October 8, 2014

SVSU names John Decker as Associate VP and General Counsel

Saginaw Valley State University has appointed attorney John Decker to the newly created position of associate vice president and general counsel.  Decker comes to SVSU from the law firm Braun Kendrick, where he was a partner and had worked for 34 years, including 12 years as managing partner.

“We conducted a national search and determined that John's impressive legal experience and long-term commitment to SVSU made him an ideal candidate for this role,” said Jim Muladore, SVSU executive vice president for administration and business affairs. “Given the ever increasing complexity of university operations, I am confident SVSU will benefit greatly from John's skills and experience.”

Decker has represented SVSU on numerous legal matters over the years, and in recent years served as outside general counsel. In addition to his legal duties, he is expected to oversee SVSU’s University Police and Human Resources departments.

Since 2002, Decker has served on the SVSU Foundation Board of Directors, including a term as chair. His community involvement also includes serving as chair of the leadership program steering committee for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance.

“Through my work with the Alliance over the past several years, I have come to more fully understand and appreciate what an asset SVSU is to the region,” Decker said. “That’s one reason I’m very excited about this opportunity to become part of the SVSU team.”

Decker completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska and a law degree at Duke University. His wife Sally is a professor of nursing at SVSU.  Decker is expected to start at SVSU in November.