JTC 26: One Class Changed Everything

When Daniza Ivazova moved from Russia to the United States, the 18-year-old stepped into a completely unfamiliar world: a new language, culture and academic system. 

“It was exciting to step into a new culture,” Ivazova said. “I was excited about the opportunities and everything the future held.” 

She arrived at the University of Mississippi as a freshman in 2021 and selected general business as her major. She had basic conversational English but little familiarity with the American academic system. Everything felt like starting over, and she initially struggled to adjust while balancing coursework and improving her English. 

“It was a little difficult at first,” she said. “I felt a bit lonely in the beginning, but over time I found my place and my people.” 

And once Ivazova found her place, there was no stopping her. She graduates in May with her second Ole Miss degree, a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics, and is preparing to launcher her career with the "Big Four" firm Deloitte. 

Her path came into focus in an unexpected way when she enrolled in ACCY 2010: Principles of Accounting I. Ivazova performed well in the course, and professor Lou Burney encouraged her to consider switching her major to accountancy. 

She had not considered accountancy as a career path and had little familiarity with accounting concepts or terminology, so her early coursework required her to learn everything from the ground up. Over time, she built confidence and developed a strong foundation in the field. 

Outside the classroom, Ivazova became actively involved in Beta Alpha Psi honor society, where she serves as treasurer. 

“Beta Alpha Psi has been a huge part of my experience,” she said. “I’ve met so many great people and learned a lot.” 

In her role, she manages financial records and works with bookkeeping software while helping oversee disbursements and receipts using internal controls. 

“It helped me become much more organized and gave me hands-on experience that complements what I’ve learned in class,” she said. 

Later in her academic career, she completed an audit internship with Deloitte in Dallas, where she gained experience working in a professional setting. She assisted with reviewing financial documentation, testing processes and ensuring records were accurate, applying what she had learned in the classroom to real-world work. 

“I learned so much during my internship and really enjoyed working with real clients and my engagement teams,” she said. “It strengthened my understanding of audit procedures and confirmed that this is what I want to do.” 

Ivazova graduated with a bachelor's degree in accountancy in 2025 and continued in the master's program. 

“Pursuing the Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics has been one of the most impactful decisions of my life,” she said. “The extra year is incredibly valuable.  

"It’s rounding out my accounting education and giving me the knowledge, time and resources to prepare thoroughly for the CPA exam.” 

Her preparation has already paid off. Ivazova recently passed the Tax Compliance and Planning section of the CPA exam. 

She credits much of that success to J. Shaw, associate professor of accountancy, whose corporate tax course played a key role in her preparation. As faculty adviser for Beta Alpha Psi, he also supported her beyond the classroom. 

“His class was a huge reason I passed,” Ivazova said. “He prepared me not only academically, but also supported me mentally throughout the entire process.” 

After graduation, she plans to return to Deloitte in Dallas as a full-time audit associate. 

Her journey comes full circle in May when her mother travels from Russia to attend Commencement. 

“I’m so excited she’ll be there,” she said. “I’ll be incredibly proud to have her with me as I achieve this goal I set for myself more than 10 years ago.” 

Looking back, Ivazova credits her experience at Ole Miss for preparing her for what comes next. 

“The Patterson School of Accountancy gave me the knowledge, support and opportunities I needed,” she said. “I’ll always be grateful for my time here.”

Top: Daniza Ivazova, a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics graduate from Russia, overcame language and cultural barriers after arriving at Ole Miss in 2021 to earn two degrees, pass a section of the CPA exam and secure a full-time position with Deloitte in Dallas. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services