Associate Dean Lynn Hepner ’95MA is retiring from UCF on August 7.
Hepner joined UCF as an adjunct professor in the Department of English after attaining her master’s degree in 1995 and joined the faculty full-time in 1998. She served as an Instructor/Lecturer and Undergraduate Coordinator in English until she was brought into the newly formed College of Arts and Humanities dean’s office in 2006 as Director of Graduate Studies. She has since held the positions of Assistant to the Dean, Assistant Dean and Associate Dean.
College of Arts and Humanities Dean Jeff Moore credits Hepner for the college’s ability to respond to ever-increasing student demand. “She has taken a long-term view of strategic growth, which has positioned the college well. Her vision, work and structure for our curricular processes have created a positive reputation for the arts and humanities across the university.” He notes her ability to anticipate the needs of the college and to provide the right data at the right time has made her invaluable to both himself and his predecessor Dean José Fernández.
Moore also notes that Hepner has a keen sense of humor and stays optimistic in the face of challenges. “She has been a constant reminder to our team that whenever faced with difficult decisions, we will be successful if we stay focused on the success of students.”
Hepner collaborated with Dr. Delia Garcia on the creation and evolution of CAH Student Advising, creating one of the strongest advising offices at the university. Many of the advising initiatives created by the two of them are now considered best practices across the university.
Moore contributes the success of CAHSA as one of the reasons that his proposed transition plans include having Dr. Garcia serve as Interim Assistant Dean effective August 8, overseeing student success metrics, academic program review, and other related duties currently handled by Dean Hepner. The college plans to conduct a search for a permanent replacement during the next academic year.
Please join us in thanking Lynn Hepner for her tremendous years of service to the university, and in welcoming Dr. Delia Garcia to her interim role.
View photos from Lynn Hepner’s retirement reception: ucfcah.passgallery.com/-hepnerretirement