HIGH POINT, N.C., July 17, 2017 – Dr. Stephanie Crofton, the Charles T. Ingram Professor of Economics, has been appointed as Vice President for Experiential Learning and Career Development at High Point University.
In this newly created position, Crofton oversees the many avenues for professional development and hands-on experiences HPU provides its students. Housed in HPU’s Cottrell Hall, these offices include the Offices of Study Abroad, Career and Professional Development, Fellowship and Awards, Research and Creative Works, the Entrepreneurship Center, the Professional Sales Center, and HPU Success Coaches. These offices prepare students to thrive in the professional world, as evidenced by a 95 percent career or graduate school placement within six months of graduation.
“Experiential learning means learning by doing,” says Crofton. “At HPU, this is woven into our culture.”
Crofton has more than 20 years of experience as a professor and mentor, and she believes that at HPU, the entire campus works together to ensure students amass a lifetime of experiences in four short, impactful years.
“This new role really illustrates HPU’s commitment to prepare students for the world as it is going to be,” says Crofton. “It starts with the offices housed in Cottrell Hall, but there are many experiential learning opportunities across campus. Professors don’t simply lecture; they get students involved in hands-on experiences. Student Life activities provide leadership, cultural and religious life events. There are service learning courses, community volunteer opportunities, students traveling to attend professional development conferences and the list goes on.”
Crofton joined HPU in 2001 after earning a B.A. from Converse College in South Carolina and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in economics with distinction from Auburn University in Alabama. Most recently she has served as the associate dean of HPU’s Phillips School of Business, during which time she received the Ridenhour Scholarly and Professional Achievement Award.
