MSU President's Newspaper Column
March 15, 2025
Collegiate DECA members shine
Mayville State University’s Collegiate DECA chapter consistently makes us proud! At the recent North Dakota Collegiate DECA Career Development Conference held in Fargo, members of the chapter competed against 112 of their peers representing ten other North Dakota colleges and universities. Twenty-two of 25 Mayville State chapter members qualified for the international competition that will be held in San Francisco, Calif. in April. That’s fantastic!
To underscore the significance of what our chapter does, it is not unusual for students to qualify for international competition. Year after year, Mayville State students make their way to this level. Not only do they place high in their competitions, they are regularly recognized for their good work in general, as individuals and as a chapter. Several Mayville State students have served as state officers over the years. MSU faculty and Collegiate DECA advisors Rob Johnston and Dustin Olson play an integral role in their students’ success. We could not be prouder of this outstanding group!
There are currently nine seniors who participate in Collegiate DECA. Three of them plan to graduate in December of 2025. I’ve asked the others to share their reflections as they prepare to graduate in May.
“Mayville State has overall been a great experience for me and has definitely helped prepare me for life after college. Deciding to be a part of Mayville State Collegiate DECA was one of the best decisions I have made. The friends and people I have met, the skills I have improved upon, and all the opportunities I have had because of DECA will help me greatly in the future. When I enrolled at Mayville State, I could never have imagined how involved I would be, and I never thought I would end up being the president of a club on campus. In my time at Mayville, I have been able to push outside my comfort zone and develop skills that I will carry into my career.” Logan Maus, Thompson, N.D. MSU Collegiate DECA President, Business Administration Major, Accounting Minor
“My time at Mayville State wouldn’t be the same without DECA. Over four years, I’ve grown immensely, both personally and professionally. Serving at VP of Member Relations and now as a state vice president has honed my skills in communication, networking, and public speaking. The memories and connections I’ve made, as well as the opportunity to travel to conferences across the country, are priceless. If you’re looking for a rewarding college experience, join DECA.” Sam Preston, Hillsboro, N.D. MSU Collegiate DECA Vice President, North Dakota Vice President, Business Administration Major
“DECA has helped me grow as both a leader and a person, improving my communication skills, both with professional presentations and just everyday conversations with others. I have also learned how to be quick on my feet when it comes to solving problems, as most of the cases we have require you to figure it out in 30 minutes or so. It has also been a lot of fun and a great overall experience for me.” Jack Bradner, Portland, N.D. Business Administration Major
“Coming to MSU, I didn’t know what DECA was, but joining this organization has given me endless opportunities, skills, and lifelong friendships. I have advanced my leadership and professionalism through officer positions, competitions, and conferences. I have had opportunities to travel all over the country, to places like Baltimore, Orlando, Austin, and soon, to San Francisco. Most importantly, I have built some pretty special relationships and connections that I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to create.” Sam Passa, Barnesville, Minn. MSU Collegiate DECA Vice President of Public Relations, North Dakota Vice President, Mathematics Major, Business Administration Minor
“I have loved my time at Mayville State, and DECA has been a huge part of that. It is where I have made most of my friends during my time in college. It has given me the opportunity to help and get to know different members of the community. I have built many skills and relationships that will stay with me for the rest of my life.” Leighton Wolfgram, Thompson, N.D. MSU collegiate DECA Vice President, Education Major
“I am extremely fortunate that I was a part of Mayville State DECA for all four years at Mayville State. Since the beginning, I have been able to make friendships, compete at numerous state and national competitions, and find success through DECA. I will never forget the moments of spending time with the chapter in Orlando and Austin during the international conference. MSU DECA has been a fun, rewarding experience, and I hope that the current and future members will enjoy it as much as I did!” Connor Fields, Thompson, N.D. MSU Collegiate DECA Vice President, Business Administration Major
Sixteen members of the Mayville State Collegiate DECA chapter will head to San Francisco, Calif. for the international conference in April. If you’d like to give a gift to help defray their travel expenses, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/DECA. Thank you for your consideration.
Commencement day is always bittersweet for me. I’m happy for the graduates and their success that will lead to an exciting future, but I miss them when I don’t see them on a regular basis. These seniors definitely fit into that scenario. I wish them the very best as they close out their time at Mayville State and with Collegiate DECA and venture out to pursue exciting careers and life after college.