OBU DECA Students Excel at International Conference in San Francisco
April 15, 2025
OBU students earned top honors at the Collegiate International Career Development Conference (CICDC) held in San Francisco April 5-8.
Eight students represented OBU at the conference, and four were named finalists in their respective categories.
Senior Rachel Antony, an international business major, earned first place in travel and tourism.
Lynnley Grindstaff, a freshman English major and marketing minor, was a finalist in the marketing management category. Senior Sarah Black, a finance major, and junior Kenley York, a marketing major, were finalists in the sports marketing category.
“I’m proud of the entire team’s performance and significant accomplishments,” said Dr. David Houghton, chair of OBU’s Paul Dickinson School of Business. “Rachel is only the third student from Oklahoma to finish in first place in DECA’s CICDC history and this is only our second year competing. OBU’s Sydney Gardner was the second student to achieve that distinction last year.”
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.
The OBU chapter of DECA offers students business skill development, networking opportunities, and experiences that enhance their professionalism. Activities are designed to strengthen leadership, marketplace knowledge, and career readiness.
All OBU students are welcome to participate. The chapter meets Friday mornings at 10 a.m. in Bailey Business Room 210.