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MSU Hosts SEC MBA "Game Day"
MSU Hosts SEC MBA “Game Day”
By Emily Daniels
Mississippi State University’s College of Business welcomed top MBA talent from across the Southeastern Conference as host of the 11th annual SEC MBA Case Competition. Mississippi State was proud to take the lead in organizing and hosting the event, which drew more than 100 visitors, including faculty, students and business executives from across the Southeast.
Since its inception in 2013, the SEC MBA Case Competition has grown into one of the conference’s most highly regarded events, offering a unique platform for collaboration and innovation among aspiring business leaders. This year’s competition drew students from 13 business schools, challenging them to demonstrate their strategic problem-solving abilities by tackling real-world issues.
“We were thrilled to welcome so many talented students and business leaders to our campus,” says Angelia Knight, MSU Director of MBA Programs. “Hosting this competition is an opportunity to showcase the resources and strengths of Mississippi State, while giving these students a chance to apply their academic knowledge to real-world corporate challenges.”
This year, participants tackled a complex case provided by FedEx Corporation, a global leader in logistics and transportation. Serving as both the case client and event sponsor, FedEx had its executives design a case that mirrored real strategic issues the company faces. Teams had 24 hours to analyze FedEx’s logistical operations and develop innovative solutions that could deliver significant value.
After intense preparation, the students presented their recommendations in divisional rounds to a panel of FedEx executives. The top four teams then advanced to the final round, where the best solutions were selected. The judges were unaware of the teams’ identities and university affiliations throughout the process.
Vanderbilt University emerged as the winner for the second year in a row, earning a $10,000 cash prize. The University of Florida took second place, followed by the University of Alabama, then the University of Tennessee. The event culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing team and individual achievements. Individual students were honored for best presentation and best Q&A performances in each divisional round.
Mississippi State faculty and staff played a critical role in ensuring the success of the event, from coordinating logistics to facilitating networking opportunities. Beyond the competition itself, MSU provided participants and judges with a firsthand look at the University’s thriving business programs and the broader Starkville community.
“Hosting this competition really underscores Mississippi State’s commitment to fostering innovation and leadership,” says College of Business Dean Scott Grawe. “This was game day for SEC MBA programs, and competitors from throughout the conference gained valuable problemsolving and networking experience with FedEx. I’m sure that each student also gained confidence, knowledge and even a few memories to take with them throughout their careers.”
MSU’s role as event host put the College of Business in the center of an elite network of SEC schools and industry professionals. The competition now moves to Nashville, where Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management will host in 2025.
