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“I’ve been an ACUA member since I started at UTD in 1992, and my first conference was at the Midyear Conference in Orlando. I absolutely loved the professional education, collaboration, and camaraderie that ACUA provided, as it helped me become a better auditor and a better audit leader. I started to volunteer for ACUA as a proctor, then went on to become a track coordinator, director of the annual conference, PEC Chair, board member, president, recognition committee chair, speaker, mentor, and the historian. The best value I’ve received from ACUA has been the incredible memories made from the many friends and colleagues I’ve met, especially those who will be lifelong friends even after retirement.”

Professional Background
Toni Stephens began her career in the Texas State Auditor’s Office (SAO) in Dallas. During the seven years in the SAO, most of Toni’s time was spent working in higher education, but she had the opportunity to work on other various state agencies, such as the Departments of Public Safety and Criminal Justice, The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and several highway and health and human services departments. These projects as well as increased audit experience gave Toni the opportunity to travel the State of Texas.

At the end of her tenure with the SAO, Toni worked on audits at Texas Tech University in Lubbock for about nine months. Around that time, Toni was concluding a statewide audit engagement at University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) when at the exit meeting the Vice President asked if she would be interested in applying for Director of Internal Audit position. Having always enjoyed the quiet UTD campus of about 8,000 students and being tired of the travel, Toni jumped at the chance and started working at UTD in March 1992. Toni thought she would be at UTD for a few years but then came marriage and two kids. Toni loved the work-life balance UTD made possible, and the university kept changing at such a fast pace that she was never bored. Toni has seen the campus grow from 8,000 students to over 30,000. UTD is no longer that quiet little campus it was 34 years ago.

Why retire? Plans for the future?
Jealousy is fueling Toni’s desire to retire. With retired friends, Toni was jealous and was ready to enjoy the next phase of her life while she can be active.

Toni says she does not know what plans she has other than not setting an alarm. Toni commented that “a very wise ACUA retiree recommended that I take six months to figure it out. So that’s what I’m doing! And along the way, I’d enjoy doing a few QARs or presentations, and perhaps finishing the scrapbooking projects I have had sitting in my spare room for about 20 years!”

Toni’s Advice for ACUA Members
“Get those ribbons! Getting involved in your profession by volunteering is the best way to become a better auditor and a better leader. The value you gain from both networking and collaborating with others, especially in person, is so much more meaningful than any training class you attend.”

“ACUA has had a tremendous impact on my professional development. I attended my first AuditCon in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2025, and it was an amazing experience. Not only did I learn from the educational sessions, but I also had the opportunity to network with auditors from across the country. It allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone to meet new people and build new connections and was incredibly rewarding. After AuditCon, I joined ACUA’s Artificial Intelligence Committee because I am passionate about emerging technologies and the ways AI can help auditors work more efficiently.

Today, I volunteer with both the Artificial Intelligence Committee and the Social Media Committee. I enjoy contributing in different ways, whether that is creating content, sharing ideas, or collaborating with fellow auditors on innovative approaches to our work. The friendships, knowledge, opportunities, and encouragement I have received through ACUA have been invaluable, and I am super grateful to be part of such a welcoming and supportive organization.”

Professional Background
Mai Estelle Konate-Bauman moved to the United States from Côte d’Ivoire in 2018 as an international student to pursue my education. Mai began her academic journey at Bryant & Stratton College before transferring to the University at Buffalo, where she earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Financial Analysis in 2022 and later completing a master’s degree in business Analytics in 2023. Mai is currently pursuing an MBA at the University at Buffalo while continuing her career in internal auditing.

After completing her graduate studies in Analytics, Mai was selected for a one-year scholarship program with HSBC’s Internal Audit team, where she worked in Financial Crime Risk Data Analytics. In that role, Mai had the opportunity to combine her interests in auditing, data analytics, and process improvement with helping support audit and automation initiatives. In July 2024, Mai became a Staff Auditor at the University at Buffalo.

One of Mai’s favorite things about higher education auditing is that she is constantly learning. Every audit gives Mai the opportunity to better understand how different departments operate and how they contribute to the university’s mission. Mai is intrigued by how the moving pieces come together to support students, faculty, and staff.

Outside of work, Mai loves traveling and experiencing new cultures. Additionally, she enjoys video editing and creating designs in Canva. Mai’s interest in creativity and communication is what motivated her to volunteer with ACUA’s Social Media Committee.

In thinking on about her life, Mai says “it has been an incredible journey. What makes it even more special is that I now work as an Internal Auditor at the University at Buffalo. Going from being an international student on campus to becoming part of the university’s professional community feels like a true full-circle moment.”

Spotlight Nomination

“Since joining ACUA, Mai has been an invaluable addition to the volunteer team. Her initiative and dedication are evident in her willingness to jump in and help wherever needed. In a short time, Mai has volunteered and made a great impact on the AI, Social Media, and now the Volunteer Recognition Committee. A true testament to her dedication to helping others. Thank you so much to Mai for all of your hard work with ACUA! I look forward to seeing what you do next!”

Internal Audit Awareness Month is a time to recognize the important role internal auditors play in strengthening institutions, supporting accountability, and helping organizations operate with greater confidence.

This year, ACUA is making it even easier to celebrate the profession and show your connection to the ACUA community with official branded merchandise, now available in the ACUA Store.

Whether you’re looking for something to wear during Internal Audit Awareness Month, planning ahead for AuditCon, searching for a thoughtful gift for a colleague, or simply looking for a way to represent your professional community throughout the year, the ACUA Store has you covered.

What You’ll Find

The storefront offers a curated selection of ACUA-branded items, including:

Comfortable apparel in a range of sizes
Drinkware and accessories for the office or home
Totes, notebooks, and more

Each item was selected with ACUA members in mind: functional, professional, and perfect for showcasing your ACUA pride.

The ACUA Store offers a convenient way to celebrate your involvement with ACUA, support Internal Audit Awareness Month, and represent the higher education internal audit profession on campus, at events, in the office, and beyond.

Visit the Store

Browse the full selection and place your order today:

We look forward to seeing the ACUA community sporting these items throughout Internal Audit Awareness Month and all year long.

Thank you for all that you do to raise awareness, uplift one another, and continue driving excellence in internal audit.another, and continue driving excellence together.

Organizations who are reviewing and interpreting the directives:

• National Science Foundation (NSF) –  Executive Orders Implementation
• National Institute of Health (NIH) – Changes Coming in 2025
• National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) – Federal Policy Insights for Higher Education Finance Leaders
  • NACUBO, COGR, and 16 Other Organizations File Amicus Brief Supporting Community Appeal of Indirect Cost Reimbursement Rate Cap
• COGR 2025 Administration Transition Resources
• National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) – Changing Federal Landscape Collaborate Community
• Regulatory & Legislative Updates for Higher Ed Risk Managers – URMIA
• National Association of College and University Attorneys
• Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges – Public Policy Alerts
  • White House:
    Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education
    Transparency Regarding Foreign Influence at American Universities

Organizations that post articles and blogs with updates on the directives:

• The Chronicle of Higher Education – News
• Association of Public & Land Grant Universities (APLU)
• American Council on Education (ACE)