College of the Ozarks students place in events at Phi Beta Lambda State Conference, qualify to compete in National Competition

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks students competed in the Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) state conference on Saturday, April 9, to showcase practical business skills. Of the nine students that competed from College of the Ozarks, six placed in the top five of their respective events, and five qualified to compete in the PBL National Leadership Conference.

Students competed in various events with college students across the state. Events are a combination of online tests, production tests, interviews, and presentations. 

“I am extremely proud of these students,” said College of the Ozarks PBL Advisor Lana Fowler, associate professor of business. “They have worked hard all year and represented the College extremely well.” 

Event Results: 

• Liz Hyokyung, senior business administration major from South Korea
  • First Place, Business Presentation
  • First Place, Global Analysis and Decision Making
• Aleiha Mitchell, senior family studies and social services major from Harrah, Oklahoma
  • Second Place, Job Interview
  • Third Place, Impromptu Speaking
• Jamison Ogburn, senior accounting major from Nevada, Missouri
  • Second Place, Accounting for Professionals
  • Second Place, Personal Finance
• Kalinga Nihorimbere, freshman accounting major from Columbia, Missouri 
  • Second Place, Public Speaking
• Brian Casey, junior business administration: management major from Forrest City, Arkansas
  • Fifth Place, Retail Management 
• Mary Beth Porter, junior business administration: management major from Branson, Missouri 
  • Third Place, Project Management 

“We had a great group of students show up and compete well,” said Gabe Rader junior business marketing major and chapter president. “Everyone’s hard work paid off and I am so thankful we had the opportunity to participate in PBL.”  

In previous years, the College of the Ozarks has had the largest PBL chapter in Missouri and qualified several students for national competition. 

“Competing in PBL not only taught me the value and importance of networking, but also allowed me to gain a different perspective on how to become an entrepreneur,” Casey said. 

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.