HSU Announces Leadership Transition and Opens Search for New Dean of Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies

Hardin-Simmons University extends our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Tom Copeland, Director of the Julius Olsen Honors Program, who has decided to conclude his distinguished tenure in May 2025 after 30 years of dedicated service. While his leadership will be greatly missed, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Robert L. Tucker, the current Dean of the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies, has agreed to take on the role of Director of the Honors Program. As part of this transition, HSU has initiated the search for a new Dean to lead the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies.

Dr. Copeland has played a crucial role in establishing the Honors Program as a hallmark of academic excellence at HSU. During his tenure, he has cultivated an environment that encourages students to engage deeply in interdisciplinary learning, integrate faith with intellect, and wrestle with complex questions about life and belief. Under his leadership, Honors students have excelled academically, made significant contributions to community service, and enjoyed enriching global travel experiences. His legacy will have a lasting influence on the program and the numerous students he has mentored over the years.

Reflecting on his time at HSU, Dr. Copeland shares, “Leading the Julius Olsen Honors Program has been the highlight of my professional life. It has been extremely rewarding, deeply enriching, and the most fun I’ve ever had as a teacher! Although I will miss my students and Honors classes, I know the program is in good hands with Dr. Tucker and will continue to grow and thrive under his leadership. I’m so thankful to HSU for the opportunity to work in this program. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

As Dr. Copeland passes the torch, Dr. Tucker is well-positioned to continue the Honors Program’s legacy of excellence. Before leading the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies, Dr. Tucker served as the Dean of the College of Fine Arts (now the College of Arts and Media). His diverse academic background in both the arts and business, combined with his years of leadership experience, equips him to bring a fresh perspective to the Honors Program while maintaining its high standards.

“Having served as a Dean for 20 years in two different institutions and over multiple disciplines including business, computer science, education, music, art, theatre, and communication, and having experienced many dimensions of academia as a Dean, I am excited to move to my new role as Director of the Honors program at Hardin-Simmons University,” said Dr. Tucker. “I look forward to using my credentials and life experiences together with my eclectic and driven desire to provide positive and productive learning experiences for honor students and to be challenged to learn new things and grow both in their chosen discipline and in their understanding of the opportunities for the future. We will include studies and explorations in travel, literature, current events, and hands-on experiences designed to broaden their knowledge academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.”

Dr. Tucker added, “I sincerely appreciate the leadership at Hardin-Simmons University for entrusting me with this valuable academic program and for the unending support I have received as a Dean serving over multiple disciplines. Not unlike a child at a toy store or a hungry patron at a buffet, I am eagerly awaiting a unique opportunity that has the potential for innovative responses to teaching and learning and for new academic adventures. Fortunately, our high-achieving students at HSU will make my responsibilities both rewarding, easy, and, likely, challenging all at the same time!”

With Dr. Tucker’s transition to his new role, the search for the next Dean of the Kelley College of Business and Professional Studies is officially underway. The new Dean will have the opportunity to build on the college’s strong foundation and contribute to its continued growth and future success.