Ashford University students earned 29 awards in various categories and levels at the 2012 Iowa Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) Leadership Conference at the University of Iowa on March 30-31. These students are now eligible to compete at the national conference in San Antonio on June 24-27. Ashford University earned first place in largest local chapter membership and first place in largest percent increase in local chapter membership. Nineteen Ashford PBL members competed in objective and performance tests.

In addition to the competitive events, students attended workshops about developing their personal brand, understanding student debt, graduate school preparation, leadership and building a personal learning network. Members also had the opportunity to network with students and professionals from other colleges, universities and businesses.

Students from ten colleges and universities participated in the conference: Dakota State University, Grandview College, Loras College, Wartburg College, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, Des Moines Area Community College (Boone and Des Moines) and Ashford University.

Ashford University students receiving awards were:

First place: Tim Elias, Clinton, Iowa, Statistical Analysis; Jesse Lawson, Sabula, Iowa, Job Interview; Dawn Nelson, Delmar, Iowa, Computer Applications; Jason Ohda, Walnut, IL, Accounting Analysis and Decision Making and Andy Wood, Clinton, Iowa, Applied Business Knowledge.

Second place: Jason Ohda, Accounting for Professionals; Hrvoje Volarevic, Clinton, Iowa, Computer Applications and Jason Ohda, Heath Westerkamp (Bettendorf, Iowa) and Brian LaFollette, (Clinton, Iowa), Business Decision Making (Team).

Third place: Gema Delgado, Rockford, IL, Business Math; Tim Elias, Contemporary Sports Issues; Ben Ingram, Davenport, Iowa, Project Management; Brian LaFollette, Business Law and Andy Wood, International Business.

Fourth and fifth places:

Troy Behning, Seneca, IL: Accounting for Professionals, fourth place; Applied Business Knowledge, fourth Place and Statistical Analysis, fifth place.

Ava Biriouk, Hudsonville, MI: International Business, fourth place.

Courtney Dirks, Prophetstown, IL: Marketing Concepts, fourth place; Management Concepts, fifth place and Microeconomics, fifth place.

Christina Justice, Morrison, IL: Financial Services, fourth place and Job Interview, fifth place.

Brian LaFollette: Project Management, fifth place.

Dawn Nelson: Business Communication, fifth place.

Teleonte Smith, Hannibal MO: Business Math, fourth place.

Hrvoje Volarevic: Computer Concepts, fourth place.

Heath Westerkamp: Impromptu Speaking, fourth place.

PBL is a national organization for students interested in pursuing a business career; however, membership is not exclusive to business majors.

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. Ashford University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). 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 Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.