Michigan Tech Student Jim Brisson Honored as 2026 Campus Influencer of the Year

HOUGHTON, MI – Michigan Technological University student Jim Brisson has earned the prestigious 2026 Campus Influencer of the Year award from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA). This recognition highlights Brisson's significant contributions to fostering connections between Michigan Tech students and the broader professional accounting and business communities. His work emphasizes the power of conversation and mentorship in navigating career paths, a valuable lesson for students across all disciplines.

According to Michigan Technological University, Brisson, a senior in accounting, will be formally recognized at MICPA's Celebrate Awards event in Detroit on November 11, 2026. The award underscores a commitment to helping peers explore career possibilities and build essential professional networks.

The Power of Connection: Mentorship and Career Exploration

Brisson's journey into accounting was not linear, a detail that, according to Michigan Tech, informs his passion for helping others. Initially drawn to exercise science with an interest in sports, he pivoted to business and then accounting after a series of influential conversations. His brother's suggestion to consider the business side of sports, followed by insights from Michigan Tech athletics leader Suzanne Sanregret and MICPA President and CEO Bob Doyle '98, helped him recognize the versatility and potential of an accounting degree.

This personal experience of discovering a career path through dialogue and mentorship is at the core of Brisson's 'influencer' approach. According to MICPA's student engagement senior coordinator, Emily Olson, Brisson's work is less about accumulating followers and more about facilitating meaningful interactions. He actively connects students with professionals through guest speakers, career conversations, and by helping them find answers to their career questions. This hands-on, relational approach is particularly beneficial for students who might still be exploring their options or seeking clarity on their professional aspirations.

For parents and educators, Brisson's story highlights the importance of encouraging students to engage in diverse conversations and seek out mentors. These interactions can provide invaluable perspective, helping students understand how their skills and interests can translate into various career fields. Platforms that offer guidance and resources, like COSMIQ, a free voice-driven AI tutor, can also supplement these personal connections by providing accessible learning support for K-12 students as they explore subjects and prepare for future academic and career steps.

Michigan Tech's Role in Fostering Student Leadership

Michigan Technological University, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, appears to provide a fertile ground for students like Brisson to develop leadership and community engagement skills. According to Michigan Tech, Brisson's involvement extends across campus, showcasing a vibrant student life that complements academic pursuits. He is a member of the Pavlis Honors College, the Applied Portfolio Management Program (APMP), the Kappa Sigma Iota Accounting Club, and the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

His participation in the APMP, where students manage a multi-million dollar investment portfolio, is particularly noteworthy. While not solely focused on finance, Brisson joined to broaden his business knowledge. He credits the program with enhancing his public speaking, teamwork, and decision-making skills under pressure. Such experiential learning opportunities, Michigan Tech notes, are crucial for developing well-rounded professionals capable of critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Furthermore, his leadership role as secretary of the Kappa Sigma Iota Accounting Club directly aligns with the MICPA award. In this position, Brisson actively shares his experiences and helps connect peers with the wider accounting community, demonstrating a commitment to 'giving back' to the club that helped him. This reciprocal model of learning and mentorship is a powerful example of how campus communities can empower students to become leaders and advocates for their peers.

The Broader Impact: Addressing Industry Needs

Brisson's recognition comes at a time when the accounting profession faces a nationwide shortage of qualified professionals, a point highlighted by MICPA President and CEO Bob Doyle '98 in a recent issue of Michigan Tech's College of Business' Impact Magazine. Initiatives like the MICPA Campus Influencer Program, and the dedicated efforts of students like Brisson, play a crucial role in addressing this challenge by inspiring and guiding the next generation of accountants.

By connecting students early with professionals and providing a clear understanding of the diverse career paths available within accounting, Brisson's work helps demystify the profession and make it more accessible. This proactive engagement is vital for ensuring a robust talent pipeline for the future. For students considering accounting or other specialized fields, resources such as exam prep directories can also be valuable tools for understanding the requirements and certifications needed for professional advancement.

Ultimately, Jim Brisson's award is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the impact one student can have on their campus and beyond. His commitment to mentorship and connection embodies the spirit of community and shared success, demonstrating how individual initiative, supported by a strong university environment, can help shape future leaders and address pressing industry needs.