Societal Impact

The PNW College of Business is committed to advancing societal impact as a core dimension of its mission.

We prepare future leaders who use business acumen for societal good and integrate societal impact into our strategic planning, curriculum design, faculty scholarship and community engagement.

Through these efforts, we aim to be a transformative force in Northwest Indiana and beyond, preparing graduates who are not only career-ready but also committed to the public good.

Kwangsoo Park, Ph.D.
Interim Dean of the College of Business

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Three pillars guide our approach:

Faculty research addresses real-world challenges in areas such as economic development, sustainability and responsible business practices. We prioritize scholarship that informs policy, improves organizational effectiveness and contributes to regional and global well-being.

Our curriculum embeds ethical leadership, social responsibility and experiential learning. Students engage in projects that serve local, national, and international nonprofits, small businesses, and under-served communities.

We foster a collaborative and adaptable environment that encourages students, faculty, and partners to co-create solutions to societal challenges. Our values (dedication, collaboration, and adaptability) are reflected in initiatives that promote respect, access, and opportunity.


We measure our societal impact through:

  • Community-based learning outcomes
  • Faculty research with demonstrable societal relevance
  • Strategic partnerships with regional organizations
  • Student engagement in service and social innovation
Pitparnee Stompor Focus Award photo

Award for Disability Accessibility Collaboration

In partnership with TradeWinds Services Inc., Clinical Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management Pitparnee Stompor was recognized for her innovative approach to teaching a food service lab section where clients with disabilities were invited to participate in a series of lunches at PNW.
Stompor Earns 2025 Purdue Focus Award

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David Ellis Bio Photo

David Woronecki-Ellis

Societal Impact and Technology Steward

(219) 989-8166

david.ellis@pnw.edu