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Anita Kovacs
Pensacola State College Vice President for Business Affairs Anita Kovacs has been honored with the 2025 Daniel D. Robinson Accounting Award by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). The award was presented during the organization’s 2025 Higher Education Accounting Forum held April 22-24 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Kovacs credits much of her success to Jim Raulerson, Audit Manager for the State of Florida Universities and Colleges. As a newly assigned auditor for the Florida General Auditor’s office, Kovacs worked with Raulerson and an audit coordinator at South Florida State College, quickly learning the intricacies of governmental accounting.
Her initiative and aptitude led her to become a team leader, and she soon took on the critical role of interpreting the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) regulations, saving the Florida College System from needing to hire outside consultants to manage the rapidly evolving standards. She credits Raulerson’s mentorship for encouraging her to step into that leadership role.
Kovacs’ professional journey continued as she engaged with the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers (SACUBO) and later with NACUBO, where she became the first community college board member on the Accounting Principles Council. Today, she chairs NACUBO’s GASB Subcommittee, presents nationally three times a year, and continues to serve in her leadership role at Pensacola State College.
Reflecting on the award, Kovacs said, “I have done my job. That’s what I was supposed to do. If people know a little bit more about GASB, then I have done my job.”
According to NACUBO, the Daniel D. Robinson Accounting Award honors individuals who have demonstrated continuous and outstanding service in advancing higher education accounting. Since 1962, NACUBO has served as a vital resource for campus professionals, offering trusted knowledge to support higher education institutions’ financial and strategic success.
“She has already been recognized at the state level for her efforts, and now she is receiving well-deserved recognition on the national stage,” said PSC Comptroller Nan Jackson. “Her expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence have been a tremendous asset to Pensacola State College and have set a benchmark for accounting practices nationwide.”
Kovacs has significantly impacted national accounting policy, serving on NACUBO’s Accounting Principles Council since 2018 and as a Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC) representative since March 2022.
Sue Menditto, NACUBO Senior Director of Accounting Policy, praised Kovacs’ influence, noting, “Anita is well respected and highly regarded for her knowledge and approach to fiscal management, accounting and financial reporting, operating and accounting controls, and risk assessment. As a result, she is well-positioned to influence at the national level.”
Kovacs’ recognition not only honors her individual accomplishments but also highlights Pensacola State College’s commitment to excellence in financial stewardship and leadership in the broader higher education community.