aerial view of Western's campus at night facing northwest, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

WWU business students participate in national procurement case competition

Up against teams from eight other universities, the WWU team had just 24 hours to research, develop and present their strategy

by Jennifer Nerad

University Communications

(From left) Jackson Hardy, Haley Luther, Kenyon Woodley, and Sam Nocera at the National Association of State Procurement Officials Procurement Case Competition in Tempe, Arizona, on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Photo courtesy of NASPO.

Four undergraduates from Western’s College of Business and Economics showcased their talents as they competed against eight other universities in an immersive team challenge designed to highlight the complexities and critical decision-making required in public procurement.

The third annual National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Procurement Case Competition was held at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, from Feb. 5-7. Procurement is the process of acquiring goods and services for an organization or government.    

The WWU team was comprised of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (MSCM) seniors Jackson Hardy, Haley Luther, and Kenyon Woodley, and junior Sam Nocera, with support from faculty advisors Professor of Decision Sciences Scott Young and Professor and Department Chair of Decision Sciences Stella Hua.

They competed against eight other universities in an immersive challenge designed to highlight the complexities, challenges, and critical decision-making required in public procurement.  

“The level of competition at this case was like going from the minor leagues to the majors,” said Woodley. “I think our team did a great job competing against national teams, and it was a great learning experience in many ways!”

The teams had just 24 hours to research, develop, and present their strategic plan. Luther said the invitation to venture into unfamiliar territory is one of the draws of participating in a case competition.

“This case was a challenge, however being challenged is the perfect way to learn,” said Luther. “I push myself outside of my comfort zone for opportunities like this because at the end of the day in my career I will have to pitch ideas on how to best accomplish large scale projects and I want to get experience both working on the pitch and presenting it to key individuals.”

The case challenge was to modernize government operations and increase transparency through the selection and implementation of a new eProcurement system. The solutions had to address budget constraints, technical considerations, change management and training, agency alignment, and timeline.    

“The students’ problem-solving skills and teamwork continue to raise the bar, and the program provides meaningful early exposure to a profession that needs this kind of talent,” said Sherri Maxwell, NASPO President and Chief Procurement Officer of the State of Colorado, who was one of the judges. “The dedication and creativity on display make judging both rewarding and humbling, and it’s great to see the program continue to grow each year.”  

Learn more about the College of Business and Economics’ Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management program. 

Jennifer Nerad covers Western's College of Business and Economics and College of the Environment for the Office of University Communications. Have a great story idea? Reach out to her at neradj@wwu.edu.