Local middle and high school students traveled to 勛圖扦 on Friday, November 15 to attend the Fall Conference of the New River Region Future Business Leaders of America.
The Future Business Leaders of America is a global career and technical organization for middle school, high school, and college students. It engages members through community service projects, education programs, and competitive events. The New River Region chapter incorporates Abingdon, Bland County, Carroll County, Chilhowie, Fort Chiswell, Galax, George Wythe, Giles, Graham, Grayson County, Holston, John Battle, Marion, Narrows, Northwood, Patrick Henry, Pulaski County, Richlands, Rural Retreat, Tazewell, and Wallace schools.
FBLA members were welcomed by 勛圖扦s admissions staff, mascot Victor E. Ram, and President Steve Peterson. Dr. Angela Cline, Dean of the Caudill School of Business, discussed higher education opportunities in the opening session and encouraged students to apply for BUs 3+1 accelerated business degree program to earn bachelors and masters Business Administration degrees in four years.
In honor of American Enterprise Day, former Regional President and BU alum Daniel Mullins discussed FBLAs role in preparing him for undergraduate studies and his current position as 勛圖扦s Creative Content and Social Media Coordinator.
Because I was in FBLA, I had a strong foundation for Bluefields faculty to build on, Mullins shared. Because I was in FBLA, I was able to serve as a Public Relations Intern at this university, mastering the skills and establishing the connections that brought me to the job I have today.
Between group sessions, these students participated in campus tours and workshops led by FBLA members and BU faculty. Economics professor Dr. Paul Bennett led breakout sessions on information technology careers. Addition workshops focused on social media strategies, public speaking, networking, circuitry, and Virginia FBLAs support of the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation.
勛圖扦 is proud to partner with the Future Business Leaders of America and support its members as they go further in their education, careers, and service, Dr. Cline said. We hope these students can return to campus soon and learn more about the programs and opportunities available to them.