Under new leadership, the organization is evolving into a space where business students can grow both personally and professionally.
As president, Paige Cook is leading the charge to expand SAS’s reach across campus and build meaningful connections between students and industry professionals. From hosting workshops to bringing in local firms for mock interviews, her goal is to transform SAS into an engaging, career-launching community.
Q: For those unfamiliar, could you introduce the Student Accounting Society and share what your position involves?
"The Student Accounting Society is a business club on campus that offers many networking opportunities and all-around business-related skills. As president, my position involves organizing events that provide real value to students.”
In her role, Cook focuses on creating programming that connects classroom learning to real-world business experiences, ensuring that each event contributes to students’ professional development.
Q: What initially inspired you to get involved with SAS, and what motivated you to take on a leadership role?
“I wanted to receive more opportunities and realized that SAS is everything I was looking for in a business club. I took on this leadership role because I saw what an amazing job former president Karla Gonzalez did before me, and I wanted to enhance that by offering even more for students.”
Cook’s passion for leadership and collaboration drives her approach to strengthening the organization’s presence and continuing the legacy of those who came before her.
Q: How does SAS support students pursuing accounting and finance degrees, and what are some of your key goals for the organization this year?
“SAS supports all business students, specifically accounting and finance, by bringing professionals from both fields to network with students. We host résumé and LinkedIn workshops and ‘Get to Know the Firms’ events, which allow students to get help and prepare for recruitment. My key goal for the organization is to grow student engagement and make people interested in accounting and finance in more of a social aspect, not just education-based.”
Through consistent programming, SAS fosters a stronger sense of community among future accountants, financial analysts, and business leaders on campus.
Q: What strategies are you using to grow student engagement and awareness of SAS on campus? Are there any upcoming events or partnerships you’re especially excited about?
“This year, we added a social media representative to the board to promote events and boost engagement by posting flyers around campus and updating our new social media page. This semester, we have already had five industry professionals come to campus to share opportunities with students, and four more are scheduled for October and November. One highlight was a mock interview with local firms, giving students the opportunity to practice their interviewing skills.”
These initiatives represent SAS’s growing commitment to making business education more interactive and approachable. The introduction of a social media coordinator has also modernized the club’s outreach and campus visibility.
Brian Carney, former Winn-Dixie CFO, meets with SAS
Q: What has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of serving as president?
“The most rewarding part is the personal and professional growth I’ve experienced by helping with this organization. The most challenging part is trying to communicate effectively and establish coordination with everyone’s busy schedules.”
Despite the challenges of balancing academics and leadership, Cook says the sense of community and the impact she’s seen on students make it all worthwhile.
Q: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the future of SAS, and how do you hope the club continues to evolve after your term?
“My vision for SAS is to continue providing opportunities for future business leaders by bringing in more firms and creating a true sense of community.. I hope it continues to be a space where all business majors can go to get their questions answered by real-world professionals.”
Cook’s focus is on sustainability—ensuring that the club remains an invaluable resource for years to come.
Q: For students considering joining, what unique experiences or opportunities can SAS offer that they might not find elsewhere at Flagler?
“Every SAS meeting features a professional or Flagler alum who shares their career journey, offers insight into the business world, and connects with students on a personal level. Our alumni are especially proud to give back — they love returning to Flagler to support SAS and help the next generation of business leaders succeed.”
SAS’s alumni connections create an environment where students can gain firsthand insight into post-graduation opportunities and real-world career paths.
Q: If there was one thing you wanted Flagler students to know about SAS, what would it be?
“The Student Accounting Society is more than just accounting majors. As a member, you can choose which events you want to go to, many of which benefit everyone. This organization doesn’t just focus on the numbers; it focuses on the members and opportunities.”
SAS at Flagler: Building Careers, One Connection at a Time
With a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, the Student Accounting Society continues to uphold Flagler’s reputation for producing skilled, career-ready graduates. By merging networking, mentorship, and professional growth, SAS is shaping the next generation of business leaders—one meeting at a time.
To stay up-to-date on upcoming meetings and events, find SAS on Campus Groups or email Paige Cook at Cook300@flagler.edu, and don’t forget to follow @sas_flagler on Instagram.
