Through an investment-management
class, finance majors in the John A.Walker College of Business at
Appalachian State University can manage a real-dollar investment
portfolio, offering a rare opportunity many students never experience
in college.
The Bowden Student Managed Investment Fund (BSMIF)
provides money for stock market investments made by students in the
class. BSMIF gives finance students real investment management experience,
according to the annual report of the class.
“This is real money that really grows or really
loses,” said Dr. Don R. Cox, associate professor of finance,
banking and insurance, and the advisor for the class.
Donations by faculty, alumni and other university
supporters fund BSMIF. More than half of the money was donated by
Dr. Elbert V. Bowden, a banking professor in the College of Business,
said Cox.
Because of his contributions, the fund was named in Bowden’s
honor, said Cox.
BSMIF was created in January 2000 with donations of about $50,000,
said Cox.
This type of program is uncommon among universities throughout the
country. Most schools use computer simulations to teach investment
management, said Cox.
“We’re still relatively new,” said Cox. “Two and
a half years is not long for a class like this.”
Some schools have student-managed investment funds of more than $3
million, said Cox.
When BSMIF produces more revenue, its positive returns will be used
to fund scholarships, research materials and travel expenses for students,
said Cox. |
