SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Brian Pappas has been named chancellor of the Indiana University South Bend campus effective July 1.
He will replace former Chancellor Susan Elrod, who retired in December. A search committee was named in August to identify candidates for the campus role.
“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.”
Since 2022, Pappas has served as dean of the University of North Dakota School of Law, where he improved bar passage and student employment rates. 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 has supported undergraduate success throughout his career by advancing high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students, curricular revisions, and improved advising and course scheduling.
Pappas is an interdisciplinary scholar whose work includes research on formal and informal conflict management systems. He served as a multi-country Fulbright Scholar in 2021-23 with segments in Japan, Greece and Denmark. He holds a doctoral degree in public administration from the University of Kansas, a Juris Doctor 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.”
The chancellor is responsible for all aspects of the academic, student, financial, development and administrative dimensions of the campus. As the oldest and largest regional campus, IU South Bend has a mission focused on regional impact, partnership and transformation.
The campus enrolls approximately 4,600 students, offering undergraduate and master’s programs across six schools — and the IU School of Social Work — organized under two colleges, the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies. It has six varsity sports teams and campus housing, plus nearly 200 full-time faculty members.
“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.”
During the transition period through July 1, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Andy Williams will serve as interim deputy chancellor for the South Bend campus. Prior to his appointment in 2022, Williams served in various leadership positions at Ivy Tech Community College for over 21 years, including serving as interim chancellor at the Ivy Tech South Bend Elkhart campus.
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