Rieko Decker

Rieko joined Arizona College of Nursing in April 2025 and comes with 16 years of experience in higher education. Prior to joining Arizona College of Nursing, Rieko was a Campus Director for schools in California and Arizona where she oversaw both operational and academic verticals.

Rieko is a proud first-generation Japanese/Korean American and grew up in Anaheim, CA. She grew up in and around her parents’ dojo that her family owned for nearly 50 years, earned her black belt, and taught youth karate classes.

“My college experience was not a traditional path – I ended up on academic probation and eventually was terminated from two different community colleges because I would not show up to class/do the work. I did not know what I wanted to do with my life, so the classes had very little interest for me. So, instead, I went to work. I worked as a server, as a temp for random office jobs, a healthcare union rep and then landed a job as a receptionist for a career college in Palm Springs, CA. That is where I learned about the amazing opportunities that career focused colleges provide to students and their communities.

My path has taught me that no matter where you are in life right now, that does not have to be your end story.

You want to do something different? You can.
You want to change your trajectory in life? You can. You just need to be ready.”

Education: MA in Communication – Southern New Hampshire University | BS in Communication – Purdue University Global