Alabama State University News July 26, 2013 ASU Business Fraternity Students Earn Statewide and National Honors For the second consecutive year, members of Alabama State University's Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) professional business fraternity have earned statewide and national honors. ASU sent eight of its business students, along with members of the Student Government Association, to compete at the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., June 22 through 25. Top honors went to two of ASU's students, who were among more than 2,000 college students from across the nation and abroad who participated in the national conference. "ASU was the only Historic Black College or University (HBCU) in attendance at this year's national conference, and our students brought home wins and a national award recognizing their service to the organization and to our community," said Le-Quita Booth, dean of ASU's College of Business Administration. "This is yet another testament to the quality of education our students receive." Essence Willis, a management major, competed in the Free Enterprise Project. She placed third among the 14 finalists for that competition. Undrea Meadows, a CIS major, also advanced to the finals in Website Design, beating more than 30 competitors to reach the Top 14. ASU also earned the Gold Seal Chapter of Merit award, which recognizes outstanding PBL chapters for their participation in local chapter written reports, community service, recruitment of members and active participation in programs that support the goals of PBL. "This was an international conference, and I am impressed with our students," said Dr. Michelle Crawford, PBL adviser and assistant professor of management. "Although the students were first-time participants, they stood toe-to-toe with students from top-notch institutions from around the world. The students had a fantastic showing this year at the conference and represented our great institution with professionalism." The honors ASU's PBL chapter earned at the national conference build upon an already impressive year for the group. CIS major Charlester Wims made history in April during the state conference in Birmingham, where she was elected the first African-American female president of the Alabama chapter. Additionally, each of ASU's 11 student competitors placed in the state competition. In all, ASU students won 19 out of 20 competitions entered with 10 first-place wins, seven second-place wins and two third-place wins. The state and national conferences are held annually and provide a wide range of business-related tests on subjects ranging from management, marketing, finance, accounting and computer information systems. The conferences provide an avenue for students to gain leadership experience, participate in motivational general sessions, professional development and career-planning workshops and intense competitive activities. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.