FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce receipt of a gift from Patrick and Nussara Decker in the amount of $2.5 million to support the newly established Patrick and Nussara Decker Music Business Chair.
The inaugural recipient of the chair is Michael J. Sammis, effective April 1. Sammis joined the Jacobs faculty in August 2024 to help develop, then direct and teach in, a joint Bachelor of Science in Music Business degree program with IU’s Kelley School of Business. The program, part of the Jacobs School’s Music Industry Department, will welcome its initial class this fall.
“Patrick and Nussara Decker exemplify what it means to be global citizens,” said Abra Bush, David Henry Jacobs Bicentennial Dean. “They have spent decades giving back by contributing to the well-being of others, and this extraordinary gift in support of our music business students is yet another illustration of their commitment in action. On behalf of the current and future generations it will benefit, we extend our deepest gratitude to them.”
“Nussara and I are thrilled to support the development of this exciting new degree at Indiana University, where the globally renowned Jacobs School of Music and Kelley School of Business are collaborating to create a unique music business degree. We are delighted that Mike Sammis will serve as the inaugural chair,” Decker said. “A music business degree from Jacobs, guided by an industry leader like Sammis, will empower students to harmonize artistic passion with business acumen, preparing them to innovate and lead in today’s dynamic marketplace.
“Music has been a profound force in my life and has inspired and connected me with people around the world in ways I never imagined. Our hope is that this program opens new doors for students who will go on to help shape the lives of others.”
“We are so honored to receive this gift from Patrick and Nussara Decker for our new Music Business program, a foundational part of our new Music Industry Department,” said Michael Stucker, chair of the department. “This generous gift will ensure that our collaboration with the Kelley School of Business has the support to grow into the amazing student experience we know it can be.”
About the Deckers
Patrick Decker served as the chief executive officer and president of Xylem from 2014 until his retirement at the end of 2023. As a global leader in water technology, Xylem serves customers in more than 100 countries, offering innovative solutions to address many of the world's most complex water challenges.
Decker serves as an independent director on the board of directors of Johnson Controls, a global leader in enabling smart, healthy and sustainable buildings. He serves on the board of Mass Eye and Ear Hospital, an international center for treatment and home to the world’s largest vision and research centers. He also advises and invests in start-up enterprises focused on bringing technology and innovative solutions to water and other environmental challenges.
Additionally, Decker is a member of the Global Dean’s Council at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and will serve as Kelley’s prestigious Poling Chair Executive in Residence for the 2025-26 academic year.
Patrick and Nussara have worked for nearly a decade to uplift youth and their communities in rural villages in Thailand and Cambodia by supporting the establishment of water purification systems for schools. They reside in Miami, Bangkok and London.