Midland University FBLA Collegiate Students Excel at National Leadership Conference
Midland University’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate group brought home numerous top finishes during the FBLA Collegiate National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 24-27.
Midland’s squad competed against colleges and universities of all sizes nationwide. There are more than 30 different categories for students to compete in. FBLA competitive events recognize and reward those students in a broad range of business and career-related areas. They also prepare students for successful careers in business by providing opportunities to apply classroom concepts in a workforce-simulated competitive environment and receive feedback from business professionals.
All nine students that participated for Midland came home with an award.
“The Dunklau School of Business is so proud of these students and for all of the hard work and time they put into FBLA,” said Rita Bristol, Associate Professor of Business and FBLA Advisor. “This is a great opportunity for them to not only compete against some of the best programs in the nation but also a great way to network and connect with other leaders from across the country.”
Midland competitors earned three runner-up finishes. Forrest Reyes and Ethan Smith teamed up to finish second in Entrepreneurship Pitch, Scott Tatum placed second in Foundations of Selling, and Lilly Rowe was second in Technology & Computer Case.
The team of Brodie Arnold, Cameron Poolton, and Tatum finished fourth in Hospitality Management Case. FBLA Officers Dylan Amick, Tatum, Abby Spidle, Rowe, and Amy Dosch finished sixth in the Outstanding Chapter category, while Rowe and Spidle joined to place sixth in Management Case.
Tatum, Smith, and Poolton earned Midland’s final honor, placing 10th in the State of the Chapter Presentation.
“Competing against some of the most talented individuals across the country has helped me become a more confident business professional,” said Spidle, a junior Marketing and Psychology major. “Through navigating case studies, I’ve been able to appreciate business owners and managers more in my community.”
FBLA offers students a chance to learn more about how a business works, connect with local businesses and business leaders, compete in various events, and earn money through those competitions. Anyone interested in joining FBLA can contact Bristol at bristol@midlandu.edu.
Spidle believes the value of being involved with FBLA and attending events like the NLC will pay dividends when entering a competitive workforce.
“I’ve gained countless connections, and the relationships I’ve built have strengthened my understanding of business and opportunities available to me,” she said. “There are so many different perspectives to tackling an issue with the bright minds that I’ve worked with, and I will hold onto that information I’ve gathered to lead in my role as an employee.”
“Gaining friends across the country, learning time management, gaining confidence, and grasping any chance to travel are a few reasons why I love FBLA.”
