Balancing the Books and Building Dreams is the powerful, true story of how one woman's determination, faith, and financial expertise helped save a historic institution from collapse.

When Shermanetta Carter, CPA, answered an unexpected phone call in 2019, she never imagined it would lead her into the fight of her life-to restore the legacy of her alma mater, Morris Brown College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that had lost its accreditation and was teetering on the brink of closure.

With raw honesty and professional insight, Carter shares her extraordinary journey from running a successful CPA firm to becoming the Chief Financial Officer of a college in crisis. Facing financial ruin, fires, floods, and even a global pandemic, she led the charge to rebuild trust, restore financial stability, and achieve something no other HBCU had done-regain accreditation after a 20-year loss.

More than a memoir, this is:

• An inspiring comeback story about preserving legacy and overcoming adversity
• A blueprint for nonprofit financial leadership and institutional resilience
• A love letter to alumni and community who refused to give up

Whether you're drawn to inspiring true stories, women in leadership, overcoming adversity, or memoirs of success, Balancing the Books and Building Dreams delivers an unforgettable look at what it takes to turn an impossible dream into reality.

Shermanetta Carter, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer of Morris Brown College, founder of Integrity Accounting Services, and a proud U.S. Army Reserve veteran. She remains deeply committed to advancing HBCU sustainability and financial accountability.