Housatonic Community College President Paul Broadie II named Robin Avant to the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Housatonic Community College (HCC).
A proud graduate of Housatonic Community College with an Associate in Science degree in Biotechnology and Clinical Laboratory Science, and a Certificate in Forensic Science, Robin continued on to earn a Master of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomolecular Sciences. After a successful corporate career in the biotechnology and manufacturing industries, and as a business entrepreneur for seven years, Robin returned to HCC as a Professor of Biology and Molecular Biology, creating new courses in forensic science and participating in professional development with prominent forensic scientist, Henry Lee. In December 2017, she was appointed Acting Dean of Academic Affairs.
A strong advocate of active learning, creative instruction, the use of technology and reflection and empowerment to increase student engagement, Avant believes that, “allowing students to develop connections between the various components promotes retention, completion and overall success.”
In May of 2018, she received the Board of Regents award for Excellence in Teaching for “her dedication, and passion” in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) through research presentations, career fairs and employer engagement panels.
“I am proud to name Robin as our new Dean of Academic Affairs,” said HCC President, Dr. Paul Broadie II. “Throughout her tenure at the college, Robin has successfully introduced innovative partnerships and initiated innovative academic and non-academic programming to meet the needs of our students and the community we serve. Initially, as a student and later as an active member of the faculty, Robin has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to Housatonic Community College and the values we stand for. She has proven herself to be a thoughtful, compassionate, supportive, team oriented servant leader that is focused on developing relationships throughout the college that enable us to effectively carry out our mission and goals.”
Robin assumed her official duties as Dean of Academic Affairs at the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year.