The Full Story
FBLA - Collegiate at WCU
Dr. Hamden Forkner wanted students to prepare for the world beyond college. In 1947 the first state chapter of FBLA was created in Iowa. Since 1961 North Carolina has been present at every National Leadership Conference hosted by FBLA Inc. Western Carolina University began its chapter in 1969 and has continued, with major success since then. Having brought the previous 4 State Presidents to lead NC in just the past 5 years, WCU has made a name for itself.
Mission
FBLA-Collegiate inspires and prepares students to become community-minded business leaders in a global society through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.
How We Do It
By hosting workshops, preparing for competitions (Currently there are over 60), attending seminars on and off-campus, attending State and National Conferences, and enjoying the company of each other we introduce ourselves to new skills and people, every year.
North Carolina FBLA-Collegiate
Western Carolina University is proud to be one of 30 chapters of North Carolina FBLA-Collegiate. The State Executive Council oversees operations of North Carolina's chapter of FBLA-Collegiate. Each year state officers are elected to represent the students and fellow members of North Carolina FBLA-C. To learn more about the state chapter as a whole we encourage visiting https://www.ncpbl.org/
Not only has WCU been apart of this organization for years we have also been home to many state officers, thank you to the following state officers that have hailed from the mountains of WCU.
State Officers from Western Carolina
1970-71 Betty Hammill - Secretary
1971-72 John Puett - Vice President
1976-76 Nada Chrismon - Secretary
1977-78 Ellen Laughter - Historian
1978-79 Gregory Martain - President
1999-00 Shannon McConnell - Western Region VP
2017-18 Katrina Sams - President
2018-19 Townsend Lenihan - President
2019-20 Lindsey Elias - President
2021-22-23 Ivan Huffman - President
2022-23 Bethany Duke - Exec. Vice President
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National Officers from Western Carolina
1999-00 Eric McGarvey - Southern Region VP
2007-08 Rachel Loescher Fann - Southern Region VP
2020-21 Lindsey Elias - Nat'l Exec. VP
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