N.C. A&T’s Frederick Receives 2023 North Carolina Internal Audit Award

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Nov. 28, 2023) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University senior internal auditor LaShonna Frederick ‘94 has received the 2023 North Carolina Internal Audit Award of Excellence.

The Office of State Budget and Management bestows the award, which recognizes commitment and dedication in advancing the profession of internal auditing within North Carolina state government, to only one recipient annually.

Frederick, who has worked at N.C. A&T in an internal auditing capacity for the past 27 years, serves in the Office of Internal Auditing within the Division of Legal Affairs, Risk & Compliance.

“I thought it was important to bring recognition to LaShonna Frederick for her dedication and commitment to both N.C. A&T and the internal auditing profession,” said Kevin J. Thomas, MBA, CFE, internal audit director in the Office of Internal Auditing, who nominated her for the award.

“Her passion and love for both internal auditing and our university is displayed daily and is reflected in her actions and the work she produces,” he said. “I wanted her to be recognized for everything she has done for the university and how she approaches all challenges, tasks, and obstacles with a positive demeanor.”

Thomas said his previous employment gave him the opportunity to interact and observe the work of numerous internal auditors.

“And I can unequivocally state LaShonna possesses multiple traits and attributes that make her a very rare and outstanding auditor. I truly believe there is no auditor in the state more deserving of the North Carolina Internal Audit Award of Excellence than Ms. Frederick.”

Frederick said she learned in September that Thomas had nominated her for the award, but she did not expect to receive it.

“I had no idea that I would be the award recipient,” she said. “So, it was quite a surprise but a good feeling.”

Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations.

“We assist the university in evaluating and improving effectiveness and efficiencies,” said Frederick. “We also look into risk management control and the governance process.”

For the all the hard work the Office of Internal Auditing performs, this award serves as a reminder that they are seen and appreciated for what they do, Frederick said.

“It’s great to be recognized,” said Frederick. “A lot of times we’re in the background, working real hard. So, for the opportunity to be recognized for the hard work that has been put in for a while within this office, it is good to be recognized for, for doing that.”

Frederick said she will use the award to generate awareness about the positive work behind internal auditing.

“I hope this puts internal audit out there in the forefront. A lot of people have a negative connotation when it comes to auditing or when we show up to audit, but I would like everybody to know that we’re on the same page and the same team as they are,” she said.

“We’re internal auditors wanting to help the university and help the department stay on the right track and stay on top of risk and compliance. We’re all on the same team.”