Pappas to join IU South Bend as next chancellor
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowSOUTH BEND, Ind. - After a four month search, Indiana University South Bend has appointed Brian Pappas to serve as chancellor, effective July 1.
Succeeding Susan Elrod who retired in December, Pappas comes to northern Indiana from the University of North Dakota Law School, where he served as dean.
“Brian Pappas brings a wealth of academic, administrative and professional experience that makes him an exceptional fit to lead IU South Bend,” said Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University. “His collaborative leadership style, commitment to student success, and experience in fostering community partnerships will serve the campus and the region well, and I look forward to welcoming him to the IU community.”
In his previous role as law school dean over the past couple of years, Pappas improved bar passage and student employment rates, IU South Bend said. He previously served as associate provost and associate vice president for faculty affairs at Eastern Michigan University, and as a law professor at Michigan State University.
Pappas had study stints in Japan, Greece and Denmark as a Fulbright Scholar from 2021 to 2023. The newly appointed chancellor holds a Ph.D in public administration from the University of Kansas, a JD from Wayne State University, and additional degrees from the University of Missouri and the University of Michigan.
“I am truly impressed by IU South Bend’s strong sense of community, commitment to student success and deep connections to the region,” Pappas said. “I’m excited to work alongside the talented faculty, students and staff, as well as local leaders and partners, to build on the campus’s strengths, create innovative partnerships and drive transformational change that benefits the region and beyond.”
As chancellor, Pappas would oversee academic, financial, development and administrative activities and comes to the role with experience facilitating undergraduate success by advancing high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students, curricular revisions, and improved advising and course scheduling.
“IU South Bend enjoys a strong history of leadership excellence, and Brian’s experience and track record promise to continue that tradition,” said Ken Iwama, IU vice president for regional campuses and online education. “As he takes the helm, IU South Bend will continue to prioritize student success for undergraduate and graduate students, preparing them for careers and opportunities in the South Bend region and beyond.”
IUSB enrolls approximately 4,600 students, offering undergraduate and master’s programs across six schools. It has six varsity sports teams and campus housing, plus nearly 200 full-time faculty members.
Andy Williams, vice chancellor for administration and finance, will serve as interim deputy chancellor for the South Bend campus.