David Decker Email & Phone Number

Dr. David R. Decker serves as the fourth President of Franklin University. Under his leadership, Franklin focuses on the demonstrable achievement of student outcomes, through which graduates are empowered to rise in their professions and to strengthen their contributions to their families, communities, and employers. In Dr. Decker’s tenure, Franklin University has become a doctoral-granting university with a global presence, and has also established a world-class Instructional Innovation Center focusing on enhancing student learning and student success. Prior to coming to Franklin, he held a number of positions at the New York Institute of Technology, including playing a key role in its internationalization and development of its online programs.Dr. Decker also taught and led academic units at Youngstown State University, as well as at three other universities, and has international teaching experience in China, Malaysia, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, and Jordan.His extensive corporate experience includes serving as president and CEO of a $130 million manufacturing company. He has served as a consultant to Fortune 100 corporations and many nonprofit organizations. Dr. Decker graduated from Grinnell College, holds the M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Kansas, and earned the MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of two books on business and economic conditions in Latin America (published by the University of Pennsylvania) and a number of peer-reviewed articles on business, literature, and higher education. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and also speaks Russian.