Purdue University Northwest announces new dean of the College of Business

January 13, 2026

David Taylor Portrait

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has announced David G. Taylor will serve as the Teddy Jacobi Dean of the PNW College of Business, effective July 1, 2026. Taylor was selected through a national search process.

Taylor currently serves as dean of the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where he also holds a faculty appointment as a professor of Marketing. His previous leadership roles have included associate dean, chair of the department of Marketing and director of Sacred Heart University’s former Luxembourg branch campus.

While serving in leadership roles in the Jack Welch College of Business and Technology, Taylor has overseen increases in undergraduate student enrollment and retention; the launch of several undergraduate and graduate-level business programs; raising the academic quality and reputation of the college’s programs in national rankings; and surpassing institutional fundraising goals. He has served at the institution since 2010.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. David Taylor to his role as the Teddy Jacobi Dean of the College of Business,” said Marie T. Mora, PNW provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “With his extensive experience as both an academic and a leader, Dr. Taylor is well-positioned to strengthen the college’s reputation regionally and nationally, enhance its programmatic offerings and research profile, and advance our shared commitment to improving the quality of life and place for our students. His leadership will also come at a pivotal time as the university implements its 2025-2030 strategic plan.”

In his role at PNW, Taylor will oversee academic programs, faculty and operations in Managerial Studies, Quantitative Business Studies and the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. PNW’s College of Business rigorously prepares students through engaged scholarship, innovative instruction and a supportive culture, readying professionals who use their business acumen for societal good and impact.

“Purdue University Northwest’s student focus and commitment to academic excellence, positive societal change and impactful research strongly resonated with me, and I am eager to join the faculty and staff in their mission,” said Taylor. “In addition, the Northwest Indiana business community is poised to make great strides in the future, and this is a great opportunity to build upon the success of the region and the PNW College of Business as we move forward.”

Prior to joining academia, Taylor accumulated over a decade of professional experience in various roles as a marketing coordinator, manager and analyst. He earned his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of North Texas. He holds a Master of Business Administration, also from the University of North Texas, and bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler and LeTourneau University, respectively.

Kwangsoo Park, associate dean and director of the White Lodging School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, will continue to serve as interim dean of the PNW College of Business through June 30.

About Purdue University Northwest

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) is a student-centered university that transforms lives through innovative education, impactful research and community engagement. Located in Northwest Indiana, near Chicago, PNW is recognized as a First Gen Forward Network Leader and an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University. PNW advances the socioeconomic mobility of its students and positively impacts regional development. For more information, visit pnw.edu.

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