Susan Hubbard, an Auburn University faculty member since 1993, was recently named the next dean of the College of Human Sciences.
Hubbard plans to use her term as dean to provide strategic leadership to an evolving college with more than 1,400 and 100 faculty and staff members across three academic departments and several centers and institutes.
Hubbard also plans to continue the development of the college’s academic offerings by introducing new programs and resources, supporting strong research productivity, recruiting new faculty, increasing donor engagement and enhancing facilities.
Hubbard will succeed Dean June Henton, who is retiring after over 30 years of leadership in the college. Hubbard's term will be effective on July 1.
“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,” Hubbard said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the outstanding faculty, staff and students in the College of Human Sciences."
An Auburn alumna, Hubbard earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the College of Education and her doctoral degree in vocational and adult education with an emphasis in higher education administration.
Since 2006, Hubbard has served as the college’s associate dean for academic affairs. She has held several positions within the college including the Hotel and Restaurant Management Program, extension coordinator and external affairs coordinator.
"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," Hubbard said.
In recent years, Hubbard has been recognized for her work as an administrator and advocate. Among her accolades, she has received 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.
“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.”
In alignment with the university’s goal to develop professionally competent and socially aware graduates, Hubbard has helped forge industry partnerships, expand the college’s distance education programs and strengthen student services.
“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.”
With the assistance of stakeholders, Hubbard will continue to promote the college’s nationally and internationally ranked programs, which are frequently recognized for combining advanced theory with global understanding and professional experience.
Her appointment comes ahead of the college's plans to launch several new initiatives to strengthen its role as an academic leader in Alabama’s burgeoning hospitality and tourism industries, which are key contributors to the state’s economy.
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