IAOTP names Bob Hopkins top professor of philanthropic studies

By AI, Created 4:00 AM UTC, May 25, 2026, /AGP/ – Bob Hopkins will be honored in December at IAOTP’s Annual Awards Gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City after being selected as Top Professor of Philanthropic Studies of the Year for 2026. The recognition highlights his work in education, philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and community service across the U.S. and abroad.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights Hopkins’ work at the intersection of education, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. - IAOTP is putting him on a national stage at its annual gala in New York City, which can broaden visibility for his programs and advocacy. - The honor may also help elevate student-facing philanthropy initiatives and service-learning models tied to Hopkins’ work.

What happened: - The International Association of Top Professionals selected Bob Hopkins as Top Professor of Philanthropic Studies of the Year for 2026. - IAOTP will honor Hopkins at its Annual Awards Gala in December at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. - Hopkins teaches as a Lecturer and Instructor in Communications and Business at universities and colleges in Texas and Mexico. - Hopkins also serves as Professor of Business Communications and Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Texas at Arlington.

The details: - IAOTP says honorees are chosen for professional accomplishments, academic achievements, longevity in the field and community contributions. - Hopkins has more than four decades of experience in education, communications, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. - Hopkins is Founder and President of Philanthropy Inc., which teaches philanthropy, volunteerism and entrepreneurship to young people. - His PAVE initiative, short for Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Education, later expanded into Philanthropy and Volunteerism in Entrepreneurship. - The initiative is designed to build leadership skills, social responsibility, confidence and a habit of giving back. - Through the Global Community for Education, Hopkins helped build schools in Nepal for underserved communities. - After earthquakes destroyed several schools, Hopkins stayed involved in rebuilding efforts and restoring educational opportunities for children and families. - Hopkins founded Philanthropy World Magazine, a publication focused on charitable efforts, humanitarian leadership and social impact. - Hopkins earned a Master of Arts in Communications from Kansas State University, with a specialization in speech and communications. - IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said choosing Hopkins was an easy decision and called him inspirational, influential and a visionary. - IAOTP also said Hopkins will be considered for inclusion in TIP, or Top Industry Professionals, Magazine this year. - The release includes more information about the gala and Hopkins’ LinkedIn profile.

Between the lines: - The award fits Hopkins’ long-running effort to connect classroom teaching with service and community leadership. - IAOTP often uses its gala to showcase members whose work can translate into public credibility and professional networking. - The emphasis on global humanitarian work suggests the honor is meant to recognize both academic and field-based impact.

What’s next: - Hopkins will be honored in December 2026 at IAOTP’s gala in New York City. - He plans to continue working in education, philanthropy and social entrepreneurship while mentoring students and supporting communities worldwide. - IAOTP’s recognition could lead to more speaking, networking and visibility opportunities for Hopkins and his initiatives.

The bottom line: - IAOTP is recognizing Hopkins for a career built on teaching, service and social impact, with the December gala set to be the public showcase for that honor.