Lydia Knopf

Lydia Knopf is Associate Professor of Business & Management at Hope International University (HIU), where she serves as Dean of the College of Business & Management and holds leadership roles as Chair of both the Traditional Undergraduate and Graduate Programs. She is deeply involved in academic leadership, teaching, and research at the intersection of business, leadership, and faith.

Her research interests include organizational behavior, culture, identity, commitment, and change, with a strong focus on transformational, authentic, spiritual, charismatic, servant, steward, and ethical leadership. She also explores entrepreneurship, Romans 12 motivational gifts, and the concept of calling in professional life. Her teaching portfolio includes courses such as Principles of Management, Organizational Behavior, Business Ethics, and Entrepreneurship.

Her recent publications reflect a unique integration of biblical principles with business and leadership theory, particularly through statistical and textual analysis of spiritual gifts and leadership models. These works span interdisciplinary fields including psychology, theology, and organizational science, demonstrating a consistent theme of faith-driven entrepreneurship and character-based leadership.

• Effective Philanthropy for Advisors, The Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society, 2021
• Faculty Nominated PhD 2012 Cohort Representative at 2nd and 3rd Residency, 2013
• Approved University Aspirations Proposal Funding for BYA Online Expansion, 2011
• Recognition from President and Board of Trustees of Biola University for leadership, 2006
• Biola University Values Awards, 1998, 2005
• Graduated with highest honors in M.A. in Organizational Leadership, 2001
• Who’s Who of American Professionals, 1998
• NACCAP Hall of Fame Regional Service Award, 1991

Dr. Knopf advises students in Cross-Cultural Business Administration, Sport Business Management, General Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Financial Planning, and Entrepreneurship. She has contributed to academic service through affiliations with Sigma Beta Delta, IACBE accreditation, the International Journal of Society Systems Science, and partnerships with Regent University and Biola University. Her professional presentations span topics in strategic and spiritual leadership, mission development, and calling, delivered at institutions such as Santiago Canyon College and Biola University.

She is actively engaged in mentoring and leadership development through organizations like The Barnabas Group of OC, Ruby Women Mentor, Fusion Leaders, Inc., Faith Driven Entrepreneur, and Hope Ventures, reflecting her commitment to integrating faith and business leadership.