Appalachian State University students participated in the 2025 International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition, hosted by California State University, Long Beach, April 24-26.
The event included a business simulation that tested the students’ skills in strategy, staffing, budgeting, research and development, operations, and global markets, among others. They created a business plan, annual report, and presented to a panel of Southern California business leaders.
The students – Ella Cooper, Robert Dargan, Caleb Divelbiss, Josiah Fox, Sara Glosson, Alessandra Griffa, Mack Jones, Max Kleban, Jacob Tahmoush, Zachary Thomas, Kimberly Van Der Stad, and Bailey Wangerien – took Dr. Mark Bolinger’s Strategic Management course in spring 2025. They formed two groups – Summit Solutions and Mountaineer Gear.
Bolinger accompanied the students on the trip and was pleased with their preparations and their performance, with Mountaineer Gear earning second runner-up for Best Written Documents.
"It was incredibly gratifying to see the students so immersed in the simulation. No one was worried about grades or what they had to do to pass the class,” said Bolinger. “Instead, they were spending hours in the library talking over their strategy, working on their documents, and talking about how to beat the other groups!”
"We worked all semester long, pushing buttons to figure out what goes on behind closed doors when building a business," said Senior Supply Chain Management Major Caleb Divelbiss. "Through close collaboration and extensive studying, the knowledge we gained showed when we attended the Intensive Competition Phase in Anaheim."
The Walker College aims to connect students to real-world experiences, with competitions as one means of preparing for successful business careers. Read more stories about student teams from the Walker College at business.appstate.edu/news/competition.
“This class has been a valuable experience because while all my Walker College classes have been awesome and informative, I felt like I didn’t always know how to use my knowledge outside of papers and exams,” said Senior International Business Major Ella Cooper. “The simulation was the first time the pieces clicked in my brain, and I was able to pull things that I had learned in classes like International Finance and Production Management to understand how everything works together.”
Bolinger said he witnessed those puzzle pieces fitting into place.
“I felt that it was a fantastic learning experience, particularly for seniors,” said Bolinger. “I think it helped them connect the dots on what they have learned in their time at the Walker College."
While the majority of App State business students complete an internship while in the Walker College, some have not had the opportunity to do so; one student said the competition experience provided a wealth of experience in business.
“Through collaboration, teamwork, presentations, projects, and necessary attendance, I have gained skills that I will take with me into the future,” said Senior Finance and Banking Major Alessandra (Alex) Griffa. “This class gave me confidence in presenting, helped me understand the operations of the business world, and provided me with meaningful connections.”
The students’ experiences were supported by the Walker College Dean’s Club, an annual giving society that provides opportunities, creates success, and funds more than $100,000 in student scholarships. Bolinger said with the college’s support, he hopes to take future classes back to the international competition.
“I am truly grateful to Dr. Bolinger for leading these amazing students through such an impactful experience,” said Walker College Dean Vannoy. “It’s one way we are delivering transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative, and engaged business leaders who positively impact our community locally and globally.”
"This is the most hands-on and applicable way to learn about being in executive management and working with a team,” said Kimberly Van Der Stad. “I encourage all students to apply, as it is challenging, fun, and rewarding for your future career."
Participate in International Collegiate Business Strategy Competitions
Students who are interested in participating should contact Dr. Bolinger, bolingermt@appstate.edu.
View more photos from the competition and the App State competitors.
About the Walker College Dean's Club
Contributions from Dean's Club members provide unrestricted support each year for critical needs in the college such as: student scholarships, travel funds for faculty and students to attend course-related conferences and/or visits to corporations, seed money for new programs or opportunities within the college, and resources to bring guest lecturers, such as leaders in business and government, to the classroom. Learn more about the Dean's Club at business.appstate.edu/give/deans-club.
Mountaineer Gear Teammates at 2025 International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition
Photo submitted