Bridgeport Alum Part of Fairmont State DECA Delegation to International Conference
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 21, 2026
Fairmont State University’s DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter represented the university and state of West Virginia at the Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference in Louisville, KY.
DECA is a student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in business disciplines like marketing, finance, management, and hospitality.
The Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference is an opportunity for DECA members to come together and engage in competitions, professional development, networking, and more.
Fairmont State Chapter President Colton Clingenpeel (Bridgeport), Vice President Damrien Newbraugh (Grafton) and Faculty Co-Advisor Dr. Billy Stone took part in an exciting week of leadership, experiential learning and professional engagement.
Clingenpeel reflected on his time at the DECA conference, saying, “The DECA International Career Development Conference was an unforgettable experience. It provided numerous opportunities for experiential learning while also allowing us to build meaningful connections with respected professionals across a variety of industries. Executive leaders from Adobe shared valuable insights and highlighted exciting career opportunities within their organization.”
Throughout their time at the conference, Dr. Stone, Clingenpeel and Newbraugh were able to compete in business case analysis and sales presentation events as well as explore the history of the Kentucky Derby and its economic impact on Louisville.
Newbraugh said, “One of the most impactful takeaways was seeing how Louisville has leveraged its existing strengths to become a leader in marketing and brand development. The city’s ability to maximize its assets was evident, especially through the scale and influence of the Kentucky Derby, which continues to drive significant attention and economic impact.”
Fairmont State University provides students with experiences like these to build connections across their respective industries, network with fellow students from other institutions, and to see real-world examples of their academic studies outside of the classroom.
To learn more about Fairmont State’s DECA chapter, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/coba/students/business-student-organizations.aspx
