected for publication are also eligible for overall awards and monetary prizes. 
• Members may submit articles to Sigma Tau Delta’s online publications, The Sigma Tau Delta Newsletter and WORDY by Nature, the official Sigma Tau Delta blog.
• Members may submit articles to Sigma Tau Delta’s regional publications, where available.

Internships

• Members may apply for Sigma Tau Delta co-sponsored internships with a major publisher and an online book store that funds worldwide literacy initiatives.
• Members are eligible for a $500 merit-based scholarship to attend the Washington Internship (WII) internship program through a partnership with WII and the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS). 
• Members are eligible to apply for a $1,000 housing scholarship to attend The Washington Center (TWC) internship program through a partnership with TWC and the Association of College Honor Societies. TWC has designated three scholarships per year for Sigma Tau Delta members (both undergraduates and recent college graduates).

Annual Convention

• Members may submit papers for presentation at the annual Sigma Tau Delta international convention. Works selected for presentation are also eligible for overall awards and monetary prizes.
• Members who attend the annual convention have opportunities to hear students from throughout the U.S. and abroad present their creative and critical writing, to attend sessions on student leadership and chapter activities, and to listen to presentations by noted authors. Featured speakers at recent conventions include Neil Gaiman (2009), Azar Nafisi (2010), Poet Laureate Kay Ryan (2011), Natasha Trethewey (2012), Ursula Le Guin (2013), Alison Bechdel (2014), Gary Soto (2015), Charles Baxter (2016), Jeff VanderMeer (2017), and Mary Norris (2018).

Student Leadership and Community Service

• Members may compete for officer positions and take part in community service projects at many campus chapters.
• Members may compete for student leadership positions at the regional and Society levels. Student leaders serve on the Sigma Tau Delta Student Leadership Committee and represent student needs and concerns to the Sigma Tau Delta Board of Directors.

Career Advancement

• Members may use their honor society affiliation as a tangible sign of academic success to help advance their professional career.
• Members meet one of the U.S. Civil Service Commission requirements for entrance at the GS-7 level in numerous professional and technical occupations in the Federal service, thus beginning employment at a higher level and higher salary. Visit USAJobs to search for positions listed with the United States Office of Personnel Management.

Lifetime Affiliation and Fellowship

• Members have many opportunities to network with other Sigma Tau Deltans through local chapter activities, regional events, the annual Sigma Tau Delta international convention, and online sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and WORDY by Nature, the official Sigma Tau Delta blog.
• Members who wish to stay connected with the Society after graduation are eligible to join Sigma Tau Delta's Alumni Epsilon Chapter. 

For more information, contact:

Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, strives to encourage, stimulate, and maintain excellence in scholarship of the individual members in all fields, particularly in psychology, and to advance the science of psychology. Membership is open to Psychology and Behavioral Science majors or minors who have completed two semesters (with a minimum of 12 hours overall) at Athens State University, completed 9 hours of Psychology at Athens State University, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Psychology or higher, and are in the top 35% of their class (3.37 GPA).

For more information, contact:

The mission of the Athens State University Phi Theta Kappa Alumni Association is to support the people, programs, and priorities of the Phi Theta Kappa Society. Through alumni support, the integrity of the Society’s programs and service will be protected and new programs and services can be developed and offered in the future.

Students may join this organization as transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members (prior membership and induction is required). Phi Theta Kappa alumni members lead, mentor, and promote Phi Theta Kappa in leadership, scholarship, fellowship, and service initiatives aimed at assisting community college transfer students in achieving academic and professional goals.

Goals

• To provide aid to transfer students’ social and educational adjustment to the rigors of Athens State University life
• To provide assistance to the Office of Recruitment and Transfer/Advising Center
• To build awareness of the quality of the transfer students
• To work to ensure the continued academic excellence of Phi Theta Kappa members

Objectives

• Stay abreast of Phi Theta Kappa programs and people through publications
• Provide recognition to outstanding two-year college members and advisors
• Assist two-year college chapters by providing speakers for programs
• Provide support for two-year chapter members to attend regional and international events and meetings
• Encourage businesses to provide funds and supplies to support two-year chapters
• Work in collaborative activities with the two-year chapters to support the college and the North Alabama community
• Support the Society’s two-year programs and people by contributing to Phi Theta Kappa’s scholarship and special funds
• Serve as mentors to two-year chapter members preparing to transfer to Athens State University or enter the workforce
• Encourage the establishment of Phi Theta Kappa designated scholarships at Athens State University
• Provide programs and materials designed to ease members transfer from the two-year college to Athens State
• Provide other assistance when appropriate

For more information, contact:

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Kappa Delta Pi is an international education honor society. Membership in the Rho Gamma Chapter at Athens State is based on academic accomplishments (GPA), potential for academic leadership, and exemplification of worthy educational ideals. Candidates must maintain at least a 3.5 overall and 3.0 institutional GPA and have completed 20 hours at Athens State University.

