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During a recent session of The Stock Market Game, a national investment simulation competition, a University of Arkansas at Monticello business student won the top prize in the state while competing against college students from Arkansas.  

Economics Arkansas, a statewide organization promoting economic literacy, hosted The Stock Market Game, sponsoring the entry fee for UAM Investment Club teams to participate. Student teams began the simulation with $100,000 and self-selected stocks with their artificial money. The 13-week simulation ran from January 8 through April 5.  

The UAM Investment Club had five teams and 15 students competing in The Stock Market Game.   

Jaquenton Harris, a sophomore at UAM majoring in business administration with an emphasis in finance, entered The Stock Market Game as an individual and won first place in the undergraduate division for growing his investment by the greatest dollar amount. Harris’ biggest investment growth came from self-selected stocks in the lithium industry and travel and tourism industry, both of which are industries Harris is personally familiar with. 

“I am very appreciative of the UAM Investment Club’s invaluable guidance, which played a pivotal role in my win in The Stock Market Game,” Harris said. “I was honored to reach the top spot at the college level. I would also like to thank Mr. Hatley for enhancing my understanding of stocks in his investment class and Dr. Knowles, Ms. Phillips and Mr. Saffold for their support and for connecting me with influential individuals to help me navigate through any obstacle.”  

Dr. Shanna Knowles, assistant professor of business at UAM and co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club, stated, “The students participating in the Stock Market Game showed dedication and determination to learn the complexities of stock market investing. They watched their investments daily and had a true spirit of competition. Jaquenton emerged as the winner who recognized the largest gains across UAM and all collegiate competitors statewide. We are extremely proud of our club!”

The UAM School of Business held a luncheon for the UAM student participants in The Stock Market Game on April 25. Jay Jones, a local Edward Jones Investments financial advisor, awarded Harris a cash prize during the luncheon.

Economics Arkansas also recognized Harris as well as elementary, junior high and high school winners of The Stock Market Game at a statewide ceremony on May 8 at the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock. Harris was awarded a cash prize at the ceremony for his win in the undergraduate division.

Becky Phillips, associate professor of accounting at UAM and co-advisor of the UAM Investment Club, stated, “We would like to thank Economics Arkansas for sponsoring this incredible event that benefits students statewide. We would also like to thank Jay Jones for sponsoring the event on our campus. We appreciate these sponsors and all the opportunities they provide.”  

The UAM Investment Club was founded in 2023 through a personal donation of $11,000 from Kevin Stephenson, president of the Walton Investment Team, LLC and co-chief investment officer of the Walton Foundation. The UAM Investment Club hosts multiple guest speakers throughout the academic year to present personal investments and career opportunities in the financial industry to any interested UAM students.  

For more information about the UAM School of Business or Investment Club, contact Dr. Knowles at knowless@uamont.edu or 870-460-1311.