Brian Barnes Shines at BPA Nationals

Brian Barnes, a Software Development major at Dakota County Technical College, competed against the very best college students in the country at the 56th Annual Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas. The event was held at the Hilton Anatole May 4–8, 2022. BPA considers the national conference the pinnacle event of the organization’s membership year.

“The competition was very fun!” said Brian, who serves as Student Senate president and belongs to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). “I had a great time meeting new people and participating in the fun activities BPA had to offer. One of my favorite memories from the event—besides winning 1st and 2nd in my events—was sitting on a real bull! They brought in a live bull for anyone to sit on and take photos.”

Brian also enjoyed visiting the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. “Some of the photos and exhibits blew me away!” he said. “I am so grateful for participating in the 2022 BPA National Leadership Conference. Next year, I am pursuing earning the Torch Award for community service and leadership.”

Brian qualified for the BPA Nationals by performing exceptionally well at the BPA Spring State Leadership Conference this past March, taking first place in C# Programming and Information Technology Concepts as well as second place in Computer Programming Concepts and Parliamentary Procedure Concepts.¹

Marie Saunders, DCTC accounting instructor, serves as a BPA Club faculty advisor at the college. Marie was impressed by Brian’s outstanding performance in his national competitions.

“This was the first time attending the BPA National Leadership Conference for Brian Barnes—and he did a fantastic job,” she said. “There is much more to do while at the conference than just compete. We attended two leadership workshops helping students with business-appropriate clothing as well as college admissions. We attended the Texas Hoedown on Friday evening and watched armadillo races, sat on a real bull, and watched students getting thrown from the mechanical bulls.”

Marie added that the highlight of course was the Saturday evening Awards where Brian placed in the top 10 in three out of his competitions.

“On the way home the next day, Brian looked up on the BPA site for some additional awards he could earn for next year,” Marie said. “The reason I am a club advisor is to see the students enjoy their accomplishments.”

Anna Voight, associate director of student life at DCTC, thanked Marie Saunders and her fellow BPA Club faculty advisor, Amy Evanson, for their work advising BPA members and coordinating the logistics for the Dallas trip. Anna also thanked faculty members in Brian’s courses as well as the support staff who have worked with him throughout his DCTC journey.

“Brian represented DCTC exceptionally well at BPA nationals,” she said. “I am proud of him and his many accomplishments this past year, whether it be his awards at BPA, being selected at the commencement speaker, or receiving the Dave Schroeder Outstanding Student Award. Brian has taken full advantage of the numerous opportunities available at DCTC for students who want to get the most out of their college experience. I look forward to witnessing Brian’s leadership on campus next year as Student Senate president, where he will help connect other students to the opportunities available at DCTC to build a robust resume of leadership experiences.”

Learn more about Brian by reading the following DCTC News stories:

Student Spotlight: Brian Barnes

2022 Dave Schroeder Outstanding Student Award Winners