It was a successful outing at this year’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate National Leadership Conference for a group of Missouri State University College of Business students.

The conference held May 31-June 2 in Dallas, Texas, brought together more than 890 students from nearly 150 schools in 27 states and territories. Competitors engaged in 38 business-related events, with opportunities to attend 60 professional workshops and connect with more than 25 colleges, universities and employers.

Missouri State students won several awards, including the prestigious Distinguished Chapter Award, and gained positive experiences that will shape their future careers.

Courtney Pham, faculty advisor and senior instructor of marketing, praised the group’s leadership and collaboration. She noted the chapter’s consistent use of study groups to prepare for both state and national events, and how students balanced fun with professionalism.

“I know I can always count on them to deliver,” Pham said.

Competition results

Besides securing a top chapter award, which recognizes dedication, contributions and activities throughout the year, the students placed in these events:

• Foundations of Entrepreneurship – Luke Hamilton, international business (first place)
• Accounting Case Competition – Joe Sizemore, accounting; Daniel Skinner, accounting; Nathan West, accounting; and Grant Preddy, economics (second place)
• Foundations of Economics – Preddy (second place)
• Computer Applications – Ellen Kowalski, information technology (third place)
• Sports Management and Marketing – Alyson Harter, entertainment management (third place)
• Future Business Facilitator – Thao Tran, marketing (fourth place)
• State of Chapter Presentation – Perla Oxlaj, marketing, and Tran (fourth place)
• Foundations of Management – Harter (fifth place)
• Retail Management – Tran (sixth place), Terrell Littleton, marketing (eighth place)
• International Business – Hamilton (eighth place)
• Future Business Executive – Ava Lin, management and leadership (10th place)

The team’s success reflected months of preparation and a culture of encouragement. The national conference was more than a contest; it was a chance for the students to apply months of practice, achieve personal milestones and experience the strength of teamwork by supporting each other.

“Presenting to my peers gave me confidence,” said Tran, Missouri State FBLA president. “Their encouragement was just as valuable as their feedback.”

For Harter, the conference gave her opportunities to network with peers from across the country and strengthen friendships within her chapter.

“The inspiration of my mentors and the support of my chapter gave me the courage to compete,” she said.

Find out more about the College of Business