It was a successful outing for Missouri State Collegiate DECA at the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) held April 18-21 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Earlier this year, at the Missouri Collegiate DECA State Career Development Conference, Mo State DECA also earned the Chapter of the Year title, as well as additional honors recognizing advisor and student leadership. Dr. Jason DeBode, faculty advisor and management department head, was named Advisor of the Year, while Isaac Moon, accounting senior, received Member of the Year for student leadership.

“We entered this competition with incredibly thorough preparation. These outstanding achievements are a well-deserved reward for the student’s efforts,” DeBode said.

Missouri State Collegiate DECA is part of DECA Inc., a global organization focused on preparing students for careers in business-related fields. Through competitive events that mirror real-world scenarios, students take on the role of business professionals, analyzing cases, developing strategies and presenting solutions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Where competition meets collaboration

DECA students do not just compete at the conference; they step into a real-world business environment where ideas are tested, refined and defended.

What sets this group apart is both the preparation and culture: a team dynamic where students push each other to improve while offering support. That culture carries into the competition, where students compete not only against other universities, but also alongside each other — while still maintaining a strong sense of collaboration.

“Even though they’re competing against their teammates, they still want everyone to do well. They support one another and share what they learn,” DeBode said.

Behind the success

For Moon, DECA has played a key role in shaping him into the leader, student and young professional he is today. He became DECA president during his freshman year and, over time, honed the ability to lead thoughtfully, stay engaged and manage multiple priorities.

“Being named Missouri Collegiate DECA Member of the Year is the perfect capstone before I graduate this summer,” Moon said. “You get out what you put in, and I’ve gained so much from this experience.”

Behind each competition is a structured and intentional preparation process. Students regularly participate in training sessions focused on case analysis, presentation skills and research techniques — all designed to mirror real-world business scenarios.

They also engage in mock competitions, practicing under conditions similar to the actual event and receive feedback from faculty and industry professionals. These experiences help students refine their ideas, improve communication and build confidence.

“Students had the opportunity to run through the entire process in a mock competition before stepping into the real event,” DeBode said.

Hands-on growth

At this year’s ICDC, participants competed for top honors across 25 events, including individual case studies, team case studies and prepared business presentations.

Mo State DECA members placed in the top spots across multiple categories and earned DECA Glass trophies:

• Travel and Tourism (first place): Morgan Bruhn, accounting junior
• Retail Management (second place): Alexis Jared, management and leadership sophomore
• Retail Management (top 10): Ava Lin, management and leadership junior
• Hotel and Lodging (top 10): Madelynn Jared, marketing management senior
• Hotel and Lodging (top exam scorer): Abi Klover, economics junior and Madelynn
• Financial Statement Analysis (second place): Moon and Lander Thompson, finance (corporate and investments) junior
• Financial Accounting (top 10): Moon
• Marketing Management (top case study scorer): Justin Taylor, marketing junior

For DECA co-president Madelynn, success at the national level came down to confidence and mindset. She found that staying composed under pressure often led to better results.

“With case studies, you never know what to expect,” she said. “It’s important to stay calm and trust your abilities.”

In addition to the student awards, Mo State DECA received the Chapter Leadership Passport. The recognition honors actions taken by members, chapters and associations to build personal and professional skills that help students become academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible and experienced leaders.

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