The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants honored a Spears School of Business faculty member and two alumni at the 2026 OSCPA Annual Awards Ceremony.

Alyssa Vowell, Jacob Pasby and Craig Riffel received awards June 12 for their leadership as top CPAs advancing the state’s accounting profession. Each recipient was nominated by peers or fellow OSCPA members.

Vowell, assistant department head and instructor of professional practice in Oklahoma State University’s School of Accounting, is the 2026 Outstanding Accounting Educator.

Each year, the OSCPA selects one educator for teaching excellence, innovative educational techniques, student motivation and contributions to the accounting profession. Previous recipients include OSU accounting head Dr. Angela Spencer, Spears Business assistant dean Sarah Johnson and MS in Accounting program coordinator Rachel Domnick.

“Receiving the OSCPA Outstanding Accounting Educator Award is truly humbling, especially because I have the privilege of following and working alongside exceptional OSU accounting faculty who have also received this honor,” Vowell said. “Their commitment to our students and the accounting profession inspires me every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue that legacy by helping students discover the opportunities within accounting and preparing them to serve the profession with integrity, curiosity and purpose.”

Vowell gained more than eight years of experience across public accounting and industry before joining Spears Business in 2011. Her professional background, combined with more than a decade of instructional experience, allows her to bridge technical accounting expertise with a strong focus on student development, applied learning and workforce readiness.

Pasby, Chief Financial Officer at Mack Energy Co., is the 2026 OSCPA Outstanding Member in Business and Industry. Each year, the OSCPA selects one member for this honor. Pasby earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from OSU.

Riffel, who has bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from OSU, received the Silver Pen Award. He serves as attorney and managing partner at Riffel Law Firm, PLLC.

The OSCPA’s Editorial Board votes to award Gold and Silver Pen Awards to the top two articles contributed by members to the society’s magazine, CPAFOCUS, within the past fiscal year. The Silver Pen is awarded to the author whose article was voted beneficial, informative and well-written.

“These honorees demonstrate the talent and dedication that makes Oklahoma’s accounting profession strong,” said OSCPA President and CEO Blaine Peterson, CPA, JD. “Through their service to clients, organizations and communities, they are making a lasting impact and shaping the future of our profession. We’re proud to recognize their achievements and celebrate the difference they make every day.”

The OSCPA is the leading professional association representing CPAs in Oklahoma. With a rich history spanning over a century, the OSCPA is committed to enhancing the accounting profession through advocacy, education and community engagement. Visit the website to see the full list of 2026 award winners.

OSU’s School of Accounting exists to prepare people to make a difference in the world by teaching interpersonal skills alongside a high-quality accounting education backed by impactful research and outreach. Visit the website to learn more.