Letter from Dr. David Decker to the Franklin Community

I am very pleased, and also humbled, to be chosen to serve the students and other members of the Franklin University community.  I would like to thank the Presidential Search Committee for its thorough and fair process, which has provided me with an excellent initial understanding of the uniqueness and richness of Franklin.  I would also like to thank John Ruhlin, Chair of the Search Committee, for the confidence he has shown in me, and all of the committee members for their courtesy, professionalism and willingness to share their knowledge and understanding of Franklin with me.  I appreciate the efforts all of you have made to make me feel welcome, and look forward with pleasure to meeting each of you personally.

Franklin University is a true leader and innovator in providing higher education opportunities to adult learners.  Dr. Paul Otte has exhibited remarkable foresight and creativity in positioning the University as a strongly student-centered and innovative provider of high quality academic programs.  Under his leadership, Franklin has become not only a key contributor to the development of central Ohio, but also a testament to Franklin’s ability to deliver quality academic offerings using leading-edge technology.  I am looking forward eagerly to bringing my own experience and passion to this new arena, and carrying forward the legacy of innovation and creativity which Dr. Otte has established.

You have my promise that I will bring to Franklin all of my energy and talents to ensure the future growth and success of our University.  I now ask you in this letter, as I will soon be doing in person, to work with me to keep Franklin on the cutting edge of innovation and excellence in higher education.

Sincerely,

David R. Decker, Ph.D.