Accounting for a change in plans: Bri Harris (BSBA ’25, MAcc ’25)

Prior to arriving at Ohio State as a first-year student, Bri Harris had a definitive plan ― major in economics and go to law school. Instead, she discovered that college can present new opportunities that ultimately change where you think you’re headed.

For Bri, the influence of faculty, staff and a course in accounting led her to the Accounting Honors Program and a change in career trajectory. Now, a dual degree graduate in accounting, Bri (BSBA ’25, MAcc ’25) is taking the valuable experiences she’s gained at Fisher and applying it to a career in enterprise risk and control solutions.

Bri discusses how her passionate work as a Fisher FIRST ambassador and mentor, Peer Impact Consultant (PIC), and member of Project THRIVE have all helped her overcome challenges and find success as a Business Buckeye.

Q: What’s been your favorite memory from your time at Fisher?

A: One of my favorite memories at Fisher was leading a personal branding session for the Fisher FIRST Early Arrival Program. At the time, I remember feeling a mix of nervousness and self-doubt. I wasn’t sure I was the right person to give advice, especially to incoming students who were just beginning their college journey. However, Dr. Marlena Harper saw something in me that I didn’t necessarily see in myself, and with her encouragement, I decided to step up and share what I had learned from my own experiences when I was in my first year.

Not only did the session go better than I expected, but it was later adapted for use in the college-wide early arrival program for the following year, which was amazing to see. I was so proud of myself for pushing myself outside my comfort zone. That experience made me realize how much I enjoy mentoring and giving back, and it played a significant role in shaping the path I have followed ever since throughout my time here at Fisher.

Who has been influential during your undergraduate experience? Why?

I’ve been fortunate to have several Fisher mentors who have shaped my experience. Three people stand out the most: Dr. Marlena Harper, Dr. Cynthia Turner and Lorraine Pennyman.

Dr. Harper has supported me since the very beginning of my journey. She introduced me to the Undergraduate Leadership & Engagement Office (ULEO), helped me find community through Fisher FIRST and has always been someone I could turn to for honest advice and encouragement. Her encouragement pushed me to take on roles I never imagined for myself and her belief in me has made all the difference.

Dr. Turner has been a role model in every sense of the word. Watching how she shows up for students has been incredibly inspiring. She has a powerful presence and leads with so much grace and authenticity. Seeing her leadership made me feel like there was space for someone like me in the business world, especially accounting. She encouraged me to think about a career in accounting. I remember being at a crossroads in my academic career, and she took the time to talk about what a career in accounting could do for me and what it looks like. She supported me in my decision no matter what, and I thank her because I genuinely wouldn’t have been on this path without her support.

Lorraine Pennyman has also had a significant impact on my time at Fisher. She has always been in my corner, whether navigating decisions as a PIC manager or checking in to see how I was doing. Her support has helped me grow personally and professionally and helped me learn how to advocate for myself. It has been a fantastic experience working with her for the past two years. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone in the ULEO office as a peer impact consultant. I’m so grateful for the guidance she’s given me along the way.

In what ways has Fisher and your undergraduate experience changed you or made you better?

Coming to Ohio State, I had a very specific plan in mind. I always envisioned myself working on policy or in corporate law. That plan started to shift after I took my first accounting course. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but something about the logic, structure and real-world application of accounting interested me. As I got more involved at Fisher and learned about the many directions an accounting degree could take me, I realized there was a path where I could still make an impact, but through a different lens. I was accepted into the Accounting Honors Program, which led me to change my major and plan.

Fisher helped me explore that path with the support of great professors, challenging coursework and plenty of opportunities to grow as a leader. I’ve learned how to navigate ambiguity, collaborate with people who think differently from me and speak up for myself and others. I’ve grown personally and professionally, and I don’t think I would be the same without this experience.

What does being a Business Buckeye mean to you?

Being a Business Buckeye means showing up for others while staying true to yourself. It’s about using the knowledge and experiences you gain at Fisher to build your own success and create space for others to grow. It means being value-driven, leading with integrity and always being willing to keep learning. It is a title that carries responsibility and pride, and I am grateful to be part of a community that challenges me to be the best version of myself every day.

Describe your experience as an Ohio State student in five words.

Challenging, supportive, inspiring, transformative, unforgettable

What are your post-graduate plans?

After I finish my Master of Accounting through the combined BSBA/MAcc program at Ohio State, I will start a full-time position at PwC in their cyber, risk and regulatory consulting practice on the enterprise risk and control solutions team. I am excited to apply everything I’ve learned professionally, and I hope to continue learning and growing while helping others along the way.