Robert Yahrmatter will become Associate Dean of SoLA in July

Effective July 1, the start of fiscal year 2020-21, Robert Yahrmatter, HFC political science instructor and faculty chair of the Social Science department, will become the Associate Dean of the HFC School of Liberal Arts (SoLA).

Yahrmatter will succeed current Associate Dean Cynthia Stiller, who will return to faculty upon completion of her three-year term. In this position, Yahrmatter will report to Dr. Jennifer Ernst, HFC Dean of SoLA. His three-year term as Associate Dean runs through June 30, 2023.

Alumnus returns to HFC to teach

“We had a very close election in SoLA. I commend (English instructor) Pamela Stewart, who also would have been a fine AD. I am grateful to my colleagues who elected me to this position,” said Yahrmatter, of Dearborn.

Like many faculty members, Yahrmatter is an alumnus of HFC. He earned his associate degree in liberal arts in 2003. He transferred to Wayne State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in political science in 2005. The next year, he earned his master’s degree in political science with a concentration in American government, also from Wayne State.

Later that year, Yahrmatter began his career at HFC as an adjunct instructor. He was hired full time in 2015 and has been active in HFC governance.

Day trader and corporate leader becomes a teacher

Prior to returning to academics, he worked as a position trader/order processor for NASDAQ in the 1980s. He also worked in supply chain management for a construction supply company from 1992 to 2002 while attending HFC.

“I have had many careers prior to HFC, and have a wealth of management experience that I bring to the AD job,” said Yahrmatter. “This is an opportunity to develop new skills and continue to serve HFC.”

Yahrmatter sees his job as the associate dean to serve as a liaison between faculty and students.

“My goal is to ensure all parties are successful with their HFC experience,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with Dean Ernst and Dr. Michael Nealon (HFC Vice President of Academic Affairs) to continue making HFC a great college for our students.”