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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU DECA Students Capture Top Honors at Oklahoma Collegiate DECA Competition Day

February 24, 2026

OBU students earned multiple first-place finishes at the 2026 Oklahoma Collegiate DECA Competition Day, on January 30th at the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education in Stillwater.

Students competing through OBU’s Paul Dickinson School of Business brought home three first-place awards and one second-place finish at the statewide event, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.

Sadie Cousins, a sophomore camp administration major, and Kate Hadden, a senior business management major, finished first in business ethics.

Gracelyn Madalone, a sophomore business management major, and Emma Whaley, a senior business management major, earned first place in event planning.

Kenley Pickett, a senior Marketing major, captured first place in sales management and leadership.

Patrick Maxwell, a senior business management major, and Grady Tucker, a freshman accounting major, placed second in sports marketing.

“These students demonstrated exceptional preparation, professionalism and poise in competition,” said Dr. David Houghton, chair of the OBU Paul Dickinson School of Business. “Their performance reflects both their individual commitment and the strength of OBU’s business programs.”

Collegiate DECA Competition Day challenges students in marketing, finance, hospitality and management through case studies, presentations and applied business scenarios designed to mirror real-world decision-making.

DECA is an international organization with chapters on college campuses and high schools across the country and around the world. Its mission is to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

With their top finishes at the state level, the students qualified to compete at the Collegiate International Career Development Conference (CICDC) in Louisville, KY, scheduled for April 18-21.

The OBU chapter of DECA provides students with opportunities to develop business skills, strengthen leadership abilities and build professional networks. Participation is open to all OBU students interested in careers in business and related fields.

For more information about DECA at OBU, visit okbu.edu/student-life/organizations/deca.html.