Jeffrey C. Bauer reappointed for third term as dean of UC Clermont

This reappointment marks a continuation of Bauer's visionary leadership, which began May 15, 2015.

“Dean Bauer has been a tremendous leader for UC Clermont, and we look forward to his future impact,” said UC’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Valerio Ferme, PhD. “In partnership with faculty and staff, he has expanded the global footprint of the college and put students first — implementing flexible learning programs and supportive resources to ensure current and future students not only learn, grow and graduate but are also positioned to enrich their communities and our society.”

During his tenure, Bauer has spearheaded remarkable growth and innovation at UC Clermont, including:

• Global reach: Expanded student enrollment to all 50 states, several United States territories and 10 countries, reflecting the college's growing international impact.
• Innovative learning: Implemented cutting-edge hybrid learning models, including HyFlex technology in 13 classrooms, allowing students to choose between in-person and online attendance on any given day.
• Online excellence: Increased online program offerings, with about half of students now enrolled in fully online programs. UC Clermont offers 15 undergraduate degrees and seven certificates completely online.
• Academic expansion: Launched new degrees and certificates, including bachelor's programs in hospitality management and health informatics and introduced the first micro-credentials at UC.
• Inclusive spaces: Oversaw the opening of the opening the Elberfeld Center for Accessibility Resources, a donor-funded, fully renovated sensory room — the first such space among higher education institutions in the nation — providing an inclusive environment for students to find peace between classes.
• Enrollment success: Achieved record enrollment in 2024-25, welcoming more than 4,000 (including College Credit Plus) students — a 17% enrollment increase.
• Student support: Relocated the Learning Commons tutoring lab to improve accessibility, contributing to enhanced college retention and graduation rates.
• Career Services: Expanded paid internships through the Cronin Career Scholars program, part of UC’s co-op 2.0 initiative.

“As UC Clermont enters its sixth decade, our reach extends farther than ever. Our faculty and staff have worked diligently to meet students where they are, both academically and geographically,” said Bauer. “We've transformed into a nimble hybrid campus, offering flexible learning options while maintaining our core values of accessibility, affordability and excellence. I’m honored to continue leading UC Clermont as we explore new frontiers to further enhance the student experience. Our mission is now global, and we remain committed to providing an excellent 21st-century education that prepares our graduates to make an immediate impact in their chosen professions.”

Bauer’s reappointment follows a comprehensive decanal review, a thorough procedure conducted every five years that evaluates leadership as perceived by fellow deans, UC leadership and the college's faculty and staff.

Looking ahead, UC Clermont plans to launch several new academic programs this year, including:

• Cancer registry management (online associate degree)
• Health informatics (online bachelor's degree)
• Hospitality management (online certificate and associate degree)
• Insurance and finance management (online certificate)
• Narrative medicine (certificate)
• Pre-neuroscience (associate degree)

These additions will complement the more than 60 career- and transfer-oriented programs already available at UC Clermont.

Featured image at top: Dean Jeffrey C. Bauer will serve a third term leading UC Clermont. Photo/Danny Kidd