Myracle Cross

Connected to the Community

Always strong in math, Myracle Cross followed her older sister’s academic path to the master’s of accountancy program at the Haslam College of Business. She thrived academically, but struggled with being away from family and friends back in Chattanooga. “I was homesick,” she recalls. “One day I decided that being alone was making things worse, so I decided to go out and talk to people.” By pushing herself to find community, Cross connected with several individuals who became close friends and mentors. “Making those connections has kept me here and helped me grow.” Once Cross started to connect, she didn’t look back. As a freshman, she was part of the Venture Living & Learning Community. “Venture encouraged us to pursue service opportunities, and through that I began volunteering at the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley,” she says. “It was a fun experience, and motivated me to adopt a puppy of my own a few years later.” She also joined the local chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants and held several offices, including president, during her undergraduate years. In addition, Cross became an ambassador for the university’s Clay and Debbie Jones Center for Leadership and Service. “Myracle is a focused and dedicated student who hasn’t let anything deter her from her educational goals,” says Tyvi Small, former executive director for talent management, diversity, and community relations at Haslam and one of Cross’s mentors. “She embodies the volunteer spirit, and I’m extremely proud of her.” Cross plans to graduate in spring 2020, and has already accepted a risk advisory position at RSM, a consulting firm in Charlotte, N.C. She hopes to stay there for the next several years and pursue a senior management role. “Eventually, I’d love to work outside the United States for a while,” she says. “Starting a family and getting another dog are also high on the list.” Long term, Cross’s dreams include investing in several entrepreneurial ventures, buying a farm, and adopting rescued animals. No matter what the future holds, Cross says she’s thankful for this time at Haslam and the community she’s built here. “Relationships are a priority for me,” she says. “Wherever you go, it’s important to find your people, and I’ve found mine here in the accounting department.”