Nov. 21, 2023

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jordan Decker, associate director of admissions at USD – Sioux Falls.

Name: Jordan Decker

Age: 32

Hometown: Watertown

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Most recently and prior to moving here, my wife taught in the Madison school district, and I commuted to Sioux Falls for work for a few years. In 2021, she was named the band director at Roosevelt High School, so we moved down to Sioux Falls to officially become residents.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

Personally, Sioux Falls is a tremendous place to raise a family. The vast array of programs, activities and concerts available to young families and young professionals makes it an easy choice to stay. Professionally, the vision that USD has for both the USD – Sioux Falls campus and the USD Discovery District in the northwest part of the city is extremely motivating. Few people get the chance to build something from the ground up, and I look forward to playing a small part in that vision.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part is meeting with potential students. Whether they are graduating high school, they have an associate degree, they started a bachelor’s degree but never finished, or they don’t quite have the GPA or ACT scores they think they need for college, USD – Sioux Falls is a new, unique educational opportunity for so many in the Sioux Empire to earn a degree. I’ve met with folks from all walks of life and different circumstances, and they are ecstatic that this option to continue their education is available to them in their city. It’s extremely gratifying to see every day.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I was fortunate to work for two great companies prior to USD – Sioux Falls that helped me develop and expand my marketing and sales skills. Last year, a friend of mine called me explaining an admissions role at USD – Sioux Falls, and I knew that I had to give it a shot. USD has a special place in my family’s heart. If I had the opportunity to tell others about USD and how it can transform their lives, I couldn’t let that slip away.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Innovative, collaborative, rewarding.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

When I was a senior in high school, the track and field coach convinced me to do high jump. I had no idea how, so I turned to YouTube to study technique, while the coaches made sure I didn’t look like a fool. My personal best was 6-foot, 3-inches at the conference meet, and I ended up earning a walk-on spot on the USD track team my freshman year. I’d be lucky to jump 3-foot, 6-inches today.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

Our family has always tried to support local organizations as much as we can, especially ones our friends are involved in. As we continue to settle into Sioux Falls, we will continue to be involved more.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Portillo’s – and put it on the far west side of town!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I love jazz, especially jazz from the roaring ’20s era. I would love to open a jazz club/lounge like Dizzy’s Club in NYC or Andy’s Jazz Club in Chicago. “JD’s Jazz Club” has a nice ring to it.