Fogelman College of Business and Economics
Stellar Student Spotlights
Nomination FormFall 2025
Lillian Cano Hernandez
October 23, 2025
Meet Lilian Cano Hernandez (BBA, Accounting ’26)! Lilian is a senior who transferred from Southwest Community College where she earned her associate’s degree before continuing her academic journey at the Fogelman College of Business and Economics.
This past summer Lilian was recognized as a TSCPA Scholarship Recipient which celebrates her hard work and dedication to the accounting field. She has already gained hands-on experience through two internships — with Aztec Masonry Inc. and most recently with McDaniel Whitley Bonds and Insurance. There, her skillset strengthened and passion deepened for the construction and contracting industry.
Beyond the classroom Lilian enjoys drawing and working out at the gym; finding balance between creativity, wellness and career growth. After graduation, she hopes to provide specialized accounting services for contractors and construction firms. Thus, combining her professional interests with her real-world experience.
Keep shining Lilian — your dedication and drive truly embodies what it means to be a Business Tiger!
Jayde Hensley
October 16, 2025
Say hello to Jayde Hensley (BBA Accounting and Business Management ’25, MBA ’27)! Jayde is a driven FCBE graduate student pursuing her MBA while studying for the CPA exam.
Recently, she graduated Summa Cum Laude through the Helen Hardin Honors College, received the TSCPA Scholarship and became a member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs. Her academic dedication has continued into her professional journey as she took on a new role with HHM CPAs as a Staff Accountant where she specializes in dealership accounting.
Before stepping into her full-time role, Jayde spent 2.5 years in the automotive industry as an Accounts Receivable & Controller’s Assistant and completed a dealership tax internship at HHM CPAs from Nov. 2023 to June 2025—gaining valuable hands-on experience that clearly set her up for success.
Outside of work and classes, Jayde enjoys going to the gym, creating art and spending time with family and friends. Her balance of hard work, faith and passion continues to make her shine both personally and professionally.
Emma James
October 9, 2025
Say hello to Emma James! She is pursuing her MS in Accounting Analytics with a concentration in Tax Compliance and Planning and is expected to graduate Spring 2026.
Emma has gained real world insights through her hands-on tax internships with CBIZ,
Watkins Uiberall and Forvis Mazars. While in the field, she has worked on a variety
of federal and state tax returns. Additionally, Emma proudly represents the Crews School of Accountancy as a graduate assistant and a virtual accounting tutor for the Learning Center.
When she’s not crunching numbers or tutoring peers, Emma enjoys connecting with the
FCBE community and sharing her knowledge to help others succeed.
Keep shining Emma!
Max Purifoy
October 2, 2025
Meet Max Purifoy (BBA, Accounting ’25)! Max is an active member of the Honors College and a recent TSCPA scholarship recipient. Alongside excelling in his coursework, he has built an impressive resume through internships with ATA CPAs, FedEx Tax and now HHM CPAs; where he will begin a new role as a Staff Accountant after graduation this December.
Outside the classroom Max enjoys staying active outdoors, playing games and sports and spending quality time with his wife, family and friends. He and his wife, who got married last December, love to keep moving and make the most of their time together.
Keep shining Max—we can’t wait to see all you accomplish!
Chris Duncan
September 25, 2025
Meet Christian “Chris” Duncan (BBA Finance with a concentration in Real Estate ’28)! Chris is a sophomore who is already investing in leadership, service and professional growth at FCBE and beyond.
On campus he is actively involved with NAACP and Empowering Men of Color (EMOC). He served as an Orientation Guide and participated in the President’s Perspective program. Beyond the classroom, Chris is also a licensed realtor in Tennessee — gaining real-world experience in the industry he plans to build his career in.
Originally from Memphis, Chris enjoys traveling, working out, hanging out with friends and exploring nature. His passion for finance and real estate continues to open doors as he develops into a future business leader.
We are excited to celebrate Chris’s journey and all that he is accomplishing as part of the Fogelman community.
Sicillee Keys
September 15, 2025
Say hello to Sicilee Keys (BBA, Management ’28)! Sicilee is a sophomore majoring in Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and she is already making her mark as a leader and innovator at FCBE.
She has participated in the ImagineU program with the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship. Through this, she gained valuable hands-on experience in venture creation. She also serves as a Crews Student Ambassador. On campus, Sicilee is a Resident Advisor; as such, she is helping to build community for fellow students.
Originally from St. Louis MO, she enjoys trying new foods, traveling, spending time with friends, and family and doing hair. Sicilee aspires to be a serial entrepreneur drawing inspiration from every new experience she takes on.
We are excited to watch Sicilee’s journey unfold and celebrate all she is accomplishing at FCBE.