Aidan Sands has made his mark in the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University through leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional growth.
As president of App State’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international honor organization for students and professionals in financial information fields like accounting, finance, and information systems, Aidan helped guide the chapter to its first-ever platinum status, a distinction earned at the organization’s annual meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
“Through all of our collective efforts, our chapter achieved the highest standing in Beta Alpha Psi,” Aidan said. “It was an incredible moment for our officer team and our college.”
Aidan Sands and fellow members of App State’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter present on their strategic goals, innovative programming, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Related: Accounting student organization earns first-ever "Platinum" recognition
As a key member of the Walker College’s Presidents’ Roundtable, Aidan collaborated with fellow student leaders and college staff to tackle shared challenges and create opportunities to benefit hundreds of business students.
Aidan credits Dr. Brian Hasson, faculty advisor and professor, as a source of inspiration. “His solutions-oriented thinking, genuine care for students, and commitment to our development as professionals have shown us the importance of thinking beyond the surface and leading with integrity,” Aidan said. “His encouragement has shaped my confidence as both a student and a leader.”
Aidan Sands (center) with fellow members of App State’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi and Faculty Advisor Brian Hasson (right).
Networking opportunities in the Department of Accounting program, such as Meet the Firms, a series of events at App State that connects accounting majors with employers from ‘Big 4’ accounting firms, also prepared Aidan for his next steps. “I was able to build a plethora of connections with professionals in the field that I hope to maintain into my career,” he said.
Aidan’s advice to future Mountaineers? “Leave as many doors open for your future self as possible.”
Looking ahead, Aidan will intern with RSM as an audit intern and pursue his Master of Science in Accounting from App State before working full-time with RSM.
Aidan is one of 399 December 2025 graduates of the Walker College of Business. Read more student stories: business.appstate.edu/news/students.
About Clubs and Student Organizations in the Walker College of Business
Clubs and organizations are an important part of the App State experience. The university's mission is to help students develop skills that will enable them to become good citizens and strong contributors to their current and future communities. Joining a business-oriented club further develops students as professionals and, alongside their major coursework, helps orient them to their fields of choice. Find a list of business student clubs and student organizations at business.appstate.edu/clubs.
Aidan Sands
