Leilei Bao ’16

In May 2023, I graduated from North Dakota State University with a Master of Accounting degree with a 4.0 GPA. So far, I have passed three out of four CPA exams. I could not have accomplished everything without the support of my three-year-old daughter, my elderly mother, and my dear husband.

What do you now do for a living? How did you end up choosing this career path?

I am a tax associate at a public accounting firm, Widmer Roel, in Fargo, North Dakota, where I assist clients with accounting needs. I moved to Fargo, North Dakota, because of family. Fargo has a bigger demand for accountants. After having my daughter, I decided to pursue another degree which helped me land in this new job opportunity.

Why did you choose to attend FHSU?

I was introduced to FHSU by an adjunct professor in the leadership program. Later, I visited FHSU in person. I was attracted by the friendly teachers and staff. Therefore, I decided to start my MBA at FHSU.

What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?

I was vice president for the Society of Human Resources Management FHSU chapter. Dr. LeAnn Brown took the students to the Human Resources national conference in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. It was an eye-opening experience.

What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?

My advice is to study hard and participate in as many activities as possible to develop your network, which will help in your future career.

Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:

Dr. LeAnn Brown is the most amazing professor in the world. I got married the second day after graduation. Because my family could not come to the wedding from China, her family helped me organize a most beautiful wedding.

In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?

I am a 2022 AICPA legacy scholarship recipient and won numerous other accounting scholarships after switching majors from Human Resources to Accounting.

More FHSU Alumni Spotlights

Matt Wendelberger ’20

My name is Matt Wendelberger, and I came to Fort Hays State University in the fall of 2015 as a football walk-on. I earned a scholarship to play on the football team during my first semester at FHSU. Throughout my playing career, I earned All-MIAA 4 times and was a...

Tanner Davis ’16

My name is Tanner Davis, and I have been married for 11 years to my wife, Jennifer Davis. We have two beautiful daughters, Addilynn (age 9) and Izabella (age 5). We recently moved to Great Bend, KS, to be closer to family. In my free time, I referee football and...

Dr. Sherry Crow ’77

I am a professor and chair of the Advanced Education Programs at FHSU. Most of my career was spent as a librarian at public or school libraries. In 2009, I completed a Ph.D. in Library and Information Management and spent 11 years at the University of Nebraska Kearney...

Miles “Woody” Stauffer ’20

My name is Woody Stauffer, and I'm from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The transformative power of art has led my life from a high school punk rock musician to a multi-material sculptor. Recently, I have been experimenting with my 3D printer and digital mold-making. Art has...

Lindsey DinkelĀ ’11

I am a Hays native but have moved to several different towns and cities. I have been in the mental health field for over ten years and have maintained roles as a clinician, researcher, administrator, and educator. I enjoy challenges and being placed in high-intensity,...