University of Phoenix Faculty Serves as Judge for DECA State Event

College of Business & Information Technology Faculty Dr. Eugene Kaufman supports future business leaders at event

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Dr. Eugene Kaufman, Lead Faculty for the College of Business & Information Technology served as a judge for the Nevada State Career Development Conference hosted by DECA. The event was held February 5-7, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This marks Dr. Kaufman's second consecutive year contributing as a volunteer judge for the DECA conference.

"We are proud to have Dr. Eugene Kaufman as a valued member of our faculty at University of Phoenix,” shares Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles. “His wealth of experience and dedication to excellence in education are evident in his contributions both within our institution and in the broader community. Dr. Kaufman's commitment to fostering the development of future business leaders exemplifies the values we uphold at the University.”

DECA’s Nevada State Career Development Conference is an annual event that brings together more than 1,000 members each year from across the state for three days of competition, workshops, networking, and state officer campaigns. The conference is a part of DECA’s mission to help prepare emerging leaders in high schools and colleges around the globe for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

"As a volunteer judge, I am delighted to join ranks for the second consecutive year with other volunteer teachers, coaches, and judges to make a difference in the lives of young adults,” states Kaufman. “DECA is an excellent opportunity for high school students to present their business ideas and demonstrate their ability to find solutions to problems faced by executives. Being a judge at DECA competition allows me to evaluate each student’s presentation and help develop the skills needed to succeed as business professionals." 

Skills-based learning opportunities are emphasized in both DECA and the University of Phoenix programs. DECA seamlessly integrates educational and leadership development activities into its classroom instructional program, providing members with the essential skills crucial for a successful business career. Meanwhile, the University of Phoenix distinguishes itself with an innovative skills-mapped curriculum tailored for working adult learners, resulting in 100 percent of associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs available for new enrollment being fully skills-mapped. Notably, since September 2021, the University of Phoenix has awarded over 420,000 badges attesting to the skills acquired through its diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional development courses.

Dr. Kaufman holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration and an MBA with a specialization in Strategy and Marketing Systems. He furthered his education with a Doctor of Management degree from the University of Phoenix, focusing on Organizational Leadership. With over three decades of management and executive experience, Dr. Kaufman has successfully developed and implemented business strategies across various industries.

He is a certified Business Mentor for SCORE (U.S. Small Business Administration) and actively contributes to community development. An advocate for education, Dr. Kaufman's commitment extends to fostering the development of young business leaders. His recent role as a judge for the Nevada State Career Development Conference reflects his dedication to shaping the future of business education.

Kaufman has been an employee of University of Phoenix since 2001.

About DECA

The DECA experience starts in the classroom where students learn business concepts in preparation for college and careers. A powerful instructional component, DECA brings the classroom to life by empowering the teacher-advisor to make learning relevant with educational programs that integrate into classroom instruction, apply learning, connect to business and promote competition. DECA prepares the next generation to be academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. Learn more about how you can get involved at deca.org/volunteer.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.