Seven Ashford University students received national recognition at the Awards of Excellence presentation during the Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) National Leadership Conference and Institute for Leaders in Anaheim, Calif. on June 22-25.

Award winners from Ashford included:

• Fourth Place – Business Decision Making: Ben Ingram, Davenport, Iowa; Andrew Filler, Clinton, Iowa; and Lexie Kibler, Camanche, Iowa
• Sixth Place – Management Concepts: Garret Branch, Roscommon, Minn.
• Sixth Place – Strategic Analysis & Decision Making: Garret Branch; Jesse Lawson, Sabula, Iowa; and Alexander Richie, St. Louis, Mo.
• Ninth Place – Hospitality Management: Andrew Filler.
• Ninth Place – Justice Administration: Gema Delgado, Rockford, Ill.
• Tenth Place – Financial Services: Lexie Kibler and Jesse Lawson

The awards were part of a comprehensive competitive events program sponsored by FBLA-PBL. Individuals, state teams, and local chapters were encouraged to compete in more than 50 different events representing the business and leadership development focus of the organization.

Also attending the event from Ashford were students Lance DeShane, Hillsdale, Ill.; Andrea Herin, Chadwick, Ill.; Patrick Kommer, Clinton, Iowa; Stephanie Nessling, Thayer, Mo.; Steve Wanda, Bettendorf, Iowa; Zaak Williams, Lake Ozark, Mo.; and Makenna Yoerger, Clinton, Iowa. They were joined by Ashford faculty members Diane Cornilsen, David Ward, and Charlie Minnick.

The Ashford students were among 1,800 future business leaders from around the world who attended the conference sponsored by FBLA-PBL, the largest and oldest student business organization in the world.

FBLA-PBL has a quarter million members and advisers in 12,000 chartered middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Its mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.

About Ashford University

Ashford University is defining the modern college experience by combining the heritage of a traditional campus with the flexibility and effectiveness of online learning. The University provides a vibrant learning community where high-quality programs and leading-edge technology create a dynamic, immersive and stimulating learning experience. The University offers practical and progressive associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor’s degree programs at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. Ashford University – where heritage meets innovation. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.