Goals and Values

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:

KSU yellow letter sign on campus.
  • 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.
Internal Audit Charter

Meet Our Staff

Name
Position

  • jay thomas

    Chief Audit Officer

    jthom141@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3360
    TP 4230

    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, advisory services, and special projects designed to improve the effectiveness of KSU’s operations, risk management, and governance processes.

    Mr. Thomas brings 20+ years of audit, finance, and compliance experience from various industries including higher education, health care, and federal and state government. Prior to joining KSU, Jay served as a Director of Internal Audit for Columbia University.

    Jay earned 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, and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
     
     

  • brenda crawford.

    Deputy Chief Institutional Auditor

    bcrawf46@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6369
    TP 4256

    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 sprague

    Director, Audits and Investigations

    sspragu3@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-6293
    TP 4700 D1

    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.

  • jonelle vernon.

    Senior Auditor, Investigations

    jvernon6@kennesaw.edu
    (470) 578-3973
    TP 4700

    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.