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Five University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) students won a total of nine academic awards at the Arkansas Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate State Leadership Conference held at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on March 7-8.

T-Ausha Avery, a business major from Warren, Arkansas, placed first in Future Business Executive.

Sabin Koirala, a computer information systems major from Monticello, Arkansas, placed first in Foundations of Technology and first in Cyber Security.

Aidan Manley, an accounting major from Pittsburg, Texas, placed first in Foundations of Selling and fourth in Foundations of Communication.

Amrit Poudel, a computer information systems major from Monticello, Arkansas, placed first in Public Speaking.

Michelle Nickolson, an accounting major from Monticello, Arkansas, placed second in Retail Management and fifth in Foundations of Accounting.

Avery and Poudel also placed first as a team in Business Presentation.

Dr. Shanna Knowles, assistant professor of management and faculty sponsor of the FBLA Collegiate Club at UAM, congratulated the students for their success, stating, “I am incredibly proud of these students, whose dedication and hard work have not only earned them statewide recognition but also showcased the quality of future business leaders emerging from our university. Every UAM student who entered the competition was named a statewide winner in their respective categories. Their success speaks to the strong foundation they are building in the UAM School of Business, and I look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in the future.”

Dr. Marsha Clayton, dean of the UAM School of Business, commended the legacy of the club, stating, “The FBLA Collegiate Club at UAM is building a record of consistent success in the annual FBLA statewide academic competition. This is the fifth consecutive year the UAM competition team has produced winners in multiple categories. We appreciate the hard work, dedication and commitment of the 2025 team and their sponsors in preparing for this statewide event. Participation in student organizations such as FBLA allows students to have experiences that enhance their education and prepare them for success in the workplace.”

At the state leadership conference, students compete in events testing their business knowledge and skills. Top state winners are eligible to compete for national awards at the 2025 Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference held in Dallas, Texas, from May 31 through June 2, 2025.

For more information, contact the UAM School of Business at 870-460-1041.