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The History and Purpose of Bowden
About the Group
TheBowdenInvestmentGroup(BIG) aims to create an active learning environment for high-achieving inance and banking students within the Walker College of Business to gain practical investment management skills. In addition to managingaportfoliowiththegoalof outperforming the S&P 500 benchmark, the BIG prioritizes the personal and professional developmentofits12undergraduate members. These members are strategically chosen for their roles in guiding, leading, and educating each other. The Bowden Investment Fund comprises equities and ETFs worth approximately$300,000.
Bowden group members hold various positions, including President, Vice-President, Industry Analysts, Accountants, Economic Analysts, and BIG Update Editors. Recently, the BIG added two ESG Analysts to evaluate the environmental, social, and governance risks of current and future holdings. These roles are intended to enhance the group's commitmenttoresponsibleinvesting and teach team responsibility and functionality.
History of BIG
The Mountaineer Investment Club was founded in 1994 by Dr. Delbert Goff and Dr. Don Cox seeking to provide students with the opportunity to learn practical investing strategy using real funds. However, the lack of funds and high student turnover presented serious issues for proper portfolio management. And so after liquidating the original portfolio in
1998, the two faculty members set out to raise funds for a studentmanaged investment fund. Following the patronage and inancial contributions of Dr. Elbert V. Bowden, the “Elbert V. Bowden Student-Managed Investment Fund” was formed in 2001. The program celebrated its 23rd year in 2022 and continues to provide curious and dedicated student-investors with a one-of-a-kindlearningexperience.
Initially, Dr. Cox taught students portfolio management and allowed them to make investment decisions until he was appointed Associate Dean of the Walker College of Business. In 2004, Dr. Goff took over as faculty advisor and continued to provide valuable guidance to the students managing the fund. Mr. David Thompson, a former General Partner and CFO of WEDGE Capital Management joined Dr. Goff in 2010 as Executive-in-Residence for the Bowden Investment Group. In 2018, Dr. Goff and Mr. Thompson welcomedDr.BrandyHadleyandMr. ShawnPooletothegroup.Dr.Hadley, a two-time Appalachian State alumna, now serves as the group's facultyadvisor,whileMr.Poole,acofounder and former CFO of several companies, serves as the current Executive-in-Residence.
The Bowden Investment Group has come a long way and is now one of the most prestigious groups in the Walker College of Business. The current members extend their gratitude and appreciation to everyone who has assisted them in gaining this incredible and unique experience.
