VCSU Students Qualify for DECA Nationals

Two students take first place in team event, earn spots at national competition

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Valley City State University students Sarah Monilaws and Katie Jones qualified for the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Louisville, Kentucky, this April after taking first place in a team event at the 2026 State Career Development Conference (SCDC) in Fargo, North Dakota.

Why it matters

DECA is a leading organization for business and marketing students, providing opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills. Qualifying for the national competition is a significant achievement that can boost the students' resumes and open doors to future career opportunities.

The details

Monilaws and Jones teamed up to take 1st place in Event Planning at the DECA state conference. Individually, Jones took 3rd in Travel & Tourism and Monilaws placed 3rd in Hotel & Lodging. The Top 3 finishes qualified them for nationals in all three events, and they've decided to compete in their team event at the ICDC.

  • The 2026 State Career Development Conference (SCDC) was held on February 9-10 in Fargo, North Dakota.
  • The Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) will take place in April 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The players

Sarah Monilaws

A Valley City State University student who qualified for the DECA national competition in three events, including a first-place finish in the team Event Planning category.

Katie Jones

A Valley City State University student who qualified for the DECA national competition in three events, including a first-place finish in the team Event Planning category.

Dr. Amber Aberle

The VCSU advisor who attended the state conference with Monilaws and Jones.

Wesley Wright

The VCSU advisor who will attend the ICDC in April.

Sandi Luck

A Midwest entrepreneur who owns Bully Brew Coffee, Coffee and Taphouse, and ND Coffee Roastery, and shared insights on building and growing successful businesses in North Dakota at the state conference.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Monilaws and Jones will compete in their team Event Planning event at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Louisville, Kentucky, this April.

The takeaway

The success of the VCSU DECA students at the state conference demonstrates the strength of the university's business and marketing programs, and their qualification for the national competition will provide valuable experience and exposure that can benefit their future careers.