The University of Utah chapter of the Distributive Education Clubs of America, better known as DECA, won big in 2021. Nine members of the competitive business organization were awarded more than 25 titles between the state and international competitions held virtually.

“I could not be prouder of my students! Especially during a year that presented an unprecedented set of circumstances, I admire the hard work and dedication that each member exhibited at both the state and international levels,” said Lindsay Joyner, advisor of the University of Utah DECA chapter. “I am looking forward to seeing all that these members accomplish both in and out of the organization moving forward!”

The University of Utah chapter was recognized for its exceptional leadership, service and community involvement at the international level with the Presidential Leadership Passport Award, the highest honor for chapters within the organization.

Additionally, Chapter President Carly Anderson was recognized for her outstanding leadership, competitive prowess and academic ability with the Chapter Leadership Award, Association Leadership Award, Academic Honor Award and the Individual Presidential Leadership Passport Award, one of only four students in the world to capture such prestigious titles.

State competition

Held in February, the nine-member team competed against over 100 Utah students in the virtual 2021 State Career Development Conference. All students placed in the top three of their division and qualified for the International Career Development Conference in April. The students competed in a variety of business events, bringing home five state championships overall.

At this conference, Anderson was elected to serve as the president of Utah Collegiate DECA and will represent hundreds of students at future conferences across the country. Team members were awarded the following titles:

Carly Anderson:

• • State Champion, Travel and Tourism
  • Second Place, Business-to-Business Marketing

Lauren Millenbach:

• • State Champion, Advertising Campaign

Jared Collett:

• • State Champion, Entrepreneurship Operations
  • State Champion, Restaurant Management

Hailey Mishler:

• • State Champion, Hotel and Lodging Management
  • Third Place, Fashion Merchandising

Tyler Murrill:

• • Second Place, Restaurant and Food Service Management

Kate Forth:

• • Second Place, Travel and Tourism

Jacob Winters:

• • Second Place, Financial Statement Analysis

Elden Campbell:

• • Second Place, Financial Statement Analysis

Tori Manning:

• • Second Place, Fashion Merchandising
  • Third Place, Entrepreneurship Operations

International competition

The International Career Development Conference was held virtually in April 2021. The U team went head-to-head with more than 500 of the best and brightest business students from around the globe. Four students qualified as finalists and Jared Collett brought home an International Championship in the Entrepreneurship Division. Team members were awarded the following titles:

Jared Collett:

• • International Championship, Entrepreneurship Operations
  • Top Ten Exam Score, Entrepreneurship Operations
  • Top Ten, Entrepreneurship Operations
  • Finalist, Entrepreneurship Operations

Carly Anderson:

• • Top Ten, Business-to-Business Marketing
  • Finalist, Business-to-Business Marketing

Hailey Mishler:

• • Preliminary Presentation Champion, Hotel and Lodging Management
  • Finalist, Hotel and Lodging Management
  • Top Ten, Hotel and Lodging Management

Lauren Millenbach:

• • Finalist, Advertising Campaign

Tyler Murril:

• • Top Ten Exam Score, Restaurant and Food Service Management

The goal of DECA is to equip emerging leaders and entrepreneurs with the skills they need for success in the professional world. U students interested in joining DECA can find more information @uofu.deca on Instagram, on Campus Connect or by emailing deca.uofu@gmail.com.