Students in Appalachian State University’s Walker College of Business are gaining real-world experience by competing against other universities through opportunities like the 62nd International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC), April 23-25 in Anaheim, California.
Twelve students, comprising two teams, took part in the annual competition, which marked the second year in a row competing for App State.
The students are:
- Grace Houle, Environmental Economics & Policy, Sustainable Business
- Madison Hudgins, Accounting
- Riley Jackson, Management (HR)
- Grace Lisi, Digital Marketing
- Colin McElroy, Management
- Ricky Ruckart, Finance & Banking
- Mike Aquino, Management
- Kassandra Mendez Salinas, Accounting
- Avery Clark, Marketing
- Keiran Capuano, Supply Chain
- Kayleigh Torres, Management
- Audrey Sumner, Finance & Banking
The teams engaged with schools from across the United States, including California, Washington, Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Idaho, as well as international teams from Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Romania.
During the competition, students simulated running a business, making decisions similar to those faced by corporate leaders. These included setting strategy, hiring employees, building facilities, managing production, overseeing sales teams, developing budgets, advertising and forecasting performance. Each team developed a comprehensive business plan and presented it to a panel of industry professionals.
“Both App State teams performed well,” said assistant professor of management Dr. Mark Bolinger, who served as a faculty advisor. “Competitions like ICBSC help students apply what they learn in the classroom to real situations and compete with peers from around the world.”
One team was named runner-up for best presentation. The other earned the award for best presentation and placed second overall. Together, the teams brought home three trophies, which are now displayed in Peacock Hall, home of the Walker College of Business.
Experiential learning
Students said the experience pushed them to grow professionally and personally. They spent long hours outside of class working together, building strategies and preparing presentations.
They also reflected on being given the space to learn through experience, including making decisions, adjusting when needed, and improving as a team.
“This experience was a defining highlight of my senior year and college journey as a whole,” said Digital Marketing Major Grace Lisi, who had recently earned the Walker College’s 2026 Top Student Overall honor. “I’m excited to carry these lessons with me as I begin my career in sales after graduation.”
Grace Lisi, fourth from right, speaking with alumni and sponsors.
Connections beyond the classroom
The teams were supported by several sponsors based in Southern California. Two sponsors met with the students during the competition, giving students a chance to build connections and receive mentorship.
Creating a strong connection between current students, alumni, and industry is a strategic goal for the Walker College.
"The business strategy competition section of Strategic Management was one of the most influential courses I've taken during my time at App State,” said another participant. “It was not only an experiential crash course in the real business world, but it also taught measurable lessons in teamwork and collaboration. My hard work was not only reflected in how well we placed, but also in how well I communicated and worked with a team."
The experience was funded in part by the Walker College Dean's Club, which provides 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.
Compete with App State at ICBSC
Applications for this section of MGT 4750* will open in October 2026. Students interested in participating may email Dr. Mark Bolinger, bolingermt@appstate.edu.
* Prerequisites: 84 earned hours, a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in any Writing in the Discipline (WID) course, all College of Business core courses, and final semester senior standing. (This course may not be taken on an individual study basis.)
From left are: (Back Row) Audrey Sumner, Keiran Capuano, Mike Aquino, Avery Clark, Colin McElroy, Ricky Ruckart, Riley Jackson, and Mark Bolinger (Front Row) Kayleigh Torres, Kassandra Mendez Salinas, Madison Hudgins, Grace Houle, and Grace Lisi.
Photo submitted