Staff Directory
Decker, John
John Decker
- Title:
- Director of Strategic Communications
- Email:
- Phone:
- (812) 856-0215
John Decker serves as IU Athletics’ Director of Strategic Communications and is responsible for coordinating the communications of the IU Athletics administration.
Decker’s career journey is deeply intertwined with IU sports, dating back to his arrival on campus as an undergraduate student in the fall of 1987. He first worked in the department as a student assistant in the Sports Information Department from 1987-91, and then served as an Assistant Media Relations Director for five years following graduation. He worked closely with a number of legendary IU coaches during his time as assistant director in the early 1990s, including Jerry Yeagley, Doc Counsilman, Sam Bell, and Lin Loring.
Prior to rejoining the department in his current administrative role in 2018, he spent 15 years as a sports journalist, providing in-depth coverage of the Hoosiers for various publications, including Inside Indiana Magazine. He also co-authored the 2018 book Unknown, Untold, and Unbelievable Stories of IU Sports with Pete DiPrimio and Doug Wilson. Published by IU Press, the book shares a treasure trove of forgotten tales and behind-the-scenes moments from over a century of IU athletics history.
For his dedicated service and contributions, Decker was also a recipient of the IU Bicentennial Medal in 2020.
A native of Davenport, Iowa, Decker is married to IU School of Education Associate Professor Janet Decker. They have one son, Ryan.
Decker’s career journey is deeply intertwined with IU sports, dating back to his arrival on campus as an undergraduate student in the fall of 1987. He first worked in the department as a student assistant in the Sports Information Department from 1987-91, and then served as an Assistant Media Relations Director for five years following graduation. He worked closely with a number of legendary IU coaches during his time as assistant director in the early 1990s, including Jerry Yeagley, Doc Counsilman, Sam Bell, and Lin Loring.
Prior to rejoining the department in his current administrative role in 2018, he spent 15 years as a sports journalist, providing in-depth coverage of the Hoosiers for various publications, including Inside Indiana Magazine. He also co-authored the 2018 book Unknown, Untold, and Unbelievable Stories of IU Sports with Pete DiPrimio and Doug Wilson. Published by IU Press, the book shares a treasure trove of forgotten tales and behind-the-scenes moments from over a century of IU athletics history.
For his dedicated service and contributions, Decker was also a recipient of the IU Bicentennial Medal in 2020.
A native of Davenport, Iowa, Decker is married to IU School of Education Associate Professor Janet Decker. They have one son, Ryan.
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