Valparaiso University President José D. Padilla J.D. Makes List of Top Indiana Business Leaders

José D. Padilla J.D., president of Valparaiso University, has made IBJ Media’s Indiana 250 — a list recognizing the most impactful and influential business leaders in the Region. The 2024 recognition marks the second year that President Padilla has been named to the list.

“I am grateful to receive this honor, and to be recognized among the many wonderful leaders doing amazing things throughout the Region,” President Padilla said. “I will continue to do everything in my power to have a positive impact on our great University, and on the community it enriches.”

Born on a U.S. Army base in Augsburg, Germany, President Padilla spent his early career practicing law, serving as a legislative assistant to United States Senator Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX) and as a senior political appointee in the administration of President Bill Clinton. He shifted his career towards higher education in 1998.  Starting in 2005, he spent 15 years in senior leadership roles at DePaul University in Chicago.  He later served as university counsel and secretary of the University of Colorado System.

In January of 2021, President Padilla assumed his current role at Valparaiso University, becoming the first Hispanic and Roman Catholic president in the University’s history. He has been instrumental in the creation of the University’s five-year strategic plan Uplift Valpo: Our Beacon for the Journey Forward and the University’s push towards Hispanic-Serving Institution status.

Many of President Padilla’s other notable accomplishments since taking on the role include the creation of new pathways towards higher education with guaranteed admissions agreement with Ivy Tech Community Colleges and City Colleges of Chicago. Under his leadership, the University has also begun the Access College for Success program, allowing students to pursue a two-year college experience with the option of transferring to a four-year program, and the Bloom Scholars Program, which is designed to academically, socially, and culturally prepare students for life at the University. High school students have also had the opportunity to experience Valparaiso University with the launch of the Beacon Academy, an innovative camp experience that familiarizes pre-college students with research and the Valpo campus.Honorees for the Indiana 250 were selected by IBJ Media editors and staff based on nominations, research on executives and companies, and interviews with state, business and community leaders. For more information on the selection process, click here.