Irvine, CA., Oct. 25, 2024 – After a national search, Concordia University Irvine announced on October 17 that Karl Hoenecke, MBA '14, is the new Dean for the School of Business and Economics. Hoenecke has served as Assistant Dean and Interim Dean at Concordia since 2022. Prior to that, he taught for seven years as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Economics.
“I am humbled to be following in the footsteps of Dean George Wright, who had a significant impact on the School of Business and Economics,” says Hoenecke. “I am excited for the School’s future and to build on the School’s solid foundation. It’s an honor to serve our students, alumni, business community, and our many constituents in Orange County."
Hoenecke brings decades of insights and connections from diverse business sectors. He also brings a broad view to business roles and responsibilities, having held positions from management trainee to president. Hoenecke holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Master of Business Administration from Concordia.
“Concordia is blessed to have Professor Karl Hoenecke as the new Dean of the School of Business and Economics,” says Provost and Senior Vice President Scott Ashmon. “Karl has a love of learning and wide ranging practical wisdom to bring to this leadership role. His faith, business acumen, and desire to collaborate will shape a vision for the school that is faithful to the mission of university and relevant for the needs of the business community in Orange County and beyond.”
In addition to academia, Hoenecke’s career path included management positions at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, Great Clips, Inc., and Starbucks before working as the Vice President of Business Development for TeamLogic IT and most recently as the Director of Sales and Operations for sports and location-based event company GZ6G Technologies. His wealth of professional and instructional experience will enhance Concordia’s School of Business and Economics.
About Concordia University Irvine
Concordia University Irvine, part of the Concordia University System, is a private, nonprofit Christian university that is proud to be one of the founding institutions of higher education in Irvine, California. For nearly 50 years, we have prepared students for lives of learning, service, and leadership through distinctive Lutheran education. Today, we educate nearly 4,000 students on campus and online, and our alumni network has grown to over 25,000 worldwide. We’re recognized as a top-ranked university for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report and a fierce NCAA Division II PacWest competitor. Learn more about our mission, community, and heritage.