Students from the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas campus chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) recently won third place at the FBLA Fall National Leadership Conference. Fourteen UVI students attended the conference held in Birmingham, Alabama Nov. 15-17. UVI won third place in the FBLA-PBL "Business Brain Juggle."

Upon arrival in Birmingham the contingent learned of the "Business Brain Juggle" contest and put together a team of six students - Sharifa Skelton, Malon Angol, Lemuel Ryan, Chennel Nolan, Jermaine Baptiste and Desiree Burton - to represent the group. In preparation the students had to learn business and FBLA historical facts, research business topics and attend workshops. The UVI students were also recognized for having the highest membership in attendance from the region and for professional business attire.

While at the conference the students attended various workshops. Some of those workshops included "Understanding Employee Benefits," "Catching the Customer Service Wave," "Becoming a Leader: Oh, The Places You'll Go," "Stress and Time Management" and "Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking."

The students were accompanied by Assistant Professor of Information Systems Aurelia Donald and Adjunct Professor of Business Elmo Adams.

"I was proud to observe the students demonstrating what they learned, daily in classes, during competition and in workshops," said Prof. Donald, who is also the FBLA-PBL academic advisor. Prof. Adams said the conference provided students the opportunity to network and learn from other university faculty members how to become successful in business and in life.

The other students who attended the conference were Daryl Rawlins, LesleyAnn Waldron, Kimika Woods, Celia Sebastien, Taiesha Skelton, Burnette Williams, Raquiima Doway, and Shanitta Bedminster. The UVI St. Thomas campus FBLA-PBL organization was reorganized in August of 2005. It is based in UVI's Business Division and encompasses all of the business disciplines.