University of Indianapolis Announces Dr. Karl Knapp as Dean of School of Business

The University of Indianapolis announced that Dr. Karl Knapp has been appointed as the as the next Dean of the School of Business after an extensive and competitive search process. Knapp promises to continue to expand upon UIndy’s focus on the emerging field of artificial intelligence as well as applied learning for students—giving them experiential learning at business giants like Allison Transmission or Fastenal, as well as non-profits like the Midwest Food Bank or the Burmese American Community Institute.

“It is vital for the UIndy Business School to extend its significant partnerships with local companies so our students can learn while simultaneously applying what they are learning in the real world,” Knapp said. “We will extend our lead in being the most innovative business school in Indiana, embedding regular use of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics throughout our curriculum as we prepare the next generation of business leaders.”

Under Knapp’s leadership as Interim Associate Dean, every class in the School of Business has at least one project with artificial intelligence built into curriculum to ensure that students will be better prepared when they graduate. Knapp is an expert how artificial intelligence affects employees and organizations in the business world, having spent his sabbatical in 2022 studying the subject.

Knapp has 17 years of industry experience managing in the areas of information technology and strategic planning in both the financial services and high-tech manufacturing industries. He joined UIndy as a professor in 2006. Knapp has won teacher of the year honors four times at two different universities, including as UIndy’s Teacher of the Year in 2010.

“Dr. Knapp is typical of our business faculty who have both significant industry experience and a terminal degree in their field,” said Dr. Chris Plouff, UIndy’s Executive Vice President and Provost. “UIndy is the only school in Indiana that has made hiring accomplished industry experts who also hold doctorate degrees our priority.”

Knapp has authored articles and book chapters on diverse subjects like supply chain management, outsourcing, information technology, organizational culture, enterprise resource planning systems, and the learning styles of midwestern college students.