A-State FBLA Achieves Success at National Competition in Texas
JONESBORO – The Arkansas State University chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) made a significant impact at the annual National Leadership Conference in Dallas.
A-State FBLA Chapter advisers Dr. Philip Tew, associate professor of finance, and Himani Vidhani, associate professor of information systems and business analytics, accompanied four students to the national collegiate-level conference.
“The students competed against 1,000 college students from over a hundred colleges and universities nationwide, ranging from small private universities to community colleges, to large state universities with enrollments of over 80,000 students,” said Tew.
Tara Henry, a sophomore double major in accounting and information systems and business analytics from Hope, won fifth place in the business communications category.
Madison Wintizer, a senior strategic communication major from Piggott, placed eighth in the foundations of communications category.
Rachel Davis, an MBA student from Mammoth Springs placed fifth in the foundations of communications category. Davis has a bachelor's degree in agriculture from A-State.
“I am proud to be a member of A-State FBLA and of all our chapter’s accomplishments at the FBLA National Leadership Conference. Being a student at A-State and a member of FBLA has equipped me with the confidence, leadership, professionalism and practical skills needed to approach every opportunity prepared and ready to succeed,” said Davis.
The students continued the group's success, which was set by those who walked before them.
“All students who attended qualified for the National Leadership Conference by placing second or third in their state-level competitions,” Tew continues. “Over the past 16 years, students have attended the National Leadership Conference and placed nationally from every college on campus.”
After closing its presence on campus, the chapter was revitalized in 2008, bringing new energy to the group. Since its revival, the chapter “has had over 1,500 members, had multiple state officers and presidents, multiple national officers, won over 100 national awards and over a dozen national championships,” Tew noted.
After 15 years, Tew advised his final group of FBLA students. During his time as an adviser, he served as the State Adviser for FBLA-Collegiate for five years, a member of the State FBLA Foundation Board of Directors for six years, and president of the State FBLA Professional Division.
Starting July 1, Himani Vidhani will fully take over the reins as A-State FBLA chapter adviser.
A-State FBLA members attend the National Leadership Conference in Dallas (from left): Austin Murray, Tara Henry, Rachel Davis and Madison Wintizer.
