The classic Egg Bowl rivalry took on a new twist this year as Regions Bank sponsored its first-ever Bank of Ideas Challenge, bringing together students from Mississippi State and Ole Miss for a competition focused on creativity and collaboration.
Regions Bank has served Mississippi for generations, and the Bank of Ideas Challenge is yet another extension of the bank’s work with college and universities across the state.
Regions has a clear vision for serving the next generation of customers. John Jordan, head of Retail at Regions Bank
Teams from both schools each took on one of four challenges that would help create the future of banking. Two finalist teams from each school came together on neutral ground in Tupelo, Mississippi, to pitch their solutions to real-world banking challenges. From reimagining the branch experience to helping young adults reach their financial goals, students presented bold ideas for shaping what’s next in financial services.
“Regions has a clear vision for serving the next generation of customers,” said John Jordan, head of Retail at Regions Bank. “It’s so important we hear directly from that generation. That’s why we were so impressed by these students.”
Judges included Regions leaders Ashley McLellan, Tupelo market executive, and Justin Casano, Starkville market executive, who evaluated each team’s creativity, feasibility and customer impact.
After an incredible round of presentations, one team emerged victorious: The InnovatHers from Ole Miss.
“It feels unreal. I did not get to see the other presentations, so I really did not know how we stacked up against them. I heard great things about all of them, so I was very nervous,” shared InnovatHers team member and senior entrepreneurship major Mary Margaret McCracken. “I’m definitely relieved and just so ecstatic, I cannot believe it!
The InnovatHers team developed a gamified digital financial planning tool that integrates into the Regions Bank mobile app. Designed for young adults, the tool helps users build financial confidence and readiness for major life milestones through interactive simulations, personalized goal-setting and budgeting tools.
It’s been a great experience, and I think building that real life experience is very important. Drew Sheehan, a junior finance and risk management major at Ole Miss
“Innovation, collaboration and growth are key pillars to any vibrant business, and this team delivered an incredible and forward-thinking presentation,” Jordan said. “We appreciate the collaboration with Ole Miss, and we look forward to building even more connections with the next generation of business and banking leaders.”
But the challenge wasn’t just about winning, it was about learning. Students gained valuable feedback from industry professionals and experienced firsthand how research and innovation drives success in today’s business landscape.
“I’m very excited to put this on my resume. Just being able to be like I went out of my way, and we made it to the finals,” said Jorja Brister, third year architecture student at Mississippi State. “Being able to be so close to real life situations and to be able to put yourself into a real competition is so exciting.”
“It’s been a great experience, and I think building that real life experience is very important,” said Drew Sheehan, a junior finance and risk management major at Ole Miss. “You can sit in a classroom, pay attention and feel like you’re learning things, but it means nothing until it translates into a real-world application. We’re very fortunate and very thankful that Regions has provided that for us.”
As the Official Bank of the SEC, Regions remains committed to education and creating opportunities for future leaders. The Bank of Ideas Challenge is just one example of how Regions connects with communities and invests in the next generation.
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