Since joining Ball State's faculty in 1987, Hornsby has distinguished himself through effective teaching, scholarly research and outstanding service. Students clearly like his classes and they respond to a teaching style that enables them to learn and retain course material. For his stimulating classroom environment, Hornsby has been honored with the Miller College of Business Dean's Teaching Award for ten consecutive years.

An exemplary scholar, Hornsby has published 47 refereed journal articles, two textbooks, and 51 refereed proceedings articles. As a testament to the quality of his work, he is published in the top journals in his field and has received three Best Paper awards. Moreover, a recent work was chosen as "Best Journal Article in Corporate Entrepreneurship." He stays active in his discipline also by serving in editorial and reviewer positions. 

While excelling in research and teaching, Hornsby somehow finds time to be active in professional service. For example, he has established a successful internship program for his department and he works tirelessly to place students in work experiences. Whether serving on the college's Promotion and Tenure Committee, advising the Society for Human Resource Management student chapter or serving as vice president-elect of the Corporate Entrepreneurship Division of the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, he sets uncompromising standards for everything he does.

And finally, there is service to the community. He has raised funds for the United Way and Muncie Mission, planned programs for the Sunrise Rotary Club, served on the Management Team for Young Life of Delaware County, chaired the St. Francis Church Parish Council, and is currently a member of the Ball Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. For ten years he has been a board member of the East Central Indiana Human Resource Association.

It has been said that Hornsby is the kind of faculty member that should be cloned several times. He is unquestionably excellent as a researcher, but also terrific in the classroom and generous in professional and public service.