Northeastern State University students showcase excellence in international X-Culture Program

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Three Northeastern State University (NSU) students emerged from a field of 6,000 global competitors to be named as winners and finalists in the prestigious X-Culture Program.

The NSU students outperformed peers from more than 160 universities across 40 countries in the high-stakes international business competition.

The X-Culture Program is an integral component of NSU’s international business course. Participants gain hands-on experience by developing comprehensive strategic plans for companies that address regional marketing, global distribution and executive-level decision-making.

Dr. Kevin Litz, adjunct faculty member in the NSU College of Business & Technology, said the program helps students build specialized skills needed to succeed in global commerce.

“While the skillset for domestic business and international business share many similarities, there are additional skills required to succeed in international trade,” Litz said. “Students must understand international payments, strategize the best methods of entering and distributing in a ‘foreign’ country, and understand the social and business norms of other cultures. This is a rare and valuable skillset that sets our students apart in the global job market.”

Out of 1,279 teams, only 80 teams were placed as finalists and 11 were selected as winners. NSU is proud to have students represented in both elite categories.

The following individuals were recognized:

• Landon Goins (Broken Arrow, Okla.), Winner: A business administration major at NSU, Goins was recently married to his wife, Bayleigh, and works in property management with Case & Associates.  
• Maya Grosfield (Norwich, New York) Finalist: A business administration major at NSU, Grosfield currently works at a bank and plans to pursue a career in marketing. In her free time, she enjoys fishing, reading, playing games, kayaking and being outdoors.
• Tomas Aramburu (Buenos Aires, Argentina), Finalist: An international business major at NSU and member of the NSU men’s tennis team, Aramburu enjoys sports and staying active. He aspires to lead a global business in the future.

Their accomplishments will take them to the X-Culture Global Symposium, where they will meet face-to-face with their international teammates and network with global business professionals and corporate managers.

Litz noted the opportunity to connect with international collaborators can be an important step in launching a global career.

“Meeting fellow students and international businesses may be just the first step in a successful international career,” Litz said.

Students cited language barriers and time zone differences as their greatest challenges, but expressed gratitude and pride upon being named winners and finalists.

Reflecting on the experience, Goins said the recognition came as a surprise.

“I didn’t even have winning on my mind when I was completing this project,” Goins said. “I just wanted to make sure I could get it completed. My team pushed me to do the best, and it feels great to win a competition of this magnitude.”

Grosfield said she was proud of the work her team accomplished throughout the project.

“I knew my teammates and I did well,” Grosfield said. “But I never expected to be announced a finalist in such a competitive program. I feel very proud of the hard work that has led me to this accomplishment.”

Aramburu said the recognition reflects the effort his team put into delivering a professional report.

“It feels great to be recognized for the report my team created,” Aramburu said. “We put a lot of effort into presenting something that would fulfill the professional expectations of the X-Culture platform. I’m very happy with the result.”

NSU President Rodney Hanley praised the students for their international recognition.

“I am incredibly proud of our students and how they represented NSU on a global stage,” Hanley said. “This experiential program is rigorous, but it builds resilience and leadership skills for our students, creating the foundation of a successful career. These competencies empower our students not only in the professional sense, but in all areas of life.”  

Details of the upcoming X-Culture Global Symposium are currently underway.

For more information about X-Culture, visit www.x-culture.org. To learn more about the NSU College of Business & Technology, visit cbt.nsuok.edu.

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