JSTARKVILLE, Miss.—In their very first appearance, Mississippi State University supply chain students emerged as national champions, capturing first place in the 2025 Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) Intermodal Case Study Competition.
Competition Challenge & Winning Strategy
On September 22, MSU’s team outperformed 12 other top-tier universities with their approach to the “A Port of Clearview” case. The prompt asked participants to devise methods for reducing port gate congestion while balancing operational costs and customer needs.
The victorious roster included:
- Elijah Davis, junior from Spring Hill, Tennessee
- Emma Lovely-Gonzalez, senior from Houston, Texas
- Sophie Perrigin, senior from Dickson, Tennessee
- Bradley Sills, senior from Hixson, Tennessee
The Rigors of Competition
During the intense five-hour challenge, teams collaborated under pressure, employing both quantitative and qualitative analyses to craft their solutions.
“We really took the time to read deep into the case and pull out the key aspects,” Perrigin explained on The Intermodal Logistics Podcast. “Each of us had strengths we wanted to lean into, and that balance helped us move forward with a strong approach.”
Sills added insight into their approach:
“We gave ourselves 30 minutes of silent reading and note-taking, then dissected everything line by line. That way we could make the best assumptions possible and deliver a solid solution.”
Gaining Insight into the Intermodal Industry
The competition also broadened the students’ perspective on the logistics sector:
“It shocked me how much our country really relies on this industry,” Sills reflected. “Seeing it firsthand gave me a whole new appreciation for the work behind moving goods every day.”
Institutional Support & Future of Logistics Education
Chris Boone, MSU’s associate professor of supply chain logistics and the team’s advisor, emphasized how this victory demonstrates both student excellence and momentum within the College of Business.
“Mississippi State has had a transportation-oriented program since the 1950s, but in 2021 we launched a state-of-the-art supply chain major. This was our first year as an IANA scholarship school, and to not only compete but win in our debut shows just how prepared and capable our students are. It’s a remarkable achievement for Mississippi State and a testament to the hard work of our students. We’re proud and grateful to IANA for creating opportunities like this that help develop the next generation of intermodal leaders.”
IANA’s Intermodal Case Study Competition belongs to its broader scholarship program, which since 2007 has allocated over $6 million to supporting education in intermodal freight transportation. This funding aids in tuition, research, and curriculum development at participating institutions.
Competition Field & Participating Universities
This year, competing institutions included:
- Cal Poly Maritime Academy
- College of Charleston
- Georgia Southern University
- SUNY Maritime
- University of Arkansas
- University of Houston
- University of Maryland
- University of North Florida
- University of North Texas
- University of Tennessee – Knoxville
- University of Wisconsin – Superior
Conclusion
Mississippi State University’s debut in the IANA Intermodal Case Study Competition was nothing short of spectacular. Their team’s ability to combine deep analytical insight, collaborative strategy, and industry awareness earned them top honors over a strong field of national competitors. This triumph not only underscores the students’ talent but also highlights MSU’s growing reputation as a hub for supply chain and intermodal logistics education. With institutional support, real-world exposure, and a culture of rigorous inquiry, MSU is positioning its graduates for leadership in the evolving world of freight transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IANA Intermodal Case Study Competition?
The IANA Intermodal Case Study Competition is a student challenge organized by the Intermodal Association of North America, in which teams analyze real-world logistics problems (such as port congestion) and propose strategic solutions. It is part of a broader scholarship program that supports education in intermodal freight transportation.
How did Mississippi State’s team prepare and win?
The MSU team began with a focused silent reading and note‐taking period before dissecting the case line by line. They leveraged each member’s unique strengths and balanced quantitative and qualitative reasoning to deliver a robust, cost-aware solution.
What does this win mean for Mississippi State’s logistics program?
This victory in their first participation signals that MSU’s supply chain and logistics curriculum is not only competitive but ready to produce leaders in the field. It boosts the university’s prestige in transportation education and may attract further partnerships, funding, and student talent.
