A Jasper teen is the youngest accounting graduate at Athens State University in 30 years, the university announced Saturday following its fall 2023 commencement ceremonies.

Kaitlyn Johnson, 19, received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. As an upper-division university, the average age of an undergraduate student at Athens State is 29, making it rare to have 19-year-old graduates.

The university credited Johnson for having a fast-tracked homeschool experience and earning college credit hours at Bevill State Community College. She was able to transfer to Athens State in 2020.

During her time at Athens State, Johnson served as treasurer of the accounting club and as a member in Delta Mu Delta and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“Involvement in student organizations placed me in front of future employers through industry tours and career fairs,” Johnson said. “I was able to hear directly from prospective employers to learn about their work, company and what they expect from new hires.”

Johnson plans to begin graduate school at Athens State. Upon completing her master’s degree, Johnson said she is interested in becoming a financial advisor and one day serving as a chief financial officer for a company. She told the university that she wants to use her skills to help businesses succeed and create accounting systems that will keep projects on time and on budget.