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Robinson College of Business
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ATLANTA — A team composed of MBA students Camryn Hawthorne, Julianna Johnson, Alexis Mathis, and Sunday Odudu representing Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business won second place in the 2025 National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Case Competition.
In addition to earning bragging rights for beating contingents from more than two dozen schools at the association’s annual conference in Houston, the team received $15,000.
Hawthorne, Johnson, Mathis, and Odudu edged out their competitors with a dealer engagement strategy for Stellantis, a multinational automotive corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets 14 vehicle brands including Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep.
Teams had one month to analyze the case, formulate recommendations, and prepare their presentation. Hawthorne, Johnson, Mathis, and Odudu were coached and mentored by Robinson faculty and staff using the college’s proprietary Case Prep Academy, a structured program comprising targeted modules, workshops, and mock presentation.
Developed by Jermaine Clarke of Graduate Student Engagement, Case Prep Academy equips students with critical skills in strategy, problem-solving, teamwork, and executive communication. “It builds competitive readiness, fosters leadership, confidence, and career preparedness,” he said.
When it was time to compete, the team was ready with a three-part solution for Stellantis designed to amplify the dealer voice, strengthen dealer-company strategic alignment, and elevate the customer experience.
Julianna Johnson, who was named best presenter during an earlier round of the competition, discussed the team’s commitment.
“We were dedicated to presenting a rock-solid solution, and our faculty advisors challenged and supported us in getting there. With careful refinement, we became confident in our ability to present a compelling solution, and it showed on stage when we presented,” Johnson said.
Although the case competition is in the rear-view, Camryn Hawthorne said the experience will have an enduring impact for her.
“The invaluable insights gained throughout our preparation will stay with me always. Through this experience, I’ve strengthened my business acumen and developed practical skills in creative problem-solving, stakeholder management, and in-depth business analysis,” Hawthorne said.
“The win was the direct result of late nights, big ideas, and pushing ourselves past our limits,” Alexis Mathis wrote on LinkedIn. “I’m thankful for this experience because it challenged me, grew my confidence, and reminded me what’s possible with the right team beside you.”
Sunday Odudu echoed Mathis’s sentiments, writing on LinkedIn that, “Making it to the finals in such a prestigious competition was a proud moment—not just for us, but for our school. The experience tested our creativity, teamwork, and strategic problem-solving, and we walked away even more inspired to make a lasting impact in business and beyond.”
In addition to Clarke, who served as staff advisor and coach, faculty and staff mentoring and coaching Robinson’s National Black MBA Association Case Competition team included Ashok Vairavan, Dave Paule, and Alex Tawse of the Department of Management, Bob Eaton of the Institute of Health Administration, Richard James of Graduate Recruitment, Justina Mason, and Annabelle Ombac of Graduate Student Engagement, Pamela Hill of Graduate Career Advancement, and La’Kesha Hughes of Undergraduate Career Advancement.
Learn more about the MBA program at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business at https://robinson.gsu.edu/program/mba/.
Photo: Sunday Odudu, Julianna Johnson, Camryn Hawthorne, Alexis Mathis, Jermaine Clarke