Transition board named Hummels, who led business school to new heights, announces plans to step down
David Hummels, Dr. Samuel R. Allen Dean of the Krannert School of Management and Distinguished Professor of Economics has announced his intention to step down in July 2023 after serving in the position since 2014.
“David first brought our business school stability and trusted leadership, and then a record of growth and solidified reputation,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. “We are poised for a wonderful new era because of the path he set, and all boilermakers have reason to be grateful for his nine years of excellent service.”
The Purdue University Board of Trustees also announced the creation of a Transition Steering Committee that will lead the reimagining of the Purdue School of Business, including the hiring of a new leader. The university announced in September that the School of Management will be relaunched as a new School of Business that will redefine the preparation of business leaders for a technology-driven world.
“It has been a privilege to lead this talented group of professionals, and I am grateful to the faculty, students, alumni and staff who have contributed so much to our success,” Hummels said. “I am thrilled with the commitments that the board of trustees and donors have made to lift us even further.” As the school embraces a new vision, I have agreed that now is the right time to allow someone new to lead it forward. I am excited to return to the teaching and research that means so much to me.”
The Transition Steering Committee will be co-chaired by Gary Lehman, vice chair of the Purdue University Board of Trustees, and Kevin Mumford, Kozuch Director of the Purdue University Research Center in Economics and an associate professor of economics. In addition to the two chairs, the Transition Steering Committee will include faculty, trustees, distinguished alumni and thought leaders from outside Purdue, who will be named at a later date.
The Transition Steering Committee will have three initial tasks:
- Lead the search for Hummels’ successor.
- Work with Hummels, faculty and staff to recommend to trustees a design for the new school’s departmental structure as well as its faculty leadership.
- Ensuring the implementation of the differentiating design features of the new school as conceived by the board and as promoted to donors.
Purdue is targeting fall 2023 for the first phase of improvements, including increased student enrollment and targeted faculty additions, as well as curricular and experiential education additions. Hummels will continue to lead the school toward these milestones until his replacement is named.