Post University, a career-driven university and major provider of online education based in Waterbury, Conn., announced that John L. Hopkins has been named Chief Executive Officer of the University. Tom Samph, Ph.D., who has served as Post University’s Chief Executive Officer since 2004, will continue as a Board of Trustees member and also serve as Chancellor.
Hopkins most recently served as an advisor to a number of education Institutions, investment bankers, and investors in the sector. He was also the co-architect and Chief Executive Officer of MedTech College and Healthcare Training, during which time the company grew from its formation into a nationally recognized company with campuses across the United States. Medtech has been a consistent leader in student outcomes and known as an innovator of the student experience, which, as a result, helped the larger community fill its need for highly competent health care practitioners.
Hopkins has been an education leader for over 10 years and was also Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of MedVance College of Nursing & Healthcare Institute headquartered in Palm Beach, FL with campuses in seven eastern states.
A recognized expert in organizational growth, Hopkins has worked with private equity investors to successfully create significant value in companies. He began his career in the hospitality business, functioning as the Senior Vice President of Operations for the Peabody Hotel group and holding various senior-level roles with Omni Hotels & Resorts International. Hopkins culminated his tenure with Omni as the Executive Vice President, where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s performance and cultivated significant growth for the $2+ billion international hotel company. In Connecticut, Hopkins served as President of Benchmark Senior Living, transforming an early stage startup into a business consisting of 44 communities across seven states, with 4,200 residents, 3,500 employees, and well over $1 billion in assets, many of which were located in Connecticut.
In his new role at Post, Hopkins will apply his wealth of experience in growing organizations to ensure the University continues to thrive in Waterbury amidst an ever-changing higher education landscape.
“Throughout its 125-year history, Post has proactively provided students with the most up-to-date and innovative program choices,” says Hopkins. “As CEO, I expect to build on this incredible foundation of organic growth. The next chapter for Post University will ensure exceptional student outcomes by delivering critical workplace competencies in an innovative way and creating an authentic, extraordinary student experience. This, coupled with the introduction of highly demanded programs containing content and learning experiences that will make our students among the most prepared in their field of study. Post will remain a growth organization, keeping the student at the center of all it does.”
Hopkins has been recognized multiple times by the Stevie Awards, billed as “the world’s premier business awards,” including Maverick CEO of the Year, two-time CEO of the Year, and two-time Company of the Year. Companies under his management have also been recognized by the Best in Biz Awards, Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces, and Best Places to Work.
Hopkins received his Bachelor of Science in Business from Whittemore School of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire, and has earned Executive Certificates of study in Management Sciences and Finance from Cornell University. He has been active as a board member of numerous non-profit and for-profit organizations.
ABOUT POST UNIVERSITY:
Post University provides students with the knowledge, personal skills and experience required to be leaders in their chosen fields. Located in Waterbury, Conn., Post University offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs for on-campus and online students of all ages, and is known for its quality, career-driven academic programs, small classes, and competitive NCAA Division II athletics. The University’s full- and part-time students come from the United States and abroad, and are supported by faculty whose mission is to prepare students to compete and succeed in today’s global workplace. To learn more about Post University, call 800.345.2562, or visit www.Post.edu or http://blog.post.edu.