Austin Peay State University is one of 15 top-performing schools recognized by the Tennessee Valley Authority for its Investment Challenge Program, the university announced.
Austin Peay finance students achieved a 20.53% return in the investment challenge, surpassing the S&P 500’s 17.88% return during fiscal year 2025. This accomplishment is part of a longstanding trend, as APSU has outperformed the S&P 500 benchmark in every measured period since the portfolio’s inception in 1998, according to the announcement.
Student team recognized for investment performance
The team, comprised of Mitchell Welborn, Jackson Head, Davin Garinger, Shermya Dover-John, Marin Brown, Nate Weyland and Cordell Holliday, presented their portfolio performance in Nashville as part of the TVA’s Investment Challenge Program. The program allows students to manage real investment portfolios and compete against other universities.
Since joining the program, APSU has earned $136,540 in cash awards. The success of the team highlights the quality of Mike Phillips’ investment course, which equips students with professional investment analysis and portfolio management skills.
APSU students present their portfolio during the TVA Investment Challenge Program.
Experiential learning beyond the classroom
Austin Peay State University finance students and Mike Phillips present dean Mickey Hepner with their performance award from the TVA’s Investment Challenge Program.
Phillips, professor of finance, emphasized the value of participating in the annual conference alongside 26 other universities.
“Attending the annual conference allows students to benchmark their abilities, engage with peers and interact directly with senior finance executives,” Phillips said.
Lesley Rodriguez, master instructor of accounting, accompanied the team during their presentations.
“It was rewarding to watch them collaborate, think critically and grow more confident in their decision-making abilities,” Rodriguez said. “They delivered an exceptional presentation on their portfolio’s performance, clearly and confidently explaining to peers from other universities the reasoning behind their investment decisions.”
Student perspectives on professional growth
Weyland and Head said that the conference and engagement opportunities broadened their understanding of the finance industry. TVA professionals shared insights and advice on navigating the professional world, which the students found valuable.
For Garinger, learning directly from TVA professionals about investment strategies and market forecasting methods added an extra dimension to the experience.
“The impact on their growth – both in skill and perspective – is truly immeasurable,” Phillips said. “Experiences like this take learning beyond the classroom, building confidence and helping students see what is possible in their future careers.”
About the TVA Investment Challenge Program
The TVA Investment Challenge Program provides students with hands-on experience in managing real investment portfolios. The program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of financial markets and investment strategies while fostering collaboration and critical thinking skills.
For more information on the TVA Investment Challenge and the 2025 results, visit tva.com/investment-challenge.
This story was created by reporter Kenya Anderson, kanderson@gannett.com, with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Austin Peay students beat S&P 500 in TVA investment challenge
