A native of Richmond, Rhode Island, Ms. Lindsey DeCourcey serves as an Academic Specialist for the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) at the National Defense University (NDU). In this role, she provides academic and operational support for the Joint Special Operations Master of Arts (JSOMA) program and CISA's McNair campus, managing a broad portfolio that includes academic operations, curriculum coordination, faculty and student support, event planning, academic technology, and institutional process improvement across multiple campuses.
Since joining NDU in 2022, Ms. DeCourcey has become a key contributor to CISA's academic mission, supporting more than 100 graduate students, 25 faculty members, and numerous graduate-level courses annually. Her responsibilities span academic administration, institutional planning, faculty support, and the coordination of strategic initiatives and events that advance CISA's graduate education mission. She serves as a principal coordinator for major academic and institutional initiatives, including the National Defense University Alumni Continuing Education Seminar (ACES), where she supports the planning and execution of academic programs that bring together senior leaders, distinguished alumni, faculty, and international partners in support of NDU's professional military education mission.
In recognition of her contributions to the University and the Department of Defense, Ms. DeCourcey has received two Joint Civilian Service Achievement Medals, the inaugural National Defense University President's Award, and the Army Civilian Service Achievement Medal for exceptional performance, innovation, and service. She has led numerous process improvement initiatives that have strengthened academic operations, standardized administrative procedures, and enhanced support for faculty, students, and institutional leadership across CISA.
Prior to joining federal service, Ms. DeCourcey held several leadership positions at St. Andrews University, specializing in international graduate and undergraduate admissions, enrollment management, international student services, and academic program development. As a Designated School Official (DSO), she managed compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and Department of Homeland Security regulations for international students. She also served as faculty liaison for the General Honors Program, led the development of the University's Veterinary Science Honors Program, coordinated enrollment events and summer academic programs, and supported numerous institutional initiatives focused on student success.
Earlier in her career, Ms. DeCourcey served as a Store Manager for Tapestry, Inc., overseeing operations, team development, and sales performance across multiple high-volume retail locations. She was recognized with a national leadership award in 2017 for excellence in operational leadership and talent development.
Ms. DeCourcey is also a former intercollegiate equestrian coach, having coached at Florida Gulf Coast University, St. Andrews University, and The Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. In 2007, she coached a National Champion Middle School equestrian team following her own successful competitive equestrian career.
She earned a Master of Business Administration with distinction from St. Andrews University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and an Associate of Science in Equine Studies (Pre-Veterinary Medicine) from Johnson & Wales University, where she graduated cum laude in 2006. Committed to lifelong learning and public service, Ms. DeCourcey continues to pursue professional development in higher education administration, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence in support of the National Defense University's mission to educate and develop national security professionals.
Outside of work, Lindsey enjoys spending time with family, traveling, gardening, cross-stitching, and enjoying the outdoors. She lives in the North Carolina countryside with her husband, John, her two stepdaughters, Avery and Myer, their dog Holly, and two cats, Penny and Sybil.