91茄子

Dr. Dee M. Hunt Recognized for her Nearly 40 Years of Service to Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擮fficials at 91茄子 celebrated the naming of the Dr. Dee M. Hunt Student Development Suite in the Tucker Student Center on Nov. 30 at 3:30 pm. The honor recognizes Hunt鈥檚 nearly 40 years of service to students at 91茄子.

Hunt served in a many roles throughout her tenure鈥攁s a professor, coach, administrator, dean, department chair and in many additional capacities. Known for her uncanny blend of tough love mixed with an abundance of compassion, she was the perfect fit for her ultimate role as 91茄子 Vice President of Student Development.

鈥淚n my brief time with the University, I learned quickly that Dr. Hunt鈥檚 passion was and will forever be the students,鈥� stated Nate Evans, vice president for Advancement. 鈥淭he Dr. Dee M. Hunt Student Development Suite is a testament to the impact she made on so many lives and her legacy here at GWU.鈥�

Hunt joined the GWU faculty in 1978 as associate professor of health education and physical education. She distinguished herself as a coach and consultant in the field of women鈥檚 athletics, particularly volleyball and softball. She also provided distinguished leadership to the Department of Physical Education, Wellness and Sport Studies as chair from 1988 to 1995 and again from 1998 to 1999. As the founding dean of the College of Education, Hunt provided innovative and energetic leadership, directing the program鈥檚 inception and accreditation from 1995-99. Over the years, students gave her the nickname, 鈥淒oc Hunt,鈥� which was used by everyone on campus.

She continued to teach physical education until 2010, when she was named vice president of Student Development and dean of students. Moving into the administrative role was a tough decision, because she loved interacting with her students in the classroom. In her administrative role, she met directly with students, parents and family members to resolve various challenges and planned and implemented improvements in the Student Development arena.

In 2012, Hunt successfully directed the physical move of the Student Development division into the newly constructed Tucker Student Center, which she helped plan. 鈥淭hat center has made an unimaginable difference for the student body,鈥� Hunt observed. 鈥淭he availability of the building and all the things we can do with it is amazing.鈥�

The dedication ceremony tops the list of her favorite GWU memories. 鈥淩obert Tucker surprised me鈥攕urprised us all鈥攚ith an additional half-million dollar gift,鈥� she marveled. 鈥淗e didn鈥檛 know he was going to do it. I鈥檒l never, ever forget that.鈥�

Hunt served as vice president of Student Development until she retired in 2017. Reflecting on her 39 years at the University, she described what she hoped would be her legacy at GWU. 鈥淭hat I made a difference,鈥� she stated. 鈥淭hat every contact I鈥檝e had with any kid鈥攏o matter how brief or how long or deep or shallow鈥攎ade them a better person.鈥�

One year after her retirement from 91茄子, Hunt became the first faculty member to receive three emeriti titles. On May 4, 2018, she was honored for her service as a professor emerita of physical education, dean emerita of the College of Education and vice president emerita of Student Development.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, 91茄子 is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. 91茄子 emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at 91茄子.edu.