Columbus, Ohio — Franklin University, the leading educator of adult students, will celebrate the inauguration of its Fourth President, Dr. David R. Decker, on Friday, May 16 at 3 p.m. at its Main Campus, downtown, in the Huntington Courtyard. 

The ceremony will feature the pageantry of a robed academic procession -- a tradition which dates back to medieval times – as well as greetings from Eric D. Fingerhut, Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents; Michael B. Coleman, Mayor of the City of Columbus; Greg Lashutka, Chairman of the Franklin University Board of Trustees; and a number of other honored guests.  After his investiture, Decker will deliver his inaugural address in which he will share his vision for the University and its future.

 “For 106 years, Franklin University has successfully pursued a clear and straightforward mission: to provide relevant, high-quality education to working adult students. Franklin is an innovative institution, ready and willing to grapple energetically with the challenges posed by changes in technology, society, and the landscape of higher education,” Decker said.  “I applaud the vision and commitment of those who went before us just as I applaud the insight, energy, and dedication of today’s faculty, staff, and community members who contribute to the promise of what we can accomplish as we move together into a new era of growth.”

Decker was welcomed as the Fourth President of Franklin University in August 2007. Prior to coming to Franklin, Decker served as the Vice President for Global Academic Programs and Dean of the School of Management at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) where he played a key role in the internationalization of NYIT and in the development of its online presence. He also held faculty rank as a full professor throughout his tenure at NYIT. 

Before joining NYIT, Decker spent ten years at Youngstown State University in a variety of roles. He held an endowed chair in entrepreneurship, served as Founding Director of the Williamson Center for International Business, served as interim Dean of the Williamson College of Business Administration, and played an active role in the business and economic development of the community. He held faculty rank as a Full Professor of Marketing throughout his tenure at Youngstown State.  Decker has also held faculty positions at three other universities and has international teaching experience in China, Malaysia, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Brazil, and Jordan. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and also speaks Russian.

In addition to his academic credentials, Decker has had extensive experience as a corporate executive. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of a $130 million manufacturing company and held vice presidential positions in management information systems and marketing at a Fortune 200 company. He has conducted executive development programs in Asia, Europe, and Latin America.

A native of Philadelphia, Decker is the author of two books on economic and business issues in Latin America, along with many articles and presentations on higher education, marketing, and literature. He earned his B.A. degree from Grinnell College, his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, and has his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

The inauguration ceremony is just one of the special events that will take place to celebrate Dr. Decker’s investiture as the Fourth President of Franklin.  Two student and two adjunct events are also planned for Tuesday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 21 for those unable to attend the installation ceremony.  

Decker succeeds Dr. Paul Otte who transitioned from the Office of the President last July to the role of Executive Director of the Franklin University Leadership Center.