Long Time Faculty Member, Dr. Dee Hunt Accepts Position
Long Time Faculty Member, Dr. Dee Hunt Accepts Position
BOILING SPRINGS, NC – Gardner-Webb University announced that Dr. Dee Hunt was offered and accepted the role of Assistant to the President for Student Retention.
Hunt has been at Gardner-Webb since 1978, currently serving as professor in the Physical Education, Wellness and Sport Studies Department and as faculty athletic representative. Hunt was born and raised in Alabama and received her BS and master’s in Physical Education from Auburn University in Alabama and Doctor of Arts in Higher Education from Middle Tennessee State University, located in Murfreesboro.
Student retention is an important endeavor to Gardner-Webb and one that will have Hunt’s position directly interfacing with students.
Hunt’s primary role will be to serve as a student advocate in representing the legitimate needs and concerns of students on the Gardner-Webb campus. “I am honored that Dr. Bonner (GWU President, A. Frank Bonner) had the confidence in my ability to work with students in this new role. I look forward to collaborating with all areas of the University to help students experience satisfaction and success while attending the University,” said Hunt.
Provost and Senior Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie says that Hunt’s many years of service as the Gardner-Webb Faculty Athletic Representative, has earned the trust of her colleagues, and makes her the ideal person to fill this critical position. “Over the years, Dr. Dee Hunt has established herself not only as an exceptional educator, but as mentor, problem-solver, and respected advocate for students. She has that remarkable ability to connect instantly with students from virtually all backgrounds.”
Hunt will fill many of the duties formerly assigned to Dr. Mary Theokas, who was director of retention and student success prior to leaving GWU earlier this year. Hunt will continue to carry out her teaching role in Physical Education through the spring semester, but moves into her new role effective immediately and will assume full-time status next school year.
Located in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner-Webb University is home to over 4,000 students from 39 states and 21 foreign countries. Gardner-Webb seeks a higher ground in higher education – one that embraces faith and intellectual freedom, balances conviction with compassion, and inspires in students a love of learning and leadership.
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