Staff

Leah Ladley, CPA, CIA, CFE, CRMA

Chief Audit Executive
Email: Leah.Ladley@mtsu.edu
Phone: (615) 898-2253 

Leah Ladley joined MTSU in 2023 as the Chief Audit Executive for Audit Services. Prior to this, she served as Chief Auditor at the University of Oregon. Before that she was employed as the Chief Audit Officer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Working in the internal audit profession since 2008, she is dedicated to developing solutions that work while building strong relationships across the university to foster collaboration and enhance the system of internal controls.  

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and holding a Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA), Leah brings a wealth of expertise in governance, risk management, and control frameworks.  

Leah received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi. She taught the Becker CPA Review to CPA candidates. As an adjunct faculty, she taught accounting and finance courses at her alma mater. She is a first-generation college graduate. 

In her leisure time, Leah enjoys playing golf and organizes outings with colleagues across campus who also enjoy the sport. 

Christy Bell, CPA, CIA

Senior Auditor
Email: Christy.Bell@mtsu.edu
Phone: (615) 898-5277 

Christy Bell joined MTSU in 2025 as a Senior Auditor in Audit Services. She brings experience in accounting, financial reporting, and organizational support across both nonprofit and public accounting environments.

Prior to joining MTSU, Christy served as the Controller at Special Kids, where she oversaw financial operations, reporting, and internal controls for the organization. Before that, she worked as an accountant with Dempsey, Vantrease, & Follis and with H.A. Beasley & Company, gaining valuable early-career experience in client accounting services.

Christy earned her Bachelor of Science from MTSU. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), credentials that strengthen her work in governance, risk management, and internal control evaluation.

A Murfreesboro native, Christy’s connection to MTSU runs deep–she met her husband on campus while they were both students, and three of their four children are now MTSU graduates. Outside of work, she enjoys summertime, being outdoors, and being with family.

Sarah Hall

Sarah Hall, a native of Middle Tennessee, always had an interest in the administrative profession, serving as an officer in the Business Professionals of America organization as a senior in high school and went on to win an award in the regional competition that year.

She began being “True Blue” in spring of 2002 while serving as a student worker in the withdrawal office.

She obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from MTSU in August 2005. She is also a first-generation college graduate.

She worked in a temporary, part-time position in the Financial Aid office in 2006.

Sarah has been a devoted colleague of Audit Services since September of 2007. She became a Certified Administrative Professional in October of 2025. Promoted in December of 2025, she is proud to be serving as an Internal Auditor.

MTSU holds a special place in her heart. She met her husband while attending MTSU, marrying during the summer before classes started. Now, her daughter attends MTSU!

When she is not at the office, she is living the simple and busy life as a wife and mother to a daughter and two sons.

Trantell Knight, M.B.A. 

nternal Auditor
Email: Trantell.Knight@mtsu.edu
Phone: (615) 898-2252

Joined MTSU in 2025 as an Internal Auditor in Audit Services. He has a wealth of knowledge in financial reporting, budgeting, and process improvements in the accounting field.

Prior to this, Trantell served as a Senior Accountant at a privately held company in Nashville. During this time there, he was responsible for preparing and reviewing financial statements, reconciling accounts, and analyzing financial data.

Trantell is a former athlete of MTSU where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration. Trantell aspires to become a CIA to expand his skill set and knowledge within the audit field.

Outside of the office, he enjoys all things fitness, traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with his family. Lastly, Trantell enjoys giving back to the community by participating in events that serve the community.