For more information, contact:

Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society promotes artistic excellence at the collegiate level and beyond by maintaining high academic excellence.  Kappa Pi recognizes deserving artists and those interested in and supportive of the arts at Athens State University. ​

Membership in Kappa Pi is open to visual arts majors. The application can be obtained from Dr. Mary Beth Johns.

For more information, contact:

Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME) is a specialized honor society in mathematics. In 1935, the Alabama Alpha Chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon was formed. It is among the oldest continuing and active chapters in the United States. Each academic year, mathematics majors who have maintained standards of scholarship, have professional merit, and have attained mathematical academic distinction are invited to join Athens State’s historical Alpha chapter.

For more information, contact:

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Delta Mu Delta is an international honor society established to recognize and reward superior scholastic achievements of students majoring in business administration.

The Greek letters in the Society’s name stand for Dia Matheseos Dynamis, signifying Delta Mu Delta’s motto: Through Knowledge, Power – the power to manage creatively for social and economic good.

Becoming a member of Delta Mu Delta is an honor indicative of earnest, intelligent purpose, and rewarding achievement. This should be the goal of every student pursuing a degree in business administration.

For more information, contact:

Beta Beta Beta, or more simply, TriBeta, is a national biology honors society that supports and promotes scientific research, especially among undergraduates. The Athens State Chapter, Mu Kappa Beta, is involved in student research, attending scientific conferences, and educational outreach.

The national website can be found here: https://tribeta.org.

For more information, contact:

The Athens State SAEA is an organization open to all students majoring in programs offered by the College of Education. The SAEA is a division of the Alabama Education Association and the National Education Association (NEA), and offers opportunities for personal growth, supportive friendships, and liability insurance for preservice teachers.

For more information, contact:

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The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the leading voice of the HR profession.

The Athens State Student Chapter allows students to gain access to an immense information resource at the local, regional, state, and national level and to have opportunities to meet HR practitioners so as to develop personal contacts and networks. The organization also offers professional development workshops, access to HR conferences, and creates visibility for recruitment for HR internships and permanent HR opportunities.

SHRM has over 70,000 professional and student members in more than 425 professional chapters and over 300 student chapters nationwide. With the award-winning SHRM publications, you can keep current on issues and trends affecting the workforce and shaping the workplace.

As a student member, you are eligible and strongly encouraged to attend the Tennessee Valley Professional Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management monthly professional meetings. The Tennessee Valley Chapter is the Athens State University SHRM professional chapter sponsor. You will meet and interact with HR practitioners representing most of the employers in the North Alabama area. Through networking, research has shown that 60% to 70% of jobs are found by making these types of personal contacts.

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Society of Human Resources Management 2025-2026 Chapter Leaders

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Sharifah Abubaker - President
Contact Me

My Name is Sharifah Abubakar, and I am honored to be the President of the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter, where I am dedicated to promoting professional development, leadership, and engagement among students pursuing careers in human resources. I also serve as a Head Ambassador, a Bonner Leader, and a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS).

Professionally, I work as an HR Assistant and Office Administrator, gaining hands-on experience in human resource operations and organizational management. I aspire to become an HR Director, with a strong interest in strategic HR leadership and workforce development. I am expected to graduate with my master’s degree in Fall 2026.

Some fun facts about me: My favorite color is pink and I am a huge Alabama football fan. I am very outgoing, highly competitive, and always eager to get involved. I would love to connect with you to talk about the SHRM Student Chapter or share ways to become more active on campus.

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Ashley Powers - Vice President
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Ashley Powers is a graduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Master’s degree in Strategic Human Resources. She serves as Vice President of the ATSU SHRM Student Chapter and is actively involved on campus as an SGA officer, Alabama’s Student Retention Council, and as an Athenian Ambassador.

Outside of school, Ashley works full-time in the gaming industry, where she brings more than a decade of leadership experience into fast-paced, remote environments. She is especially passionate about workforce development and finding ways to expand remote work opportunities for students in rural communities. She also enjoys spending time volunteering with elderly residents in surrounding areas.

When she’s not working or studying, Ashley enjoys creative projects, gaming, reading, and caring for her many pets. She looks forward to continuing to support the ATSU SHRM Student Chapter while building meaningful connections that extend well beyond graduation.

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Hannah Edmonds – Director SHRM Merits
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Hannah Edmonds is an undergraduate student at Athens State pursuing a degree in Business Management, with a minor in Human Resources. She is an active member of Athens State's SHRM chapter, along with being a national member of SHRM. She earned her Associates degree at Calhoun Community College.

