Phi Beta Lambda is one of the largest student organizations on the campus of Southern Arkansas University – Magnolia. The chapter actively works to recruit members from different academic areas.
History of the Organization
The Phi Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda was chartered on September 22, 1971. Linda Beene, 1971 State and National PBL President installed the chapter’s seventy-five charter members and challenged them to develop a strong, active chapter.
The Phi Mu Chapter of PBL evolved from the Commerce Civic Club. Tri-C, as it was known, was organized on the SAU campus in the later 1940s for the purpose of providing business students the opportunity to share social and learning experiences. Following three decades of successful operation, business students recognized the need for the affiliation with a national organization. Therefore, in 1971 students reorganized Tri-C and joined Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda.
Since 1971, the Phi Mu Chapter has experienced sustained growth and success. Members of the chapter have won over 1000 state awards and over 200 national awards. The chapter has earned recognition as a Silver Chapter in Arkansas Phi Beta Lambda thirty-one times and as an Arkansas Gold Chapter five times. At the national level, SAU-PBL has earned the Gold Seal Award of Merit thirty-four times and was named a Gold Key Chapter thirteen times.
Over the last 42 years, 67 members of the Phi Mu Chapter served as state officers, and the following five served with distinction as elected national officers:
Rodney LeGrone
1986-1987 Southern Region Vice President
D. Wayne Floyd
1989-1990 National President
Selena Belt Blair
1992-1993 National Treasurer
Darlene Tickle
1996-1997 Southern Region Vice President
Traci Hughes
1998-1999 Southern Region Vice President
FBLA-PBL Mission
Our mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
FBLA-PBL Pledge
I solemnly promise to uphold the aims and responsibilities of Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda and, as an active member, I shall strive to develop the qualities necessary in becoming a responsible business leader.
