Known well as the University that offers degrees employers want a graduate to have, Evan Plant ’24 wasn’t worried about whether he’d find success quickly. In fact, while studying Accounting at MU he was finding that success even before he graduated. Now, a full-time auditor for the U.S. Army Audit Agency, Plant immediately credits his experience at MU for preparing him for life after college.
Six months ago, Evan Plant ’24 walked across the graduation stage to receive his coveted bachelor’s degree from Methodist University.
Known well as the University that offers degrees employers want a graduate to have, Plant wasn’t worried about whether he’d find success quickly. In fact, while studying Accounting at MU he was finding that success even before he graduated. Now, a full-time auditor for the U.S. Army Audit Agency, Plant immediately credits his experience at MU for preparing him for life after college.
“I can’t speak enough about how awesome Methodist University has been,” Plant said. “I’m not the same person I was when I first came to campus in 2020. It taught me so many lessons that have made me a better person.”
Plant offers a unique perspective: the story of how he came to Methodist University and his accomplishments leading up to graduation, followed by the success he’s finding in the real world a mere six months after graduation – a consistent theme you will find with Methodist University’s impressive alumni.
A Monarch’s Spirit
Plant grew up in the small town of Autryville, which has a population of 171 people and sits just 25 miles east of Fayetteville. While attending Methodist University always made sense to him from the start, the COVID-19 pandemic certainly made the decision even simpler.
“Methodist University was the only school I had an opportunity to tour before everything shut down,” he added. “I originally came here because I wanted to play baseball for the Monarchs. While playing baseball didn’t work out in the long run, it ended up opening up so many different doors for me at MU.”
Plant played two seasons of baseball for the Monarchs before suffering a grade-two tear in his pectoral – a key factor in his decision to leave the team.
“I remember that day so well because I called my parents right before and asked them to pray for me,” said Plant. “Baseball had been the only thing I’d known. But Coach Tom Austin was so understanding, which is exactly what I needed at the time. Coach Austin and I have a good relationship to this day.”
That pivotal moment forced Plant to think about his next steps, especially academically. Plant considered various majors before landing on Business Administration and Accounting – a decision he’s grateful for to this day.
“I took one Accounting course and one Business course my sophomore year, and I was hooked,” he said. “I have nothing but praise for the Reeves School of Business. It’s genuinely like a family there because the faculty really care about each student. I consider them my friends, honestly. Each one of them has had a significant impact on my life – not just in the classroom – but in my personal life, too. They give really strong advice.”
Plant consistently found himself on the University’s Dean’s List, which highlights students who achieved a 3.50 or better GPA. He was also part of an impressive team that placed in the 95th percentile of an international business competition in 2023.
In the midst of his studies, Plant always found time to integrate himself into campus life. He was a worship leader for Ignite (MU’s student-led worship experience), a resident assistant for Weaver Hall, and chair of Methodist University’s College Republicans student group.
To scratch his itch of being involved in the game of baseball, Plant also works as a music operator for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
“When I was disappointed about leaving the baseball team, [academic and career advisor] Robin Davenport told me about a part-time job as a music operator for the Woodpeckers. I love baseball and music, so it was a perfect fit,” Plant added.
Plant always had eyes on the future, prioritizing his career development. Through MU’s Accounting program, Plant was able to connect with alumna Nona Fisher ’88, managing partner of Bottom Line Accounting in Fayetteville. During his junior year, Plant was able to complete an internship at the accounting firm – later leading to a full-time job over a summer.
“I’m telling you, there are truly doors that open up here at Methodist University,” said Plant.
One of Plant’s favorite parts of being a Monarch was his involvement with the Accounting Club. When he was a sophomore, the U.S. Army Audit Agency came to Methodist University’s campus to speak with the club – showing Plant and other students the ins and outs of auditing within federal government. Plant was instantly intrigued and later invited the agency back for another campus visit a year later – this time as Accounting Club president.
“One of my friends in the club, Matthew Malone ’23, ended up taking a job with the U.S. Army Audit Agency and raved about it,” he said. “I ended up applying and they eventually reached out to offer me a job as an auditor.”
Plant ended up taking the job offer as he earned his bachelor’s degree during Methodist University’s Commencement Weekend at Crown Coliseum in May.
A Lifelong Monarch
Fast forward six months after graduation, Plant continues to find success – this time as a Methodist University alumnus.
As an auditor for the U.S. Army Audit Agency, Plant works alongside his team to conduct quality assurance audits to ensure the U.S. Army is spending funds appropriately. Plant particular enjoys the rewarding spirit of his job and the opportunity to work 100% remotely.
“Not only do I enjoy the feeling of bringing a beneficial service to the U.S. Army, but I get to enjoy a great work-life balance,” he added. “It’s been a nice transition from college to a full-time job.”
In fact, Plant attributes the smooth transition to his education at Methodist University.
“I really feel like my journey at MU, through the classes at Clark Hall to the internship opportunities in Accounting, prepared me for a full-time career as an auditor,” he said.
Plant still finds time in his busy schedule to visit Methodist University’s campus from time to time – attending Homecoming, checking in with students at Ignite, or even coming back as a guest speaker for the Accounting Club.
“I make it a priority to never forget where I came from,” Plant said. “I appreciate everything that Methodist University has done for me. I’m thankful that it not only prepared me for a full-time job, but that it gave me a sense of community.”