Originally from Poway, California, Hannah and her family moved out to Alabama in 2018. She currently lives with them on 18 acres, with three dogs and a house of her own.

Outside of school, Hannah works as a registered Pharmacy Technician. She is passionate about art, academics and advocacy. Her favorite musical is Wicked.

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Kimberly Wilcox - Director of Communications
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Greetings, everyone!

I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management. I have extensive experience, having served as a human resources manager for a corporate retailer for twenty-three years. My career also includes roles as a licensed property and casualty agent and office administrator for an aviation insurance company at the Walker County Bevill Field Airport.

I am proud to volunteer with the Alabama Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, where I actively support women in aviation. Additionally, I am a member of the Delta Mu Delta Chapter here at Athens State University.

On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my parrots, who always entertain me with their antics during my leisure time. I live with my husband, Jimmy, in a peaceful neighborhood in Winston County.

Lastly, I am thrilled to be one of the dedicated Directors at the Athens State SHRM Student Chapter, a national chapter of SHRM. I am committed to working collaboratively and communicating effectively with my fellow members. Together, we aim to make a meaningful impact in our community and contribute positively to the SHRM Athens State University Chapter. Everyone is welcome to join us!

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Zoe Kelsey - Director of Chapter Information Systems
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Zoe’ Kelsey is a graduate student at Athens State University, where she is pursuing a Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Psychology in May 2025. As an active member of the human resources community, she serves as an officer for the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member.

Professionally, Zoe’ works as a Human Resource Representative at Nextek, an electronics manufacturer in Madison, Alabama. Over the past few years, she has continued to expand her expertise and deepen her passion for the evolving field of human resources, and is committed to staying curious, adaptable, and driven to help build strong, people-first workplaces.

Originally from Louisiana, Zoe’ grew up in Cullman, Alabama, and recently relocated to Madison, Alabama. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys reading, cooking, thrift shopping, and spending time with her family.

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Michelle Bissell - Director of Student Relations
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Michelle Bissell is an undergraduate student at Athens State University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, with graduation expected in July 2026.  In addition, to being the Director of Student relations for SHRM, Michelle is an active member for the Athenian Ambassadors and serves as the Secretary for the Student Government Association. Her professional focus is on employee onboarding and talent development, with a passion for creating positive first impressions and fostering continuous growth throughout the employee journey. She aspires to design programs that help new hires feel welcomed, supported, and prepared for long-term success. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, she enjoy gaming with her family and spending time with her cats.

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Alena Vajukic Bacak – Secretary
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Alena Vajukic is a student at Athens State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. Since Spring 2024, she has been a proud member of the Athens State University SHRM Student Chapter and is also a national SHRM member. Additionally, Alena is a member of the Athens State University chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Alena moved with her husband and two teenage sons to Huntsville, AL, after completing 18 years of service at the United States Embassy to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In addition to her academic studies, Alena works for a government contractor in the HR Compensation department. Her professional experience includes international deployments, coordinating visa and immigration processes, and compensation analysis.

Alena is passionate about books, theatre, and travel. She enjoys watching Broadway musicals both on stage and in movie adaptations.

Alena is honored to serve ATSU SHRM in her first term as a Secretary and looks forward to a year of engaging programs, impactful events, and opportunities to learn from industry leaders.

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For more information, contact:

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The MACS Club is open for any student to join. We highly encourage students majoring in mathematics, computer science, information technology, bioinformatics to join us along with any other students who just have an interest in everything STEM.

Traditionally, club members assist with one of the largest music festivals held in the Southeast hosted by the University, raise funds to contribute to worthwhile causes, and aspire to raise awareness of the importance of Math and Computer Science. Occasionally, MACS members enjoy group networking events and sponsor guest lecturers.

Our goal is to encourage STEM education, networking, and community services. Your classes will teach you the skills to be successful in your career – MACS will allow for you to show that it’s not all about what happens within the walls of a building, but how you are also capable of impacting those in the community.

How We Achieve Our Goals

• Volunteer at the Fiddlers Convention to raise money for an endowed MACS Club Scholarship
• Set up “hands-on” booth activities during Athens State sponsored public events to raise awareness of Math and Computer Science.
• Participate in local conferences and challenges
  • AlaMatyc Conferences
  • B-side Conference
  • National Cyber Summit
  • MIT’s Battlecode competition
  • NASA Space Apps Challenge
  • Biotech Hack-a-thon
• Take part in industry-sponsored networking events
• Host Resume & Career Prep Workshops
• Help the Athens community by
  • collecting care bags for needy children
  • collecting canned goods before/during the annual Athens Mardi Gras parade
  • sponsoring children from Angel Trees during the holidays
  • assist in special events with Limestone County Schools and Athens City Schools

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Join the MACS Club today! Get connected and help us make an impact on society by bringing awareness to STEM and what Athens State University is all about!

