Richard Decker
Professor of Computer Science (retired)
rdecker@hamilton.eduRichard Decker and Hamilton Professor of Computer Science Stuart Hirshfield are co-authors of several widely used computer science textbooks. Decker, who has been teaching computer science at Hamilton since 1985, received a master's degree in number theory and algebra from Pennsylvania State University, a doctorate from Ohio State University and master's degree in computer science from Stanford University.
He has taught at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and served as mathematics-statistics assistant at the U.S. Army Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
Recent Courses Taught
Introduction to Computer Science
Discrete Mathematics
Applied Theory
Programming Challenges
Distinctions
- Christian Johnson Teaching Fellow, Hamilton College, 1998
- Faculty Teaching Award, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 1984
- Mellon Foundation seminar on teaching, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 1979
- Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching, Ohio State University; nominee, 1973, award 1976
- Distinguished Teaching Associate Award, College of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Ohio State University, 1973, 1974, 1976
College Service
Chair, Department of Computer Science, 2000-07
Professional Affiliations
ACM (SIGCSE, SIGACT)
Consortium for Computing in Small Colleges
Sigma Xi
Appointed to the Faculty: 1985
Educational Background
Ph.D., Ohio State University
M.S., Stanford University
M.A., Pennsylvania State University
A.B., Dartmouth College