Dr. Hank Dunn, A-B Tech President
Dr. Hank Dunn became the fifth president of A-B Tech March 1, 2010. As a community college graduate, Dr. Dunn is a strong advocate on behalf of students. The son of a career military man, he traveled widely before settling in Florida, where he earned an associate of arts degree in general studies from Indian River Community College. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of Florida, a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Florida Atlantic University and a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Florida.
After earning his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Dunn returned to Indian River Community College to work as the director of Financial Aid and an instructor. He also served as vice president of Finance and Administration for Springz Entertainment Centers, Inc. in Ocala, FL; dean of Student Services at Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, FL; director of Admissions and Registration, registrar/director of Student Services and director of Financial Aid at Lake City Community College in Florida; and vice president/branch manager for Florida National Bank in Fort Pierce. He was vice president of Student Services at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH, before becoming chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College’s Central Indiana Region in July 2006.
Some of the accomplishments that have occurred during Dr. Dunn’s tenure include:
Building for the Future Construction Campaign
Voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase Nov. 8, 2011, to provide $129 million in funding for A-B Tech construction and renovation projects to provide 21st century facilities to train students for 21st century jobs.
A-B Tech was recognized for exceptional performance by the North Carolina Community College System. The State Board of Community Colleges bases the rankings on performance measures in eight areas, including passing rates on licensure and certification examinations and curriculum student retention, graduation and transfer.
The College set a record for fall enrollment in 2012, with nearly 7,800 credit students signed up for classes. The 3.7 percent increase over 2011 was attributed to A-B Tech’s flexible classes, affordable tuition and quality education.
In January 2011, four-week classes were offered for the first time at A-B Tech. The format allows students to be registered as full time while taking only one class at a time. Four-week classes were joined by other flexible scheduling options, including nights, weekends, online and eight-week classes.
A-B Tech has made all online course materials available via Moodle, replacing an older online learning management system. The campus wireless network was extended, giving students in each building internet access. Multiple digital media players have been install across campus to provide announcements on events, programs and information to the campus community.
Signifying a commitment to student success and institutional improvement, A-B Tech joined Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count. Through Achieving the Dream, A-B Tech is identifying new strategies to improve student success, close achievement gaps and increase retention, persistence, and completion rates.
Institute for Climate Education
A-B Tech established an institute designed to educate citizens about climate-related issues. The Institute for Climate Education offers classes, workshops, seminars and other training for the general public about climate and climatology.
Phone: 828-398-7112
Fax: 828-281-9696