International Business Honor Society Empowers PBA Students to Hone Leadership Skills for Today’s Market

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) new Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society chapter continues to provide Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business students leadership growth opportunities and global perspectives—enhancing their college careers and preparing them for today’s complex market.

This past spring, one of the PBA chapter members attended the Beta Gamma Sigma Leadership Conference Series at Northern Kentucky University.

Haley Arruda, a senior in the Master of Business Administration 3+2 program and a chapter officer, says the conference gave her the chance to meet others from around the world and hear from top leaders, including executives from Wells Fargo and Different Shoe Enterprises.

“It was incredible being around the best of the best,” says Arruda, who will bring new skills to her chapter leadership role. “It sharpened my sense of purpose, and I was able to leave with a clearer sense of what I wanted to do. We also learned how we can lead students [in our chapter]. This guided me and the team on how to better serve others.”

Founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma is an international business honor society for AACSB-accredited institutions—the top five percent of global business schools. PBA’s chapter launched in April 2024. To be invited to join, undergrads must be at least sophomore level and in the top 10 percent of their class, and graduate students must be in the top 20 percent after completing at least half of their degree.

“Our business students are being prepared to become Christian business leaders in the community, and this leadership conference is just one example of the resources available to our top students to support them in this mission,” said Dr. Alexandra Cook, associate professor of accounting and PBA chapter advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma.

In addition to participating in collegiate and local alumni chapters through their membership, students gain access to national and global events and can network with other members and professionals and receive educational and professional benefits. PBA chapter members also receive preferential invitations to represent the business school at on-campus and community events.

Originally from Westerly, Rhode Island, Arruda says she found PBA “by accident.” She knew she wanted to attend a smaller school that aligned with her values, and felt God calling her to PBA after touring the campus.

“I come from a small town, so a sense of community is so important to me,” says Arruda, who also got plugged into the Titus Center for Franchising. There, she met experienced business leaders and landed several internships through the Center. Arruda has also participated in the Rinker School of Business’s Mentor-Protégé Program, where students participate in a one-year experience learning from senior managers and executives.

Arruda says she appreciates the career-building skills she can hone through the Titus Center, the Mentor-Protégé Program, and the Beta Gamma Sigma chapter. After she graduates in spring 2026, she hopes to work in franchising and eventually open her own business.

“The chapter has given me a better sense of leading people,” she says. “No matter where I end up, that’s where I want to serve.”

PBA’s Beta Gamma Sigma chapter underscores the Rinker School of Business’s commitment to providing students opportunities to grow as business leaders with integrity and participate in networking opportunities, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences that reinforce classroom concepts. To learn more about the Rinker School of Business, click here.