University News

WIU Student Audrey Pender Earns Prestigious Project Business Professional Certification

January 27, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University proudly celebrates Political Science and Law student Audrey Pender for earning the Project Business Professional (PBP) certification, a prestigious credential from the Project Business Foundation that emphasizes project management with a strong focus on business and contractual aspects.

"Earning the PBP certification gave me a much deeper understanding of how contracts, risk management, and business strategy come together in real-world projects. The program challenged me to think beyond my textbook knowledge and focus more on real-world scenarios, which will be super helpful for me moving forward both in school and later on in life," Pender said.

The PBP certification, a rigorous program consisting of four half-day lectures and a comprehensive exam, equips professionals to navigate complex internal and cross-corporate projects. It addresses challenges such as contract law, risk management, team coordination and governance in multi-stakeholder environments. Audrey notes that the certification strengthened her understanding of contract management and real-world project scenarios, helping professionals reduce risk, ensure compliance and improve profitability.

Audrey's training was supported by a scholarship from Oliver Lehman, founder and director of the Project Business Foundation in Germany. With this achievement, she joins a select group of individuals in the U.S., including three WIU faculty members, who have earned the certification. Nearly half of those trained in the U.S. now come from WIU, positioning the University as a growing hub for Project Business expertise.

The PBP credential also enhances career opportunities, with earning potential for holders around $135,000 annually. Audrey's accomplishment serves as an inspiring example for her peers and student athletes, demonstrating the value of professional development alongside academic pursuits.

For more information on WIU's Political Science-Pre Law program, visit wiu.edu/cas/political_science/pre_law.php.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing