From L to R : Cedric Smith, Alexis Harrison, Thomas Gaines, Lyndon Bowen, Imani Major, Devin Mercer and Shawn Newton
Seven School of Business students tested their knowledge at the second annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Battle of the Brains competition March 9-10 in Austin, Texas.
The HBCU Battle of the Brains brings together the best and brightest students representing HBCUs from around the country. The competition provided students an opportunity to strengthen and promote their skills in business, science, technology, engineering and math.
Participation in the two-day competition was supported by Home Depot and the Austin Chapter of the National Black MBA Association.
“The HBCU Battle of the Brains Competition was an outstanding experience for students,” said Donna Grant, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of NCCU’s Department of Computer Information Systems. “They were able to compete amongst students from other HBCUs and also interact with corporate executives, which enhanced the holistic student experience.”
During the competition, students vied for scholarships and bragging rights in the hackathon-style event. Teams used business cases to present comprehensive strategies, go-to-market plans and technology solutions to a panel of industry leaders for a chance to win more than $50,000 in prizes and college scholarships.
Senior Computer Science major Thomas Gaines accepted an internship with Dell Inc. after interacting with company executives during the events.
“The networking opportunities at the HBCU Battle of the Brains were amazing; I believe we will be more effective because of this opportunity,” said dual-degree MBA and Master of Information Sciences candidate Devin Mercer.
Mercer, who also served as team leader, added that the competition is an ideal opportunity for students to exercise knowledge learned in the classroom and to gain practical experience.
The contest is held each March and provides the opportunity for top HBCU students to engage with employers from around the globe in conjunction with the South by Southwest Conference and Festival, says Gregory Gibson Jr., founder and executive director of the HBCU Battle of the Brains Competition.
http://www.nccu.edu/news/index.cfm?ID=803D81C4-0C1F-3677-65ACE5AF2BF79B17
