SFA’s Phi Beta Lambda students receive top honors at national conference

NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Members of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Phi Beta Lambda chapter in the Rusche College of Business recently placed among the top 10 in various competitions at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California.

SFA student Mark McLean became the first PBL student from the university to place first in a competition when he won in cost accounting. He also placed fourth in microeconomics. Kristi Clifford placed eighth in information management. Also, Clifford and Daniel Walker received eighth place in human resource management. Michael Kugler won 10th place in the programming concepts competition.

SFA’s chapter also was among the 10 chapters that received diamond status for excellent service.

“SFA students worked hard to be able to compete in this important national event,” said Dr. Laurie Rogers, visiting assistant professor and PBL advisor in SFA’s Department of Business Communication and Legal Studies. “By competing and placing at nationals, the students promoted not only their own education and professional careers, but also the Rusche College of Business and SFA.”

During the conference, more than 1,800 participants from across the U.S. enhanced their business skills, networked and competed in 60 business and business-related events, according to the conference’s press release.

The awards were part of a comprehensive national competitive events program sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America-PBL that recognizes and rewards excellence in a range of business and career-related areas.

In addition to competitions, students immersed themselves in interactive workshops, visited an information-packed exhibit hall and heard from keynote speakers on a range of business topics.

PBL is a non-profit educational association for students preparing for careers in business, entrepreneurial or business-related fields.