
Kortni McNutt
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Kortni McNutt, Class of 2023
Hometown: Ada, Oklahoma
Degree: Bachelor of Professional Accountancy
As graduation soon approaches, senior and soon-to-be OBU graduate, Kortni McNutt is far from slowing down. Her weekly schedule reflects an active, engaged, contributing student who continues to make an impact in various capacities on campus and in the community.
Kortni, who came to OBU from Ada, Oklahoma, will receive her Bachelor of Professional Accountancy through the Paul Dickinson School of Business in May. She chose this career major because of her love for math and numbers. After she completed her first accounting course, Kortni realized she wanted to pursue it as her field of study.
“Principles of Accounting is still one of my favorite classes in my time as a student,” she said. “Dr. Nixon was an excellent instructor and outlined the fundamentals so well. I have continued to build on that foundation and grow in my knowledge. I feel equipped and ready to graduate.”
“Dr. Houghton has also served as an amazing role model for me. I admire how he incorporates his faith into the classroom. He emphasizes the idea that the purpose of business is for the glory of God. That perspective is inspiring and impactful,” she explained.
Outside the realm of business classes, Kortni said the course that has brought her the most joy is “Gospels and Acts,” taught by Dr. Bobby Kelly in the Hobbs School of Theology. “This course was such a refreshing area of focus during the week. I feel like I learned how to read my Bible so much better. It was enlightening to compare the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke together. Each day in that class, we studied and talked about Jesus,” she said.
Bison Hill has afforded Kortni many opportunities for leadership, including serving as president of OBU’s club tennis teams where both male and female teams compete against other universities. Kortni plays on the singles, doubles and mixed doubles teams.
She also serves as an intern with Waters Edge Ministry Services in Montgomery Hall on campus which allows her to gain experience in her area of study. In addition, she is a coordinator of student mentors for business courses in the University’s Milburn Success Center.
Kortni has been an active member of Enactus, an international business club with a mission to educate and inspire students to use innovation and entrepreneurship for making positive contributions in the community. This year, Kortni was the chairperson for the annual etiquette dinner hosted by Enactus. The keynote speaker offered instruction in table and social etiquette alongside the evening’s opportunity to network with business and industry professionals.
A highlight of Kortni’s college years has been taking part in two GO (Global Outreach) trips with a third GO trip to northern Africa set for this summer. She traveled to Mexico during her junior year and as a senior, has traveled with teams to both Israel and Romania.
The Israel trip was a leadership and educational enrichment experience offered through OBU and Passages. The emphasis of the Romania trip was hands-on service with an organization called “Fight for Freedom.”
While in Romania, Kortni and the team served in a region with Ukrainian refugees. They worked alongside a Ukrainian team of volunteers. Together, they completed tasks of painting, sorting donation items, burning trash, and filling food aid packages.
“I was inspired in so many ways,” she said. “It was such a great experience to work with a team from Ukraine and see their love for the Lord and heart of service too.”
Kortni’s service to others is not just found across the globe. For three years, she and a group of OBU students have travelled weekly to the Oklahoma City metro area to take part in the Mission Exchange ministry through Exchange Baptist Church.
She invests in the lives of children from varied age levels who may not have the opportunity to attend church or hear the gospel. “We walk with the children to the church facility and have a time of recreation, fun and Bible stories. It is rewarding to know we are touching the lives and hearts of these kids on a regular basis,” she said.
Following graduation, Kortni has plans to participate in a tax internship at Ernst and Young (EY) in Oklahoma City, an opportunity she feels very grateful to have.
“Through one of our Enactus networking events, I connected with a partner from EY and that was a key factor in me being offered this opportunity,” she explained. “My next GO trip will take place in August following the internship.”
With Kortni’s chapter of college about to close, she reflects on what has been most rewarding to her as a student at OBU.
“My faith has grown in so many ways. I had always attended church, but I see how my faith has truly become my own and developed on a much deeper level,” Kortni said.
“I have been blessed with a great group of friends over the years. We have a lot of fun, but they also help foster my faith. I know we will continue these friendships after graduation and well into the future.”