The Origins: The Mountaineer Investment Club
The Bowden Investment Group (BIG) traces its origins to 1994, when two finance professors at Appalachian State University, Dr. Don Cox and Dr. Delbert Goff, envisioned a way for students to gain hands-on experience making real investment decisions. Their vision led to the establishment of the Mountaineer Investment Club in the fall of 1994.
At a time when student-managed investment programs were relatively uncommon, the club offered students an innovative opportunity to apply classroom concepts to managing an investment portfolio. Members contributed their own funds and collectively researched, evaluated, and selected investments.
To accommodate students' limited financial resources and the regular turnover of membership, the professors established a partnership structure that allowed graduates to retain their investments and permitted others to contribute. Although this approach helped the portfolio grow, it also created challenges related to recordkeeping, tax reporting, and portfolio diversification.
Despite these limitations, the Mountaineer Investment Club established the foundation for what would become one of the Walker College of Business's signature experiential learning programs.
Establishment of the Student-Managed Investment Fund
In December 1998, Dr. Cox and Dr. Goff transitioned the Mountaineer Investment Club into a student-managed investment fund. The club's original portfolio was liquidated, and members were invited to contribute their proceeds to the new fund. Beginning with approximately $2,400, the professors embarked on fundraising efforts to establish a sustainable investment portfolio.
Dr. Elbert V. Bowden, a longtime Appalachian State faculty member and devoted educator, became an important supporter of the initiative. Although he was not directly involved in working with the students managing the portfolio, Dr. Bowden provided financial support and generously permitted the fund to carry his name.
In September 2001, the Elbert V. Bowden Student-Managed Investment Fund was formally established. Dr. Bowden's reputation, relationships, and support helped the fund raise approximately $75,000, providing a meaningful foundation for its future growth. Following his passing in 2004, his legacy continued through the educational opportunities made possible by the program.
When Dr. Cox became Associate Dean of the Walker College of Business in 2004, Dr. Goff assumed primary responsibility for teaching and advising the students managing the portfolio. He introduced the name "Bowden Investment Group," which quickly gained popularity and became the identity of the student organization.
Growth, Leadership, and Mentorship
Over the following decades, the Bowden Investment Group continued to evolve, benefiting from the dedication of its faculty advisors and the involvement of experienced investment and business professionals.
In 2010, David Thompson, a retired General Partner of WEDGE Capital Management, joined Dr. Goff as an adjunct faculty member. His extensive investment management experience brought valuable industry insights and professional perspectives into the classroom.
In 2018, Dr. Brandy Hadley and Shawn Poole joined the BIG team. Dr. Hadley brought prior experience leading a student-managed investment program at California State University, San Bernardino, and taught BIG during the spring of 2019 while Dr. Goff was on an off-campus scholarly assignment.
Shawn Poole, CPA, retired founder, President, and Chief Financial Officer of Employbridge Holding Company, joined as Executive-in-Residence. His business leadership experience, financial expertise, and commitment to mentoring students further strengthened the program's emphasis on professional development, accountability, and leadership.
In 2020, Dr. Goff and Mr. Thompson transitioned into advisory roles, and Dr. Hadley assumed primary responsibility for leading the Bowden Investment Group.
Building on the foundation established by Dr. Cox and Dr. Goff, the program has continued to emphasize rigorous investment research, thoughtful decision-making, teamwork, and professional excellence. Through interactions with industry professionals, experiential learning opportunities, and management of a real investment portfolio, BIG prepares students for careers in investment management and the broader financial services industry.
Investing in the Future: The Poole Family Endowment
In 2025, the Bowden Investment Group reached another significant milestone with the establishment of the $500,000 Poole Family Endowment, made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Shawn and Gigi Poole.
Since joining BIG in 2018, Mr. Poole has been an invaluable mentor, advisor, and advocate for students. His commitment extends far beyond the classroom, helping students develop the professional skills, industry relationships, and personal confidence necessary for success.
The Poole Family Endowment builds upon that legacy by establishing a permanent source of financial support for BIG's operations and student experiences. This transformational gift strengthens the program's long-term sustainability and helps ensure that future generations of students will continue to benefit from the exceptional opportunities that have distinguished the Bowden Investment Group.
The endowment represents not only an investment in the program's future but also a reflection of the Poole family's enduring commitment to student success.
A Legacy of Excellence
What began in 1994 as an innovative investment club has evolved into one of the Walker College of Business's premier experiential learning programs.
Throughout its history, the Bowden Investment Group has benefited from the vision of its founders, the dedication of faculty and professional mentors, the generosity of donors, and the accomplishments of its students and alumni.
While the program has grown and evolved, its fundamental mission remains unchanged: to challenge students to think critically, make informed investment decisions, develop as professionals, and prepare for successful careers in the financial services industry.
The Bowden Investment Group continues to build upon this legacy, investing not only in financial markets but also in the next generation of financial leaders.