The Society for Advancement of Management is proud to recognize Hailey Long as a 2025 National Outstanding Student Award recipient. A driven and accomplished student at Clayton State University, Hailey exemplifies the values of leadership, academic excellence, and professional growth that this award celebrates.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Hailey has distinguished herself through her academic achievements and her proactive engagement in leadership development opportunities. Her career aspirations are ambitious and clearly defined. She plans to complete her degree, sit for the CPA exam, and begin a Master of Business Administration in Accounting. With such a strong foundation, she is well-positioned to succeed.
Hailey’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. As an intern at Interfor U.S. Inc., she applied her analytical and technical skills to real-world challenges, gaining experience in Excel and Tableau while contributing to accounting operations. Her resume reflects a consistent pattern of growth, initiative, and an unwavering work ethic that has shaped her journey across both business and customer service roles.
Her participation in the SAM Case Competition has been a defining experience. As a first-time competitor, Hailey embraced the opportunity to refine her public speaking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. She credits the competition with helping her gain confidence in high-pressure situations, and she sees it as an important stepping stone toward her future as a CPA and a leader in the accounting profession.
Faculty advisor Dr. Reza Kheirandish praised Hailey’s leadership and vision. He wrote that she aspires to become a CPA and a manager who uplifts and empowers others. Her desire to build others up, paired with her disciplined approach to learning, reflects the best of what SAM stands for.
What stands out most is Hailey’s determination to challenge herself. Whether starting college full-time at the age of 16 or stepping into a national business competition for the first time, she continues to pursue experiences that foster personal and professional growth. She describes her SAM involvement as both fulfilling and transformative, highlighting the importance of working with peers who are equally motivated and committed.
Hailey Long is a remarkable student with a powerful story of persistence, purpose, and potential. SAM is proud to honor her accomplishments and looks forward to the contributions she will bring to the field of management and accounting.