By Angelina Syribouth
Social Media Manager
Amarillo College students now have the chance to sharpen their business skills and compete through a new student club, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). The organization prepares them for careers in business, management, marketing, finance and related fields.
Officials said the club gives AC students hands-on experiences that go beyond the classroom. “They learn leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills that prepare them not only for careers in business but also for life,” Shelby Moore, a business administration instructor and an adviser of the club, said. “My goal as a sponsor is to create opportunities for students to build confidence, develop professional skills and make connections that will benefit them long after college,” she said.
Business Administration and Economics instructor Bryan Modisette also serves as a club adviser and encourages students to get involved. “Some things I think students can take away are learning how to research, presentation skills and finding out more about their career path. Also, I think it’ll be a great experience for everyone and very rewarding,” he said.
AC students said they joined DECA in order to hone in on their leadership skills and carry themselves to a higher standard. “I joined DECA because I wanted to build my leadership skills and get real experience in business beyond the classroom. It also gives me the chance to network with people who share similar goals and interests, which I know is very important for my career. There is also a real sense of prestige that comes with being in DECA. You feel like you are walking into a room already set apart, carrying yourself with a higher standard and representing something bigger than yourself.” Zachary Vidaurri, a business administration major, said. “My advice for students interested in joining would be to go for it even if they are unsure,” he said.
Vidaurri explains that he was one of the few people who have worked to get the organization started. He states “I have been working to get this organization started since January of 2025, so it is exciting to finally see it becoming a reality now. I even spoke with the national collegiate chapter president, Eric Bedrosian, who told me some of his colleagues were offered jobs on the spot by Fortune 500 companies just for being part of DECA. That really showed me the power of this program.”
According to the advisers, the club is planning for its members to participate in district and regional competitions with hopes to advance to state and national DECA events.
“These competitions challenge students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world business scenarios while also giving them a chance to network with peers, professionals and potential mentors,” Moore said.
For more information about DECA, students of all majors can come to the meetings every first and third Monday of each month, excluding September, at 1 pm in Byrd 204.
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