Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana University (IU) has announced the appointment of Patrick E. Hopkins as the new dean of the Kelley School of Business, effective March 17, 2025. A distinguished member of the Kelley faculty since 1995, Hopkins brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within both academia and the business world. As he steps into this pivotal role, Hopkins succeeds Ash Soni, who has served as dean for the past two years and will return to the faculty after a well-deserved sabbatical leave.
Hopkins’s appointment marks a significant milestone for the Kelley School, one of the nation’s and the world’s premier business schools. As the new dean, Hopkins will oversee academic and administrative operations at both the Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses, with a focus on expanding the school’s global reach, strengthening its dual-campus structure, and continuing to innovate in business education. His leadership comes at a crucial time as the school continues to shape the future of business education and develop the leaders of tomorrow.
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Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University, expressed her confidence in Hopkins’s ability to guide the Kelley School into its next chapter. “Patrick is taking the helm of one of Indiana University’s most renowned programs,” Whitten said. “The Kelley School of Business has extraordinary faculty who provide a world-class educational experience for our exceptional students. As dean, I am confident that Dr. Hopkins will navigate the new opportunities in higher education to raise Kelley to new heights.”
Hopkins’s tenure as the new dean will be marked by a strategic focus on enhancing Kelley’s global impact, which has been a hallmark of the school for years. With campuses in both Bloomington and Indianapolis, the Kelley School offers a robust array of undergraduate, MBA, and executive education programs, and Hopkins plans to continue expanding these offerings to meet the needs of a constantly evolving global marketplace. His vision includes deepening Kelley’s connections with its alumni and corporate partners to ensure students receive unparalleled experiential learning opportunities.
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Rahul Shrivastav, IU Bloomington provost and executive vice president, emphasized the importance of Hopkins’s leadership in advancing the school’s mission. “We are excited to welcome Pat as the new leader of the Kelley School of Business,” said Shrivastav. “As dean, he will be pivotal in strengthening Kelley’s reputation as an entrepreneurial, globally minded leader. Aligned with the IU 2030 Strategic Plan, Kelley will continue to expand its impactful corporate partnerships and provide students with unparalleled experiential learning opportunities, ensuring they are prepared to lead in an ever-evolving global marketplace.”
One of the key priorities for Hopkins is to continue to build on the Kelley School’s strengths in interdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning. The school is known for its innovative approach to business education, offering students hands-on learning experiences that equip them with the skills needed to excel in the fast-paced world of business. Hopkins aims to further this mission by fostering collaboration across disciplines, ensuring that Kelley remains at the forefront of business education.
With his vast experience, Hopkins is uniquely positioned to lead the school into its next phase of growth and innovation. “With campuses in both Bloomington and Indianapolis, Kelley is uniquely positioned to graduate the business leaders of tomorrow for our city, state, and region,” said Latha Ramchand, IU Indianapolis inaugural chancellor and executive vice president. “IU Indianapolis Provost Gladden and I look forward to partnering with Pat to strengthen integration between our campuses and advance the school’s mission of excellence in business education and innovation.”
As dean, Hopkins will continue Kelley’s leadership in online education, particularly its renowned Kelley Direct Online MBA program, which is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report, Poets & Quants, and The Princeton Review. The Kelley Direct program has earned recognition for its flexibility, high-quality faculty, and innovative approach to online learning, making it a top choice for working professionals around the globe. Under Hopkins’s leadership, the school will continue to innovate in the digital space, ensuring that students have access to the best business education regardless of their location.
In addition to its online programs, the Kelley School is well-known for its strong connections to the business community. Kelley has built lasting partnerships with corporations and organizations around the world, creating a robust network that provides students with valuable opportunities for internships, mentorships, and career placements. Hopkins plans to continue to leverage these partnerships to enhance the educational experience for Kelley students, ensuring that they are prepared for success in a global business environment.
Hopkins’s leadership will also focus on advancing the school’s research agenda, particularly in the areas of professional judgment, decision-making, and the effects of accounting and auditing in capital markets. These areas of research are critical as businesses face increasing challenges related to regulation, transparency, and decision-making in an increasingly complex world. By expanding Kelley’s research contributions, Hopkins hopes to elevate the school’s reputation as a leading center for business scholarship.
“I am honored to serve as the next dean of the Kelley School of Business,” Hopkins said in his statement. “Kelley has long been a leader in shaping the future of business education, driven by groundbreaking research and faculty leadership in their disciplines. I look forward to collaborating with our exceptional faculty, staff, and students to further strengthen Kelley’s academic rigor, expand our research contributions, and continue to enhance our impact both in the classroom and beyond.”
Hopkins’s academic background is a testament to his dedication to business education and research. He earned his doctorate in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, with minors in psychology and statistics, and holds both a master’s and bachelor’s in accountancy from the University of Florida, graduating with the highest honors. Hopkins is also a Certified Public Accountant and received the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award in 1987 for his outstanding performance on the CPA exam. He has held numerous academic roles throughout his career, including serving as a visiting associate professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and in various leadership roles at the Kelley School.
Founded in 1920, the Kelley School of Business has built a reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious business schools in the world. With a diverse and talented faculty, a broad range of academic programs, and a robust network of alumni, Kelley continues to be a driving force in the world of business education. The school’s undergraduate programs are consistently ranked among the best, with U.S. News ranking Kelley’s undergraduate business program ninth overall. Kelley’s MBA programs, including the Full-Time MBA + Flex program and the Evening MBA program at Kelley Indianapolis, are also highly ranked.
With more than 15,000 students and over 133,000 living alumni worldwide, the Kelley School of Business is a global leader in shaping the next generation of business leaders. Under Hopkins’s leadership, the school will continue to build on its legacy of excellence and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of business education for years to come.
As Hopkins prepares to take on his new role, the Kelley School of Business stands poised for a new era of growth, impact, and leadership in the world of business education. With his experience, vision, and dedication, Patrick E. Hopkins is well-equipped to guide Kelley to even greater heights as it continues to shape the future of business and prepare students to lead in an ever-evolving global marketplace.
