THE FOLLOWING IS A DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE RELEASE
DANVILLE – Danville Area Community College (DACC) announces the appointment of Dr. Michael Hepner as the Dean of the newly established Division of Arts and Sciences, effective Monday, July 15, 2024. This new division aims to enhance the college’s commitment to providing quality, innovative, and accessible learning experiences.
Dr. Hepner brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, dedicated to serving students and the community. He previously served as an assistant dean of instruction at Vincennes University Early College, where he managed dual credit programming across northern Indiana. This program opened doors to college credit, certificates, degrees, and industry certifications for thousands of students who may not have considered college as an option.
Raised in Bishop Hill, Illinois, and a 1996 graduate of Galva High School, Dr. Hepner was a first-generation college student. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in classical history from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in criminology from Indiana State University, and a doctorate in instructional leadership and higher education administration from Lindenwood University. His dissertation research focused on the development of undergraduate critical thinking skills.
Dr. Hepner is actively involved in prominent organizations such as the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). He also serves as a peer reviewer with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a commissioned police officer and primary instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
During his interview process, Dr. Hepner was deeply impressed by the DACC community. “The on-campus interview really solidified my interest in DACC. It was clear that the faculty, staff, and administration are passionate about serving the students and the community. This is a great environment with solid leaders,” said Dr. Hepner.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration and community engagement. “I really enjoyed my time with Dr. (Carl) Bridges and the other deans because they are all advocates for expanding access to higher education and are real community partners who want the best for the area served by DACC,” he noted.
As the Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Hepner has both short-term and long-term goals for the division. “I value the relationships I have with the faculty and staff with whom I work. Overall, I want to spend time listening to their ideas and learn how they believe we can move DACC and the Danville region forward,” he shared.
Dr. Hepner will work on bringing together departments that have been separate to enhance student and faculty experiences. “Understanding each other’s roles, and collaboration between departments, is what is going to drive the demand for higher education in the future,” he stated.
Dr. Carl Bridges, DACC’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, said, “We are excited to have Dr. Hepner join the DACC family. His extensive experience and passion for education will greatly benefit our community.”
Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Hepner enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife of 14 years, Katie, and their six children: Ruth, Grace, Calvin, Augustus, Henry, and Magdalene.
Danville Area Community College looks forward to the positive impact Dr. Hepner will bring to the Division of Arts and Sciences and the entire DACC community.
