The CFA Research Challenge Team for Missouri State University placed first in the regional competition and finished in the top 20 of more than 600 universities at the national level for the CFA Institute Research Challenge. 

“I could not be prouder of this team. It’s truly inspiring to watch the way they came together, worked hard and challenged themselves to succeed during a pandemic and all kinds of restrictions that past teams haven’t faced,” said Dr. Seth Hoelscher, faculty advisor for the team and finance and general business professor. 

The team was also advised by industry mentor, Zach Swarts, CFA. Swarts is a portfolio manager at BKD Wealth Advisors and a Missouri State University alumnus.  

Dr. Carissa Hoelscher, assistant professor of communication, also assisted the team in polishing their presentation. 

About the competition 

The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual global competition that provides university students with hands-on mentoring and intensive training in financial analysis and professional ethics. Each student is tested on their analytical, valuation, report writing and presentation skills. 

Local level competitions are organized and judged by CFA Institute society members and volunteers who function as local hosts. Then, the winning university team from each local competition advances to the sub-regional competition. 

Team members 

The following students competed in the 2021 competition: 

• Myles Jackson, senior, finance – corporate and investment  
• Daniel Klockenga, graduate student, accelerated business administration 
• Lukas McCalla, graduate student, business administration 

Learn more about finance and general business.