New Mexico Highlands University is proud to present the Cowboy-Up Business Pitch Competition, a showcase of creativity, entrepreneurship, and achievement.
Sponsored by the School of Business, this three-day event takes place from April 22 to April 24. By integrating digital components like Zoom, the competition fosters ingenuity and enhances competitiveness, showcasing the innovative ideas of students and participants from across the state.
The competition kicks off with Faculty Research Day on April 22, where experienced professors will share their research and insights, providing a glimpse into the academic rigor that supports participants entrepreneurial journeys.
On the second day, students and alumni who have made significant strides in their fields will take the spotlight. Notable speakers will include last year’s competition winners—Sorche Morgan and Lydia Okojie—who are each pursuing their Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees at NMHU.
The competition culminates on April 24 when participants will present their business ideas to a panel of judges, including industry professionals and community leaders. The top three finalists will be celebrated at a gala on April 26 where they will compete for a $5,000 cash prize to help launch their entrepreneurial dreams.
Dr. Gerardo Moreira, Assistant Professor of Marketing at NMHU and a pivotal figure behind the Cowboy-Up competition, emphasized the importance of recognizing student efforts as they refine their pitches and develop ideas that not only thrive in the marketplace but also create meaningful impacts.
His hands-on mentorship approach ensures students not only develop their ideas but also gain valuable real-world experience. “I teach pragmatically, setting clear objectives: this is what we aim to achieve, and here’s the blueprint to get there. When students leave my class, they should be able to immediately apply what they’ve learned and implement their understanding,” he explains.
The Cowboy Up Business Pitch Competition is open to everyone—students, faculty, and community members alike. This inclusive approach fosters a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish. The event also serves as a recruitment tool, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of NMHU students and the resources available to those looking to innovate.
Looking ahead, Dr. Moreira envisions expanding the competition into an accelerator for NMHU’s business department aimed at attracting entrepreneurs with resilience and vision. “We want to continually develop our business department as a program where motivated, diligent students can pursue their goals through hard work and perseverance—where tenacity and determination can turn aspirations into reality.”
For more information about NMHU’s School of Business programs, upcoming community initiatives, and opportunities for involvement, please reach out to Dr. Veena Parboteeah at parbotev@nmhu.edu or Dr. Gerardo Moreira at gmoreira@nmhu.edu.
About New Mexico Highlands University:
New Mexico Highlands University is committed to student success and adherence to high professional accreditation standards. The Department of Business Administration prepares students to become confident, ethical decision-makers and leaders, equipped to address economic and social challenges in today’s global business environment.