John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D.: A New Era at the Woody L. Hunt College of Business
October 2024
By Christian Diaz '20

When John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., arrived at UTEP 30 years ago, he never imagined he would one day serve as Dean of the Woody L. Hunt College of Business. His journey from the Republic of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to El Paso, Texas, is a testament to his dedication and passion for the University’s mission and its students. Starting as an assistant professor and eventually becoming the chair of the marketing and supply chain management department—the largest in the college— Hadjimarcou career has been marked by significant milestones. In May 2024, after a successful tenure as interim dean, he was officially appointed to this pivotal role, marking a new chapter for the Hunt College of Business. “I did not have a grand plan that I would become department chair and then dean. Things just happened that way, and I feel like I can make a difference,” he remarked.

His deep familiarity with the University, its students, and the broader community positioned him perfectly to make an immediate impact as dean. This connection is vital as he embarks on a new vision for the Woody L. Hunt College of Business.

The Foundation for the Vision

Hadjimarcou’s leadership vision began to crystallize in December 2022, when UTEP received a transformative $25 million gift from the Woody and Gayle Hunt Family Foundation. This funding aims to enhance teaching, research, and initiatives related to international trade and business between the U.S. and Mexico. Given that 20% of U.S. trade with Mexico passes through the Borderplex region, UTEP is strategically positioned at the heart of the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border. “This gift gave the college a champion to fully implement and grow a lot of the things that we have always wanted to do,” Hadjimarcou stated. With clear focus and structure, he envisions the Woody L. Hunt College of Business as a premier institution for studying U.S.-Mexico trade and commerce.

Hadjimarcou’s vision encompasses three key components. First, he aims to strengthen relationships with organizations engaged in U.S.-Mexico trade, including government entities and non-profit organizations. The groundwork for these partnerships has already begun. Second, he seeks to foster connections with businesses actively participating in trade between the two countries. Engaging with industry leaders is paramount for the Hunt College of Business, and the work being done by the Hunt Institute and other departments within the college will continue to play a vital role. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of conducting foundational research to understand the complex issues at play, ensuring that findings are published in widely read academic journals. The recent announcement of a $2 million gift from the Ginger G. and L. Frederick Francis Foundation to establish an endowed deanship underscores this commitment. This funding will provide permanent resources to recruit and retain top talent for leadership within the college. The foundation to realize Hadjimarcou’s, and UTEP’s vision for the Woody L. Hunt College of Business has been set.

Commitment to Economic Development

Hadjimarcou recognizes UTEP’s vital role in El Paso’s economic development, viewing the university as the greatest asset in these efforts. He envisions the Woody L. Hunt College of Business as a leader in regional economic initiatives. A key component of this vision is the launch of the Center for Family and Small Business, designed to support emerging businesses in collaboration with the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. He aims to enhance collaboration between the Hunt College of Business and key economic development organizations, such as the Borderplex Alliance and the City and County of El Paso. By leveraging these partnerships to create job opportunities, he hopes to ensure that UTEP graduates can remain in the region and contribute to the growth of the local economy. This focus on collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation and sustainability in the community. His call to action for UTEP alumni and local businesses is clear: “Be involved in everything that we do, offer internships to our students, provide feedback on the training of the students, showcase your companies, and help us prepare the future workforce for our local economy.”

A Lasting Impact

Reflecting on his 30-year journey at UTEP, John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., was asked about his most memorable moments with the university. His response was heartfelt: “Every time I walk into a classroom… the impact you make on students is much more important here than any other university I know.” This sentiment echoes UTEP’s role in social mobility, as evidenced by its ranking as the second-best university in Texas for this measure and 34th in the nation according to The Wall Street Journal.

As a leader who has become a fixture at UTEP, Hadjimarcou is set to continue making a significant impact on both the university and El Paso. With his vision and dedication, the Woody L. Hunt College of Business is in capable hands, and the future of UTEP has never looked brighter.