Barbara Quijano Decker learned the importance of hard work and education at an early age. Because her parents did not graduate from high school, they encouraged their seven children to get as much education as possible. Decker took their message to heart and has never stopped learning. She earned three degrees from Drake University, balancing the demands of full-time jobs with classes while pursuing her masters of public administration and law degrees. Her love for education has also resonated in her career. After working at Drake for about 13 years in human resources management, Decker joined Mercy College of Health Sciences. Last month, she was promoted and became its new president.

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Des Moines. My father was a migrant worker who came to the United States from Mexico, and my mother’s family is Italian. I was the sixth of their seven children. Growing up, we lived on the South Side, where we were exposed to lots of different cultures and opportunities to learn about different backgrounds. Through that and lots of reading, I learned all about relationships and how people work together.

What fueled your passion for education?

Education was always important to my family. Neither of my parents had the opportunity to graduate from high school, but they always believed in education and encouraged their children in this area.

What was your first job out of college?

After I finished my undergraduate work in history and education at Drake, I had a yearlong teaching assignment in Marshalltown. At that time, teaching was one of the traditional professions women could get into, but I knew that I wanted something different, something in a business environment. So after a year, I got a job in human resources.

Describe your initial experience working in human resources?

I spent my first year interviewing people eight hours a day, five days a week and became really proficient at that. Once I got into the field, I recognized two things that appealed to me: one, the ability to see the big picture in a business environment, and second, the ability to facilitate with people, both in terms of the opportunities as well as the challenges in the workplace.

Did you feel especially equipped to work in HR because of your diverse background?

I am a woman, and I do happen to be of a minority background, but I’ve never used that as a reason not to be able to relate to someone or to interact with someone. I have always tried to look for opportunities in which we can learn from each other. My mother and father always taught us to be proud of our heritages and yet be your own person. I do appreciate the values of family and faith and friends and cultural background, and I think I’ve grown in that appreciation quite a bit in the past five years.

What made you pursue a law degree as an adult?

I had always wanted to go to law school since I was initially at Drake, but I didn’t have the opportunity. While I was working there, I felt that could be the best chance I might have. It took me five years of going to classes part time, but I completed my law degree at age 50. It was a challenge, but looking back, it was well worth the time.

Did you consider becoming an attorney?

When I graduated from law school, I took some time off and thought about what direction I wanted to go. At the time, I had been in human resources for about 30 years. As I continued to explore my options, I felt that more it was the right organization that I wanted to be with as opposed to practicing law. The position opened up at Mercy for an administrator in the human resources area, so I started working here about four years ago. Last October, I was asked if I was interested in becoming interim president, and I didn’t hesitate for a second. After a national search, I was extended the offer to become president in mid-April.

What has kept you in higher education for so long?

What I like about higher education is the passion for learning and the relationships with all the different constituents: your peers, students, deans, academic faculty and board members and community leaders. I like the ability to interact with all those groups.

What do you do outside work?

I describe myself as a person who enjoys working. My dad began to work at a very early age at farms in Texas, and he would always share with us those stories and teach us the importance of hard work. In terms of social things, my husband and I enjoy walking and reading, spending time with my granddaughter and being around nature. I also serve on the board of directors for Latinos Unidos.