Neal Spencer, retired CEO of BKD, will give the commencement address at Ozarks Technical Community College’s graduation on Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at the JQH Arena on the Missouri State University campus. In addition to all graduates and their families, the public is invited to attend the ceremony.
Mr. Spencer retired from BKD, LLP after serving the firm for more than 29 years, including five years as chief executive officer. BKD was named the nation’s 12th
Neal Spencer
Neal Spencer Student Lounge Dedication 01-23-15 largest certified public accounting and advisory firm in 2014. In Mr. Spencer’s new venture, Thrive or Just Survive, LLC, he offers his expertise to businesses and institutions. Mr. Spencer’s keynote speech focuses on how to make difficult professional and personal decisions.
“Mr. Spencer’s passion for education, his leadership experience and his community involvement make him an ideal commencement speaker,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College. “We look forward to hearing what he will share with our graduates as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Mr. Spencer is a 1985 graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. In 2003, Mr. Spencer was recognized by the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas as the Accountant of the Year in Public Accounting, and he currently serves as a member of the Accounting Advisory Board.
Mr. Spencer has served on the OTC Foundation Board since 2009, and he is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Spencer also served on the six-member management board of Praxity from 2007 to 2010, the largest international alliance of accounting firms in the world.