AUBURN, Ala. - Opp native and Auburn alumna Susan Hubbard has been named the next dean of Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences.
Hubbard's role as dean will begin July 1. She will succeed Dean June Henton, who is retiring after more than three decades of service to the college.
“I am extremely fortunate to have worked with and learned from Dean June Henton for over two decades and appreciate the tremendous leadership and vision she has provided,” said Hubbard. “I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty, staff and students in the College of Human Sciences. I pledge to empower every area to continue to be innovative and cutting-edge in our commitment to develop superior student learning experiences and improve upon our nationally-ranked programs, strong student graduation rates and our status as a top research unit on campus.”
The new dean has been a member of the college’s faculty since 1993 and is the current associate dean for academic affairs, a position she has held since 2006.
She holds the rank of full professor and has served the college in numerous capacities, both administrative and academic. Hubbard's experience with the college includes serving as coordinator of the college’s Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, extension coordinator and external affairs coordinator.
Hubbard will provide strategic leadership for the growing college while supporting its mission of developing science-based solutions to address society’s most pressing issues. She will continue to develop the college by introducing new programs, faculty and resources.
“It is an honor to be provided the opportunity to lead the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University,” Hubbard said. “The momentum of this college is strong and I am committed to building upon our remarkable 100-year history and impressive successes.”
Her appointment as the new dean comes at a crucial time for the college, which plans to strengthen its role as an academic leader in Alabama's tourism and hospitality industries.
“Susan’s depth of experience and understanding of the college’s role in advancing global solutions are vital as it enters a new era,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Bill Hardgrave. “I am excited about the future of the college under her leadership.”
Hubbard has received numerous awards for her work as an administrator and advocate. Her honors include the National Outstanding Advising Administrator Award from the National Academic Advising Association, the Pamela Wells Sheffield Award recognizing commitment and service to Auburn, the Outstanding Advising Administrator Award and the Hospitality Educator of the Year Award from the Alabama Restaurant Association and Alabama Hospitality Association.
