After two years of running Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), advisor Kenneth Chukwuba has not only expanded the program to include about 35 students but also had 20 of these students qualify for nationals this year.

These 20 students either qualified individually or in a group. Even the members who did not receive a finalist position finished in third place or above. Some of these students competed in multiple categories as well, which added up to SMSU having a finalist in almost every category at the competition.

That hour-long competition began with a 100-question multiple choice test, followed by a case study, and finalized by a 15-minute presentation where the workers presented and explained their case study. From there, the judges picked the best answer to the case study by using a pre-determined rubric.

“The case studies are real-world problems that some companies are having,” said Chukwuba, who is also an assistant professor of Business Management.

Each of the judges are also business owners, so if they are highly impressed by someone’s work, they could possibly connect with them about potential job opportunities. The winners that they choose also recieve a plaque and/or medal for their achievements.

“[DECA] provides limitless opportunities to business students to apply in the classroom to the real world,” said Chukwuba.

Members of this organization are mainly international students, but it is open to anyone. Chukwuba recommends the club to everyone, adding that their meetings are Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in room 249 in the Student Center. The national competition will be held in Washington, D.C. Apr. 11-15.