For more information, contact:

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The purpose of the Health & Science Career Club is to promote interest in the field of science, provide educational and training opportunities in the health and science fields, and provide opportunities for participation in co-operative and volunteer work in health and science professions. The club sponsors group hikes, presentations, tours of facilities, and community service activities.

About Us

The GLSCM Student Organization at Athens State University is dedicated to fostering professional development, academic growth, and community engagement among students pursuing or interested in logistics and supply chain management. We bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real world applications through networking, educational events, and industry insights.

Industry Connection

We draw inspiration from ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), the global leader in supply chain best practices, to bring real-world insight into our events. Students can apply for a free ASCM membership and get discounts on top certifications like:

• Certified in Production and Inventory Management – Master production and inventory strategies that drive global supply chain success.
• Certified Supply Chain Professional – Showcase expertise in building efficient, end-to-end global supply chains.

Our Organization Gives You Opportunities To:

Learn the Industry
Explore how products move efficiently from factories to customers worldwide and gain insight into global supply chains.

Get Involved – Take on leadership positions, participate in volunteer opportunities, and attend special campus and industry events.

Network - Meet, connect, and build relationships with professionals, alumni, and guest speakers in the logistics field.

Join the Community
Become part of a motivated, passionate group shaping the future of supply chains and logistics innovation.

Meetings

The chapter will meet on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm virtually. Please email the club advisor for that link.

Officers

Gregory Walcott
President

I currently reside in Toney, Alabama. I consider myself a lifelong learner, and as such, I do indulge in quite a bit of recreational reading. Some of my hobbies include cheering on and coaching a son, age 20, and daughter, age 13 in their various sports and academic endeavors.

I joined our Athens State University APICS chapter for the camaraderie and fellowship of like-minded individuals, along with the mentorship and guidance provided by our sponsors, which has thus far proven to be an amazing experience! We are looking to expand our membership, join us today!

Dominick Zarnesky
Vice-President

I am currently serving as the Vice President of the Athens State University APICS chapter. I am an IDP student in my penultimate semester. I will be graduating in April with minors in L&SCM and Project Management. I have lived in the Huntsville area for most of my life. I am married to my wonderful wife, Abigail. I am a legacy student at ASU.

Christen Woods
Secretary

My major is in Logistics and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Acquisition and Contract Management, and I hope to graduate in December 2022. Before moving to Alabama, I received my associate degree from the College of Southern Maryland in Business Administration and became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. When I am not doing coursework or involved in club activities, I enjoy reading, writing, and playing the guitar. I have greatly enjoyed my time with APICS and encourage anyone who is interested in joining to reach out to me with questions.

For more information, contact:

IMA membership provides opportunities for students to associate with practicing management accountants and see how they live, work, apply their knowledge, and learn that professionals are seriously devoted to their field and to high ethical standards.

Student membership in the Accounting Club has a threefold purpose:

1. To introduce management accounting to students planning careers in business
2. To strengthen the knowledge and commitment of those already on the way to management accounting careers
3. To demonstrate how IMA members work together to improve the science of management accounting

How to Join
It's simple to join the Athens State University IMA Student Chapter (Accounting Club), and we would love to have you join!

Here is what you need to do:

1. Be a student at Athens State enrolled in at least 6 hours
2. Be a student member of the Institute of Management Accountants (only costs $25 — see below for details)
3. Email your IMA member number to [email protected]

That's it. It's so easy, and there are so many benefits you receive as a member. Being a member of the IMA gets you access to scholarships and awards, mentoring, conferences, publications, tons of discounts, and so much more. Being a member of the Accounting Club is just as beneficial. We go on plant and industry tours so you can see the things that we talk about in class come to life. We do tons of community service which improves our community but also boosts your resume (we have worked with CASA, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Limestone County Food Bank, and animal rescue organizations). We go to conferences and other educational events, compete with other student chapters across the U.S., have educational meetings, and tons more. We have about eight club meetings each year held virtually at noon to make it convenient for our students. Our speakers are amazing, from all different accounting areas and from all over the country. If you are interested in leadership opportunities, ask your professors about becoming an officer. You do not want to miss out on all our IMA Student Chapter has to offer!

You can be involved as much or as little as you want. We're not a high-pressure organization. But the first step is to become a member!

How to Become a Student Member of the IMA
Go to www.imanet.org/, search for "IMA Student Membership," and follow the instructions to sign up and join as a new member. There is a discount code each fall and spring, so please check with your accounting professors for that code before joining. Make sure you select "0212-Muscle Shoals Chapter" as your parent chapter and "0212B-Athens State University Student Chapter" as your student chapter.

Please let us know if you have any questions or would like additional information! As stated earlier, please email your IMA member number to Professor Phillips as soon as you get it!

For more information, contact:

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