CBA launches immersive leadership challenge for students
New team-based competition gives CMU students hands-on experience solving industry challenges—with support from corporate partner MyMichigan Health
The College of Business Administration is launching an exciting new opportunity for Central Michigan University undergraduates—Boss Games: CBA Future Leaders Competition—a one-day team event designed to help students develop leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills through real-world business challenges.
This new one-day event invites students from across campus to collaborate, compete, and grow—while solving real business challenges with support from faculty and corporate leaders.
“This is not another exam or classroom assignment,” said co-organizer and Department of Management faculty member Shilpa Alamuri. “It’s a way for students to step into real decision-making environments, work through messy challenges, and build confidence in a supportive, engaging setting”.
The experience is designed to be manageable, fun, and impactful—and it’s built with future careers in mind.
Why the competition was created
Boss Games was created to help students build skills that employers consistently look for: teamwork, leadership, presentation, and decision-making in the face of ambiguity.
Participants will join cross-functional teams—including one high school student per group—to tackle challenges inspired by real business issues. Students will collaborate, problem-solve, and present their recommendations to faculty and industry judges.
“This is about more than competition,” said Jarvis Smallfield, a co-organizer and Department of Management faculty member. “You’re going to meet people, solve real problems, and maybe even walk away with a scholarship—but more than anything, you’ll grow as a leader. We’ve built this to reflect what teamwork looks like in the real world. And we’ve made sure it’s a fun day, too”.
The 2026 challenge theme centers on rural healthcare in Michigan, developed in partnership with MyMichigan Health and McLaren Central Michigan.
A unique corporate partnership
One of this year’s signature features is a deep industry partnership with MyMichigan Health, which is co-developing the competition challenges and providing support throughout the event.
“Partnering with CMU on the Boss Games competition is a unique and fun opportunity for everyone involved,” said two-time alumna Dana Thering ’00, ’07, system vice president of business development at MyMichigan Health. “The competition gives students the chance to get out of their comfort zone and network with alumni and industry judges, and it gives corporate partners the chance to grow through a problem they wish to solve with the help of the students. But, more importantly, Boss Games empowers students through hands-on experience and helps them build on their leadership and management skills that are critical for future career success.”
In addition to networking and mentorship opportunities, one standout participant will receive a paid internship at MyMichigan Health. Other top teams will receive scholarships and awards—and of course, campus-wide bragging rights.
Who should participate
Any undergraduate student with curiosity and a willingness to jump in can participate—no business major required.
“This experience is meant to be accessible,” Alamuri said. “We want teams with diverse strengths, and we’re here to support students every step of the way. If it sounds even a little intriguing, that’s a good enough reason to take the first step”.
The competition is especially valuable for students looking to grow their resume, practice leadership, and gain presentation experience in a real-world context. And with free food, a high-energy environment, and a welcoming campus atmosphere, it’s also built to be fun.
How to get involved
To start, students can submit the Boss Games interest form by February 4. There’s no commitment at this stage—just a chance to learn more and explore whether the experience is right for you.
The competition will take place on March 20, 2026, with final teams and event details announced in the weeks prior.
Learn more and fill out the form at https://forms.office.com/r/AZS3MePipH.
