This is a research project conducted by Micah Melling, Central Region Vice President for 2011-2012. This resource provides an overview of Missouri DECA.

1. 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.

2. 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/.