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Honors College Alumni Profiles

Maurice D. PrestonMaurice D. Preston, Class of 2006

Class of:  2006, graduated summa cum laude, Class Valedictorian
Undergraduate Major:  Business Administration, Concentration: Accounting
Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Involvement at Shaw:

  • Presidential Scholar
  • Honors Scholars Association
  • Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society
  • Selected as the outstanding student in his major in his senior year  
  • Shaw University Presidential Ambassador
  • VP for Fiscal Affairs, Senior Class of 2006
  • Shaw Man/Shaw Woman Society
  • Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Varsity Team
  • Shaw University student recruiter/ tour guide
  • Platinum Sound Marching Band Manager

Graduate Study:

  • MBA, Business Management with a concentration in non-profit management/leadership, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2008

Work Experience:

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), Inspection Analyst – Office of the Director, Washington, DC

  • PricewaterhouseCoopers, Experience Audit Associate, McLean, VA
  • Harris, Mitchell & Co. Investment Group, CFO

Accomplishments:

Since completing graduate school Maurice has had the experience and opportunity to work for the #1 accounting firm in the world, PricewaterhouseCoopers, for three years as an Experience Audit Associate.  He started with PricewaterhouseCoopers as an intern for several summers during his undergraduate studies.   In November 2011, Maurice left the firm to further his career with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which is the organization established by the Security Exchange Commission to regulated auditing firms, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers.  In his new role, Maurice works as an Inspection Analyst in the Office of the Director for the Division of Registration & Inspection. As an Inspection Analyst,  Maurice analyzes inspection findings from each of the inspection programs to develop technical accounting papers/reports for the Director, the Board, and the Security Exchange Committee, in addition to, assisting the Deputy & Associate Directors with ensuring sure they have the correct data to release inspection reports and technical reports as well. Additionally, Maurice is charged with the responsibility to manage the operations of the Office of the Director, which includes managing schedules for the division, and monitoring when reports are to be sent to the board, keep the Director abreast of industry news, when different reports are due to General Counsel and the Board, and assist with the budget development for the office.

Further, in December 2011, Maurice founded and incorporated a non-profit organization, Dove Mentors, Inc., which is a mentoring program established to provided mentorship and guidance for African-American males between the ages of 13-21 who are first time offenders.  The program is aimed to assists these young men in their quest to complete high school/obtain their GED, enroll in college, find internships, and provide them with mentors within their desired career choice.

On a personal note, Maurice is the proud husband of his wife Renae J. Preston, who is a teacher at KIPP DC Charter School and graduate of Hampton University, and a proud father of his daughter, Nyiemah Joy Preston.

Important to Know:

"As the first to go college, and graduate school in my family I knew how important it was to select the ‘right college or university’ to attend. Although I was accepted to major universities such as Virginia Tech and Hampton University, I decided to attend Shaw University because of the people, and family atmosphere. While others questioned my decision I knew God had sent me to Shaw, and I am glad listened to the voice of God. As a result, my life and career has been nothing but a true success story, because I was provided with the important guidance and mentorship from the faculty and staff which contributed to my achievements thus far."

Personal Motto:

"Trust in the Lord with all the heart; and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy path." Proverbs 3: 5-6

About the Honors College:

"My experience as a student within the Shaw University Honors College afforded me the opportunity to interact with other scholars, grow academically, and hone my leadership skills. The Honors College prepared me to be a critical thinker, and provided me with education that has propelled my career to the next level, and given the skills needed to be successful in all aspects of life.  I will be forever grateful to the experience the Honors College has provided me, and continues to provide me, in addition to the lifelong friends I acquired during my matriculation through the college. The Shaw University Honors College will always be a fragment of me."

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