The board of IMA's Greater Ozarks Chapter has found an excellent way to honor the memory, and service, of a long-time member: creating a CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) scholarship in his name.

The Terry Jones Memorial Fund was created in remembrance of Terry Jones, a dedicated IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) member who served in various leadership roles, including several terms as president, and who died suddenly at the age of 52 in 2010.

“He was ‘Mr. IMA’ in Springfield [Missouri], a real go-getter who went above and beyond for the association,” said Olen Greer, Ph.D., professor at Missouri State University and current chapter officer. “He was also a CMA, a CFM, and a true leader and inspiration for members of the chapter as well as an encourager of others to obtain their certification.”

To honor Jones, the board of the Greater Ozarks Chapter decided about five years ago to set aside several thousand dollars to provide scholarships to those who take the exam. To be eligible, members must be part of the chapter in good standing; after submitting documentation of passing an exam part, they are reimbursed for the costs. Currently, the scholarship reimburses for one exam part only, but reimbursement for both parts is being considered.

Greer notes that not too many members have taken advantage of the scholarship, even though it has been offered for many years. “Some people have their employers pay for the cost of taking the exam; others, I think, just aren’t aware of how easy it is to receive it.”

Although funds for the scholarship were set aside several years ago, the chapter also is committed to replenishing them when they run low. Fortunately, the chapter is among the sponsors of the Annual Heartland Regional Council Educational Conference, which provides the chapter with resources for this scholarship and other activities. The conference, now in its 18th year, is held every September near the campus of Missouri State University and is jointly sponsored by the Greater Ozarks Chapter, Missouri State University, and the Heartland Regional Council.

“We think of this scholarship as standing in the gap for those members who don’t have sponsorship from their companies and who are investing in their future by getting certified. This scholarship is a great way to honor Terry’s memory and to support our members in their pursuit of the CMA,” concluded Greer.

For more information on the Greater Ozarks Chapter, please visit https://linkup.imanet.org/greaterozarkschapter/home. For information on the Terry Jones Memorial Fund, please email info@gozima.com.