Behavioral and Social Sciences Distinguished Alumni

1997 Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Dennis L. Hefner

BA Economics, Class of 1967

Honor Year: 1997

Dr. Dennis L. Hefner received a B.A., Economics, in 1967 from California State, Chico and an M.A., Economics, in 1969, and Ph.D., Economic, in 1971, from Washington State University. Dr. Hefner also held a number of administrative and faculty positions at CSU, Chico, from 1976-90, the University of Maryland from 1970-72, and Washington State University from 1967-69. He was Vice President for Academic Affairs and professor of Economics at California State University, San Bernardino, from 1990-94, and was transition team leader at CSU, Monterey Bay, in 1994. He has previously served as Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. In addition, he was Director of research PAID Prescriptions, Inc. in California and an economist and social research analyst for the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Hefner served as president of SUNY Fredonia between 1996 and 2012. In December 2012, the State University of New York Board of Trustees voted unanimously to award him the title of President Emeritus. Later he was asked and served as Interim President of SUNY Potsdam for the 2013-14 academic year.