Stephanie Huffman
Associate VP of Strategic Initiatives
Dean of the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education
Lang Hall 110
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0135
Stephanie Huffman
Associate VP of Strategic Initiatives
Dean of the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education
Dr. Huffman serves as the Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives (AVP) and Dean of the College of Graduate, Research and Online Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). She provides oversight for three units on the UNI campus: the Division of Graduate Studies, the Division of Online Education & Individual Studies, and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. As AVP and Dean, Dr. Huffman works with stakeholders to establish a vision, mission and strategic initiatives for the Graduate College, the Division of Online and Distance Education and Research and Sponsored Programs. The UNI Division of Graduate Studies supports learners with rigorous, individualized opportunities in a student-centered environment with engaged faculty who excel in teaching and scholarship. The Division comprises approximately 51 graduate programs and 13 graduate certificates, including nationally ranked programs in Education, Public Affairs, Social Work, and Speech-Language Pathology. As Dean, she is responsible for the oversight and development of all graduate programs (residential and online), supporting faculty in the expansion of cutting-edge program offerings, and providing pathways for students to explore new opportunities to advance their career and improve their life. Dr. Huffman is also a tenured Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education.
- EdD, Educational Leadership, Arkansas State University
- MS, Library Media and Information Technology, University of Central Arkansas
- BSE, Business Education, Arkansas State University
My love has always been seeing our students grow as scholars and leaders. The evolution of our students; their inspirational passion for constructing innovative avenues in human development and their pioneering fight for the well-being of others is at the heart and soul of teaching and learning. The evolution of our students is the primary purpose of high education and is the driving factor in all I do. I have published over 37 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and edited books on library science, instructional technology, online teaching and learning, diversity and inclusion, and teacher leadership and presented at over 89 professional conferences. Notable publications include four books: Empowering Students Through Multilingual and Content Discourse, Cultivating Critical Discourse in the Classroom, Handbook on Research on Opening Pathways for Marginalized Individuals in Higher Education, Technology Tools for the Literacy Classroom, Cases for Building Quality Distance Delivery Programs, and Leveraging Technology to Improve School Safety and Student Wellbeing and journal articles entitled: The Use of Audiobooks in the School Library, The Lack of Citations and Copyright notices in Multimedia Presentations, Socratic Dialogue and Order in Online Chat Rooms, and Technology Planning: The SIMPLE Model.
My research interests focus on technology planning and policy development, online teaching and learning, information literacy, diversity and inclusion, and teacher leadership. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) connect these areas; what we do each day matters. Questioning everything should and must be done. Opening pathways for all to be successful strengthens all of us.
- Herb Lawrence Leadership Service Award, Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, 2019
- Postsecondary Teacher of the Year Award, Arkansas Marketing Division of ACTE, 2018
- Retta Patrick Award, Arkansas Library Association, 2012
- Outstanding Individual Achievement, Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, 2012
- Outstanding Research Award, College of Education, University of Central Arkansas, 2011
- Technology Leader of the Year, Arkansas Association of Instructional Media, 2009