Alabama A&M Business Scholars Will Test Their Skills on a National Stage
MBA Students to Compete in National Black MBA Association Case Competition
For the first time in AAMU’s history, a team of MBA students has been selected to compete in the prestigious National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Student Case Competition, to be held September 23–24, 2025, in Houston, Texas. The invitation places AAMU’s business program on a national platform alongside some of the most prominent graduate business schools in the country. Teams of four students are given one month to analyze complex, real-world business cases and present their solutions to a panel of senior-level executives from Fortune 500 companies and top academic institutions. Up to $50,000 in scholarships and cash awards will be distributed to the winning teams.
“This is more than a competition – it’s a statement about the power, preparation, and promise of Alabama A&M University’s College of Business,” said Dr. Felicia Farrar, Director of MBA Programs. “These students claimed their spot through grit, drive, and determination. They’re going head-to-head with teams from some of the most prestigious business schools in the country, and they’re doing it with confidence, purpose, and Bulldog pride.”
The four graduate students were selected through a competitive internal process based on academic excellence, resumes, interviews, and faculty mentorship. Collin Malone, an MBA candidate from Spring, Texas, and a 2023 AAMU marketing graduate, hopes to one day serve as a chief marketing officer in the sports industry. “It’s an incredible honor to represent Alabama A&M University at the National Black MBA Conference, especially in my hometown of Houston,” Malone said. “Competing on this stage is not only a chance to showcase the excellence of our MBA program, but also a full-circle moment for me.”
DeAjene Johnson of Detroit, Michigan, a first-year MBA student with a background in criminal justice, aspires to launch her own law practice. “As a first-year MBA student, this is my first competition and conference, so I am especially excited for the exposure,” she said. “I look forward to applying the knowledge my professors have shared, representing Alabama A&M, and gaining professional development opportunities I can carry into my future career.”
Raegan Bramlett of Sandy Hook, Mississippi, who earned a degree in accounting from Dillard University, is pursuing her MBA to strengthen her business strategy and leadership skills. “Pursuing an MBA at Alabama A&M has been a great experience,” Bramlett said. “This competition will deepen my understanding of business innovation while allowing me to network with professionals and peers who are shaping the future of business.”
Xavier Lankford of Pelham, Alabama, an MBA candidate specializing in logistics and supply chain management, combines his academic studies with athletic leadership. “I take pride in balancing both athletics and academics while pursuing my MBA,” Lankford said. “I am grateful to be selected for this competition and eager to showcase the skills I’ve developed in the classroom and beyond. Representing Alabama A&M with excellence is my top priority.”
The team will be advised by Dunstan Harper, a two-time AAMU graduate and business administrator. “It’s an incredible honor to advise this year’s team,” Harper said. “Their success reflects the academic excellence and leadership Alabama A&M instills in its students. Being part of their journey is a full-circle moment for me as both an alumnus and mentor.”
Participation in the NBMBAA Case Competition not only provides students with invaluable real-world experience in business analysis, presentation, and networking, but also raises Alabama A&M’s visibility among corporate recruiters and graduate business programs nationwide. Winning teams often secure scholarships and high-profile internship offers, but the exposure itself – alongside Fortune 500 executives and leading corporations – demonstrates the strength of AAMU’s MBA curriculum and faculty mentorship.
As Farrar noted, “Standing alongside our students as they compete at this level is nothing short of inspiring. Their drive and determination showcase exactly what it means to be a Bulldog.”
(Back row, from left) Collin Malone, Dunstan Harper, Xavier Lankford, Dr. Felicia Farrar, Raegan Bramlett