This research project was conducted by Micah Melling, Central

Region Vice President for 2011-2012.

Missouri DECA Missouri DECA is a state affiliate of the international DECA organization. DECA prepares emerging

leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, management, hospitality, and finance in high

schools around the globe. DECA is one of 10 Career and Technical Student Organizations recognized by

the U.S. Department of Education. Missouri DECA is the sixth largest state association of DECA with

more than 9,100 members.

History The history of Missouri DECA can be traced all the way back to 1944 when a small group of local

chapters met for state meetings. In 1948, Missouri DECA was issued a charter from National DECA to

become an official affiliate. However, until 1960, there were fewer than 12 active chapters.

Separate from Missouri DECA were the Cooperative Occupational Education (COE) Clubs of Missouri.

Throughout the 40s and 50s, the Missouri COE Clubs held a much higher membership than Missouri

DECA.

In 1961, the Missouri Department of Secondary Education (DESE) hired Lester B. Kesterson to serve as

the State Advisor of both the Missouri Association of DECA and the Missouri COE Clubs. The DESE

agreed that the two groups could function more effectively as one organization. The two organizations

officially merged in 1961 when they held a joint state conference.

At the time of the merge, Missouri DECA’s membership was listed at 600. By 1982, Missouri DECA had

reached 5,000 members. Today, Missouri DECA provides service to more than 9,000 members and has a

list of distinguished alumni who continually make contributions to the organization.

Missouri DECA Today Today, Missouri DECA boasts over 9,100 members in more than 180 chapters throughout the state,

ranking the association 6th in national membership. Missouri DECA is not only a leader in membership,

but in many other areas. In 2009-2010, the organization raised $87,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy

Association. In 2011, sixteen students took “Top 10” honors at DECA’s International Career

Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. Both figures demonstrate the versatility and strength of

Missouri DECA.

Conferences Every October, the organization holds a Fall Leadership Conference at the Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake

Ozark, Missouri. State Officers are elected at this conference and members participate in leadership

development activities. Approximately 750 students and advisors attend this conference each year.

The State Career Development Conference is held each March in the same location as the Fall

Leadership Conference. Each year, this conference features a dynamic opening session, an

unforgettable hypnotist show, and an exciting awards session. Additionally, over $10,000 in

scholarships are awarded at this conference annually. In 2011, 1,659 students and advisors attended

the State Conference.

Leadership Missouri DECA is led by a 16-member State Action Team. The team is comprised of a President, Vice

President, Secretary, and 12 District Vice Presidents. The State Action Team develops and carries out a

Plan of Activities that benefits the entire association. The team also provides leadership at the State

Career Development Conference.

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administers the state

association and employs a state advisor to oversee the DECA program.

Online Missouri DECA’s website is http://dese.mo.gov/divcareered/deca.htm. The state organization also has a

presence on Facebook (Missouri DECA Official) and Twitter (@MODECA1). National DECA’s website is

http://www.deca.org/.