CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Dr. Joseph “Joe” Hopkins, dean of the School of Arts at Samford University, has been elected 12th president in the 115 years of Campbellsville University effective Feb. 1, 2022.
Campbellsville University’s Board of Trustees voted to elect Hopkins earlier in the afternoon, and the Campbellsville University employees, staff and students will meet the president-elect Tuesday, Nov. 9 in a special called meeting in Ransdell Chapel.
Hopkins was recommended to the Board of Trustees by the Presidential Search Committee chaired by Dr. Larry Noe, who has served on the board since 1994 and as chair from 1999 to 2001.
“Dr. Hopkins is a vibrant educator who brings a wealth of experience and energy to the presidency,” Noe said. “He understands the mission of Christian higher education and will lead Campbellsville University to a new level of service.”
Henry Lee, chair of the Campbellsville University Board of Trustees, said, “The Board of Trustees sees in Dr. Joe Hopkins a person of vision and action. We look forward to his leadership.
Hopkins is in his 16th year as the dean of the School of the Arts at Samford University. Prior to this appointment, he served as dean of the Petrie School of Music at Converse College and chair of the Department of Music at the University of Evansville.
As dean, Hopkins has guided extensive growth in enrollment, fundraising, and community engagement. Academic reputation was enhanced with the recruiting of nationally engaged faculty, innovative curriculum and applications, and vibrant international programs.
Hopkins holds degrees from Shorter University, Baylor University, and Indiana University. He completed the Management and Leadership in Education Diploma from Harvard University. He chairs the Global Connections Committee of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans; his contributions to art administration have been published and presented in national and international forums, and he was a Fulbright Senior Specialist to Indonesia.
Hopkins is an ordained minister and has served in churches in Indiana, Texas, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Kentucky. Presently, he is worship pastor at First Baptist Church of Birmingham. He and his wife perform together and have shared in ministry, teaching and community. She is a music educator who has taught at the university and primary levels, as well as her own private studio.
Their son Joseph, 18, is a freshman in business finance at Samford University. Vance, 16, is a junior and athlete at Briarwood High School. The family dog, Winston, is the most beloved and well-known member of the family.
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