Past Forums

2007 Ohio Student Research Forum
August 9 -10, Wright State University

GUEST SPEAKER - UNIVERSITY WELCOME
Dr. David Hopkins, President, Wright State University

David R. Hopkins was appointed the 6th president of Wright State University on July 6, 2006, and assumed the office on February 1, 2007.

A central hallmark of his tenure at Wright State has been his leadership in the implementation of the university's five-year strategic plan, a dynamic and visionary document that defines the university's role in the world and its future direction in the region and beyond.

By aligning university resources and expertise, Hopkins helped garner unanimous support and participation from faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Through their combined efforts, the university achieved several milestones and launched key initiatives set forth in the plan, including an increase in student enrollment; the addition of several new degree and certificate programs; an increase in external funding; increased effort to recruit and retain diversity in the faculty ranks; and enhanced engagement with government, business and nonprofits to focus on emerging areas of need.

Hopkins came to Wright State from Indiana State University where he served from 2001–2003 as senior associate vice president for academic affairs and interim dean of the School of Business. While at Indiana State University, he also served as interim provost and vice president for academic affairs from 2000–2001; associate vice president for academic affairs from 1996–2000; assistant vice president for academic affairs from 1995–1996; and chairperson and professor in the Department of Physical Education from 1988–1994. In 2005, Indiana University honored Hopkins with the John R. Endwright Alumni Service Award, an annual award that recognizes outstanding service and contributions by graduates of the IU School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Hopkins is a Fellow in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ Academic Leadership Institute, a member of the Honor society of Phi Kappa Phi, and a past recipient of the Amoco Excellence in Teaching Award.

Hopkins serves on the following regional boards: Dayton Area Graduate Studies Institute; Dayton Development Coalition; Wright Brothers Institute; Dayton YMCA; Miami Valley Research Foundation; Homeless Solutions Policy Board; Dayton Chamber of Commerce; and the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center. He is also chair of the Horizon League and Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education. Hopkins holds a doctorate in kinesiology from Indiana University. Prior to his doctoral work, he received his master’s degree in mathematics and his bachelor’s in physical education from the College of Wooster, Ohio. Hopkins’ research interest in is the area of exercise physiology and fitness and aging. He has authored or co-authored more than 60 publications and is the inventor of ACUFLEX instruments, which are used worldwide to evaluate joint flexibility.