Formally Hickory Hall, Decker Hall is dedicated in 1995.

Formally known as Hickory Hall, Decker Hall was built in 1957 during the Bemidji State University construction surge. It once housed a cafeteria and lounge for students.

Dr. Robert David Decker was born on November 12, 1922, in Hayes County, Texas. He received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and served as president for 12 years. During his time as BSU president, Decker was very influential in what was considered the “great expansion.” Eight buildings were constructed, three existing buildings were renovated, and the enrollment hit an all-time high of 5,787 students. Decker also introduced a wide variety of new programs at the school, including computer science, criminal justice, technical illustration/graphic design, communication media, and American Indian studies. The Center for Environmental Studies, the Foreign Studies Program, and the Veterans Affairs Office were also created under his presidency. After retiring in September of 1979, Decker resumed teaching for nine years, until deciding to run for Senate. He served as Minnesota Senator from 1987-1990. In 1996, the Decker family moved to California and after battling Alzheimer’s for a number of years, Decker passed away on October 19, 1999 at the age of 76.

Decker Hall is now the central hub for Career Services, the Academic Success Center, the TRiO outreach programs and other related student service programs.