Dr. Joseph “Joe” Hopkins, dean of the School of Arts at Samford University and minister of music at First Baptist Church Birmingham, has been elected president of Campbellsville University in Kentucky.
Hopkins’ selection was announced Nov. 8.
Presidential search committee chair Larry Noe called Hopkins a “vibrant educator who brings a wealth of experience and energy to the presidency. 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. Likewise, our faculty, staff and students will discover a president who reflects a sense of excitement as we grow this institution.”
Distinguished career
Hopkins is in his 16th year as the dean of the School of the Arts at Samford. Before 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.
He has enjoyed a distinguished career as a scholar-performer and leader in arts administration, including appointments by international festivals, higher education councils and the Fulbright Program.
“I am honored to join the great people and traditions of Campbellsville University,” Hopkins said. “This is an extraordinary community that is shaping a courageous and needed model for higher education that serves the body of Christ with excellence.”
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. He has served as minister of music at FBC Birmingham since August 2013.
He and his wife, Suzanne, sing together in churches and concerts and have several recordings. The Hopkins have two sons: Joseph and Vance.
Share with others: