The mission of the Internal Audit Department is to provide independent, objective audits and consulting services designed to add value and improve KSU’s operations. It helps KSU accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes.
The scope of work of the Internal Audit Department is to determine whether the University’s network of risk management, control, and governance processes, as designed and represented by management, is adequate and functioning in a manner to ensure:
Risks are appropriately identified and managed.
Interaction with the various governance groups occurs as needed.
Significant financial, managerial, and operational information is accurate, reliable,
and timely.
Employees’ actions are in compliance with policies, standards, procedures, and applicable laws and regulations.
Resources are acquired economically, used efficiently, and adequately protected.
Programs, plans, and objectives are achieved.
Quality and continuous improvement are fostered in the University’s control processes.
Significant legislative or regulatory issues impacting the University are recognized
and addressed properly.
Jay Thomas serves as the Chief Audit Officer at Kennesaw State University. In the role, he provides leadership of the internal audit team that provides independent, objective audits and advisory services designed to improve the effectiveness of KSU’s operations, risk management, and governance processes. Thomas has over 20 years of auditing and compliance experience in higher education, academic medical centers, and the federal government. Prior to KSU, Thomas was a Director of Internal Audit for Columbia University where he led the financial and operational audit team. Thomas began his career as a federal auditor with the Government Accountability Office. He holds a Master of Accountancy from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Kennesaw State University. Additionally, he holds professional certifications including Certified Public Accountant (Georgia); Certified Internal Auditor; Certified Information Systems Auditor; Certified Government Financial Manager; and Certified Government Auditing Professional.
Brenda Garcia Crawford joined Kennesaw State University (KSU) as the Deputy Chief
Institutional Auditor in November 2021. Brenda is a Certified Public Accountant and
brings 20+ years of experience crossing various accounting and finance disciplines
(e.g., External Audit, Internal Audit, SOX Compliance, Financial Planning & Analysis,
and General Ledger Accounting). Brenda received her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in
Accounting and a minor in Economics from the Babson College. Prior to KSU, Brenda
worked at Ernst & Young, Deloitte, Warner Media, Comcast, Optum, and Rollins Inc.
Stephen SpragueDirector, Audits and Investigations
Stephen Sprague joined Kennesaw State University (KSU) as the Director of Audits and
Investigations in May 2023. Stephen is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Fraud
Examiner, and Certified Information Systems Auditor with over 20 years of experience
within operations, finance, auditing, and investigations. Stephen received a bachelor's
degree in accounting from New York University. Prior to KSU, Stephen worked at Columbia
University, Sprague Consulting, STI Telecom, and Cablevision.
Eric de Oliveira joined Kennesaw State University (KSU) as a Senior Internal Auditor
in April 2022. Eric is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner
with over five years of experience in managing and conducting operational, financial
and compliance audits, as well as fraud investigations and other financial services
across various industries. Eric received his Bachelor of Business Administration with
an emphasis in Finance and Master of Accounting degrees from Georgia Southern University.
Prior to KSU, Eric worked at Ernst & Young, United Parcel Service (UPS) and, more
recently, Invesco.
Jonelle Vernon joined Kennesaw State University (KSU) as a Senior Auditor of Investigations
in December 2022. Ms. Vernon received her Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A)
in Accounting from Georgia State University and her master's degree in Accounting
with a Forensic Accounting concentration from Florida Atlantic University.
Ms. Vernon is a Certified Fraud Examiner with over six years of experience in the
fraud and forensic accounting field. In prior roles, Ms. Vernon conducted criminal
and administrative investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse and analyzed financials
to assist with the divorce and commercial litigation processes.
