January 27, 2025
Mayville State University students and Collegiate DECA members, Logan Maus and Connor Fields, both from Thompson, N.D., along with their Collegiate DECA advisors, Dustin Olson and Rob Johnston, shared their expertise by serving as judges for an annual high school DECA competition. The competition was held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks, N.D., Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. About 110 students from Red River and Central High Schools in Grand Forks participated.
DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) is a renowned organization dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. The Jan. 22 competition was held to encourage students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. This year’s event featured a variety of challenges, from role-plays to business simulations, giving students a taste of professional business environments.
Maus and Fields have both experienced a high level of success in Collegiate DECA on the local, state, and international levels, as have their Mayville State advisors, Dustin Olson, Professor of Business, and Rob Johnson, Professor of Business. The Mayville State volunteers utilized their vast experience in Collegiate DECA competitions and business to help and inspire the ambitions of young high school-age innovators.
Dustin Olson, who has been a faculty member at Mayville State for more than 15 years, possesses an extensive background in accounting, entrepreneurship, and leadership. His dedication to education and community involvement makes him an ideal mentor for future business leaders.
Being part of this event and assisting these remarkable students as they discover their potential in the business realm was fantastic,” stated Mr. Olson. “Collegiate DECA has made significant contributions to our students at Mayville State, so it’s only natural for us to support high school DECA students as they learn, develop, and push their limits.”
To learn more about becoming a student at Mayville State University and participating in Collegiate DECA, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/DECA.
