HLGU’s president, Dr. Anthony W. Allen is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Larinee Dennis as vice president for academic administration and dean of faculty. Dr. Dennis has served at Hannibal-LaGrange University since 2008 in multiple roles as professor of education, chair of the education division, and as assistant dean of academic administration. Most recently, she has served as interim vice president for academic administration and dean of faculty. As dean, Dr. Dennis will supervise all academic departments, faculty, library, and academic and career services, as well as oversee the registrar, academic calendar, course scheduling, catalog, and maintaining all institutional accreditations.
“Dr. Dennis has proven to be a valuable addition to our executive cabinet. She accepted the interim position as vice president for academic administration and dean of faculty early this year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and has demonstrated the ability to lead in crisis,” said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. “We are very excited to have Dr. Dennis in this new role. As a graduate of Hannibal-LaGrange University and a native of Hannibal she brings a wealth of experience and community relations that will serve the institution.”
Dr. Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Hannibal-LaGrange University (2001) and a master’s degree in learning and instruction from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2003), and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from New Mexico State University (2013). Prior to coming to HLGU as a faculty member, Dr. Dennis was a public-school teacher for the Jefferson City Public School District in Jefferson City, Missouri. During that time, she earned National Board Teaching Certification. After making the move to higher education, Dr. Dennis continued her excellence in the classroom, training future teachers, and expanded her influence by contributing to the academic field of teacher education. She has collaboratively published articles in several scholarly journals and presented to colleagues in state and national conference venues.
“I am both humbled and honored to serve the Lord by filling the role of vice president for academic administration at HLGU. I pray that God will use my gifts in administration for the advancement of his kingdom work and for the advancement of HLGU’s mission,” said Dr. Dennis. “HLGU has meant a lot to me over the years. The faculty, staff, and students are a blessing to work with each and every day. I love the people here and I am happy to serve them as long as the Lord allows.”
Alongside her academic efforts, Dr. Dennis is a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal. Over the years, she has held multiple leadership roles in children’s ministry, and she currently serves in the choir and as a praise team vocalist.
Dr. Dennis is married to her college sweetheart, Chris, whom she met while serving together in The New Edition, HLGU’s theatre ministry team. Together they have three children, Jachin (9), Jada (5), and Jaina (1).