Utah State University alum, Andrea Decker, is making a significant impact at the Library of Congress, particularly within the American Folklife Center (AFC). As reported by USU Today, Decker, who holds a Ph.D. in Musicology and Ethnomusicology, has adeptly merged her academic background with her passion for cultural heritage. She's playing an integral part in preserving and disseminating a diverse array of materials ranging from music to oral histories.
With the AFC housing nearly 7 million items, including wax cylinder recordings and contemporary cultural documentation, Decker's role strives to not only connect the public to these resources but also deeply understand their historical significance. "My work involves connecting researchers and the public to these materials and the information they need," Decker told USU Today. The drive to make these collections accessible is driven by moments when "visitors hear a song they’ve been searching for or the voice of a family member long since gone,” showcasing the importance of this preservation.
Decker's journey to the Library of Congress was shaped by the breadth of her academic experiences at USU, where she began to keenly engage with the intertwining of arts and civic reflection. Her storied educational path is marked by a transformative mentorship with Chris Scheer, who introduced her to the world of archival research, as per USU Today. This background paved the way for initiatives at the AFC like the Community Collections Grant and the Artists in Resonance award.
Beyond her primary role, Decker remains embedded in cultural circles by performing with different choral groups in Washington, D.C. This demonstrates her commitment to not just overseeing but also personally upholding cultural traditions. In a nod to the power of education and mentorship, Decker has previously highlighted numerous USU mentors, including Jeannie Johnson and Carol McNamara, who inspired her to broaden her studies and take on teaching opportunities.
