Matthew Hanson

Matthew Hanson is a Clinical Associate Professor of Marketing and Executive Director for Graduate and External Programs at Purdue University Northwest. With over 25 years of industry expertise, he founded the internationally recognized Digital Marketing Competition (DMC), partnering with companies like Facebook and Google to provide students hands-on experience in real-world marketing campaigns.

• Education: MBA and B.S. in Business (Marketing) from Purdue University Calumet
• Expertise: Digital marketing, advertising, campaign management, strategic planning, entrepreneurship
• Awards: 2020 inductee into the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest

Hanson’s teaching philosophy emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and adapting to industry demands. His DMC initiative bridges academic theory with practical execution, preparing students to act as marketing agencies for global clients. This innovation has positioned Purdue Northwest as a leader in experiential marketing education.

Innovation, to Hanson, means continuous evolution in fast-paced digital marketing. He stresses the importance of dissecting complex problems into smaller solutions, a skill he prioritizes in training students for post-graduation success. His work has attracted recognition for its impact on student readiness and industry partnerships.