Dale Thomas Knobel (born 1949 in East Cleveland, Ohio) is an American historian and academic administrator.

[8] Knobel was named Denison's 19th president in 1998 and served in this role for 15 years, the second-longest in the college's history.

[9] During his tenure as Denison’s president, Knobel served on numerous boards and councils in higher education.

[14][15] In 2012, Knobel received the Chief Executive Leadership Award at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Region V annual meeting.

[17] From January 2020 to July 2020, Knobel served as interim president of Southwestern University, following the departure of Dr. Edward Burger.