Four students from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University distinguished themselves as a top-performing team, winning first place in the fifth annual historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) Stock Pitch Competition, earning a total of $15,000 in prize money.
Under the leadership of Collins Okafor, Ph.D., freshmen Samariya Boru-Kelly and Auria Perry, sophomore William Hoskins and junior Daniel Martin showcased their financial acumen and competitive edge against peers from Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Morgan State University, Morehouse College and Spelman College. This marks the fourth time N.C. A&T has placed first in this competition, in addition to a second-place finish.
“Dr. Okafor has done a really good job leading the previous teams before, so A&T had a good reputation going into it,” said Martin, a finance major. “Aggie Pride is something we say here a lot and I thought we really embodied that.”
The HBCU Stock Pitch Competition allows students to demonstrate their skills in stock analysis, and enhance their strengths in teamwork and communication, while also introducing them to career opportunities in finance and trading through workshops and networking experiences.
Starting their preparation in January, the students combined in-depth research with mathematical and statistical analysis to evaluate stocks, and make high-yield and high-value investment recommendations before a panel of senior portfolio managers and finance executives.
“They made a positive impression in the room, filled with high-level portfolio managers controlling portfolios that are in the tens of millions,” said Okafor, associate professor of finance in the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics.
“The professionals were very impressed by how much these students know at this age. So, it’s a good one for A&T and we’ll continue to shine the light on our campus and let people know that here at Aggieland, we have everything you need.”
Okafor uses this experience as a pipeline for building mentorship relationships and bolstering student success beyond the classroom. Participating students have leveraged this opportunity to connect with professionals in finance — including alumni — resulting lasting bonds that have led to internships, mentorships and career potential.
“Okafor opened doors for me and he continued to expand my borders on what I thought was my path, my final destination,” said Perry, who secured a job interview in finance through a connection at the competition. “You never know what opportunity is waiting on the other side of a competition a professor, or somebody you meet, so always take things with open arms and assess everything.”
About North Carolina A&T State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is the nation’s largest historically Black university, as well one of the top 25 “Most Innovative” universities in America (U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges 2024). North Carolina A&T is a land-grant, doctoral research university and a constituent member of the University of North Carolina System. A&T is widely recognized for its leadership in producing graduates in engineering, agriculture and other STEM fields. The university was established in 1891 and is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Friday, May 2nd 2025 at 4:51PM
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