Faculty Profle: Stephanie Crofton
By Nick Bainbridge
Dr. Crofton first joined High Point University in 2001 as an Economics professor and went on to become the Associate Dean of the Philips School of Business. Dr. Crofton has enjoyed being able to use her wisdom to help students reach their potential in a dedicated learning environment. When asked why she chose to teach at HPU, Crofton responded, “I had such a great experience attending a small liberal arts institution, I always knew I wanted to teach somewhere where I could impact students the way my professors impacted my life.” She has worked diligently alongside her co-workers in order to perform exceptionally well as both an educator and a researcher, as evidenced by accolades such as the Scholarly and Professional Achievement Award that she earned while teaching at HPU.
On July 17, 2017, Dr. Crofton was instated as the Vice President of Experiential Learning and Career Development at HPU. In this role, she endeavors to improve the ways that students acquire knowledge and experience by ensuring that students are offered a wide range of opportunities. Dr. Crofton says, “Experiential Learning at HPU involves ensuring that students learn through as many approaches as possible. This involves, of course, classroom learning, from lectures to writing papers and giving presentations. However, it also involves directed research, creating artwork, study abroad programs and internships.” She is currently focusing on finding ways to integrate separate programs that may overlap.
As one part of the job, Dr. Crofton and her associates are working to connect the Career and Professional Development Office and Study Abroad Office in an effort to provide internship opportunities for students in different countries. Another project that Dr. Crofton is engaged with is cooperating with the Student Success Office and the Career and Professional Development Office with the goal of ensuring students who have yet to select a major are able to discover their passion in life.