NSU students earn top global ranking in international business competition

MBA team ranked among the Global Top 100 for five consecutive weeks

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – A team of Northeastern State University Master of Business Administration students ranked among the Global Top 100 for five consecutive weeks in the Business Strategy Game, an international business simulation used by business schools worldwide.

The competition gives students an opportunity to apply strategic business principles and decision-making skills in a competitive environment, making executive-level decisions across areas including finance, operations and marketing.

Competing as Company A during the Summer 2026 semester, the NSU MBA Strategic Management team featured:

• Christina Denton – Muskogee, Okla.
• Margaret McCormick – Frackville, Pa.
• Brandon Mudd – Sapulpa, Okla.
• Matt Studebaker – Broken Arrow, Okla.

The team reached a peak global ranking of No. 11 during Week 4, placing it among the top-performing teams in the competition.

The team remained in the Global Top 100 for five of seven weeks, posting a 40.0% return on average equity and finishing the competition ranked No. 40 globally.

Dr. Hossein Nezakati, professor of business at NSU, said the results demonstrate the value of applying classroom learning to real-world business decisions.

"This achievement directly reflects the core strengths of NSU's MBA program, where students are challenged to integrate strategic thinking with real-world decision-making," Nezakati said. "What impressed me most was their remarkable consistency; earning Global Top 100 recognition for five out of seven weeks demonstrates disciplined planning, data-driven execution and exceptional teamwork.

"Watching this team translate classroom learning into sustained international success has been a highlight of my teaching career. Their achievement exemplifies NSU’s commitment to graduating leaders who act with integrity, innovation and excellence,” Nezakati added.

NSU President Rodney Hanley highlighted the team’s achievement and representation of the university’s core values.

"Christina, Margaret, Brandon and Mathew represent the very best of NSU, showing an entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to make a real impact in the business world," said Hanley. "We are incredibly proud of their global achievement, which reflects both their dedication and the strength of NSU’s MBA program."

The Business Strategy Game complements the practical focus of Northeastern’s MBA Strategic Management coursework by giving students the opportunity to test strategic decision-making in a competitive business environment.

Learn more about the MBA program by visiting https://gradcollege.nsuok.edu/DegreesCertificate/degree-mba.aspx.

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