Dennis Langhofer, Ed.D.
Dean of the School of Business
Telephone: 559-453-2284
Email: dlanghof@fresno.edu
What programs do you teach in?
- Global MBA director
- Degree completion programs within the School of Business
Education
- A.A., Fresno City College
- B.A., California State University, Fresno
- M.B.A., California State University, Fresno
- Ed.D., University of San Francisco
During his intermission from FPU, Langhofer started the ComputerLand store in Fresno. He and two partners expanded to five stores over the next 10 years. He returned in 1991 as degree-completion programs were getting underway.
Background and family
While our families were from the Dinuba-Reedley area my father had been called up to the Bay Area to work in the shipyards during World War II and as a result I was born in Santa Rosa. I attended school in Reedley through half of the third grade, when we moved to Dinuba. My high school graduation was in the Dinuba school district although I did attend Immanuel High School for three years. Julia, my wife, also grew up in the area and we both attended the Dinuba Mennonite Brethren Church. We were married in that church 40 years ago. We have a son, Andrew, who is married and lives in Spokane, and a daughter, Cynthia, who lives at home. Julia is a nurse practitioner at Veterans Hospital in Fresno. Julia and I have lived in the same house a half-block from FPU for 33 years and have attended the Butler Church for about this same length of time.
How did you come to be interested in your field?
During college, majoring in sociology with a minor in psych, I became very interested in the people side of business. Following graduation I worked for the 3M Company for several years in sales, then returned to Fresno State to earn my MBA. At the time I was graduating there was an opening at Fresno Pacific in the school of business (at that time a one-person program). My only teaching experience was teaching Sunday school and helping with the youth group. While teaching at FPU I was approached by a friend working at an ad agency to give them some help in analysis of data and strategy. Soon after, Davis Advertising hired me. I continued to teach at FPU and also became somewhat proficient as a media strategist and buyer.
Were you always interested in teaching?
My interest has always been in teaching and administration. My analytical ability was always to figure out things for myself. I remember always trying to figure out why (my teachers) did certain things in the classroom and how it could have worked better, or trying to understand how something came off so well that seemed to be relatively unplanned. These issues always fascinated me and still do.
You are closely connected with the degree completion program. Why are programs like this important and what draws you to the program and these students?
I always considered myself a non-traditional student. I started college when I was 25, received my master’s at 31 and did not start my doctoral program until I was 58. Older students have two things going for them that traditional undergraduate students do not: the first and most important is experience and the second is resources. For me the interaction in establishing a cohort and watching it become a well-bonded group that genuinely cares for each person is exciting.
How did your faith develop?
For my faith development I have always been a watcher. I have looked to others to see what faith means to them and how to follow the confession of faith of the Mennonite Brethren Church. My parents and my wife have been instrumental. Also being engaged in church virtually for my lifetime has certainly led me toward a theological understanding. Both my church and FPU have provided the freedom and also the boundaries within which to operate.
How do you blend faith into your teaching?
We at FPU are very privileged to be able to start class with devotions and bring in any ethical and value constructs at any point in our programs without worrying about repercussions. We don’t have to be anything but authentic in how we act and who we are. It is also possible to model the effectiveness and benefit of being Christian in businesses today.
What do you enjoy about teaching and working at FPU?
FPU has always been a people place, with personalities driving much of the agenda. I say that lovingly since most of the guiding persons have been wise leaders. There is also a respect for others and their viewpoints that is not always apparent in other places. We can disagree lovingly. I also enjoy the autonomy of running my programs without interference. We have had some excellent people that provided guidance without micro-managing.
What would you like to see for the future of the School of Business?
The School of Business is on a growth spurt that I believe will continue. Our former dean, Janita Rawls, has provided leadership in many areas that have set us up to be very successful. We have an excellent faculty, with people placed where they have the most interest and are the greatest benefit to the students.
