Nine UW DECA Members Compete at International Conference

In only its second year as a chapter, the University of Wyoming’s DECA organization recently received a number of awards at the 2019 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Fla.

Nine UW DECA members competed in a variety of business areas, including business management and administration, entrepreneurship, finance and accounting, hospitality and tourism, and marketing and communications.

Members competed in individual and team events, including role-play scenarios. Participants prepared 30-60 minutes in advance and then presented to a panel of judges. Students also completed written projects, which consist of 15- to 30-page reports that are prepared months in advance and then presented to judges.

DECA “prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe,” according to the organization’s website. DECA’s collegiate division includes more than 15,000 members in 275 colleges and universities.

UW DECA competitors, listed by hometown, major, category and award or achievement, are:

Ashburn, Va. -- Corey Forst, finance sophomore, entrepreneurship: starting a business written project.

Casper -- Kendra Brutsman, finance junior, financial accounting role-play, a top performer on the exam portion.

Cheyenne -- Shelby Bell, management junior, human resource management role-play, placed in the top 10 and a top performer on the exam portion.

Laramie -- Lucy Considine, economics senior, entrepreneurship: starting a business written project; Emily Hakert Gross, marketing junior, sports and entertainment marketing team role-play, placed in the top 10 and received a chapter leadership award; Kyle Reed, marketing sophomore, fashion merchandising and marketing role-play, third overall and a top performer on the exam portion; and Nick Siebert, finance junior, corporate finance role-play.

Riverton -- Troy Cassity, management junior, marketing management role-play, chapter leadership award.

Vernal, Utah -- Tyler Gross, undeclared junior, sports and entertainment marketing team role-play, placed in the top 10.