June M. Henton

Dr. June Henton is Dean and Professor Emerita of the College of Human Sciences and former Executive Director of the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University. From 1985 to 2019, Dean Henton provided leadership for teaching, research, and outreach programming in subject areas that include global studies; nutrition/dietetics, food/ hunger, and wellness; sustainable human development; relationships and health; consumer behavior/technology; hospitality and culinary sciences; and the science of design. During her time at Auburn, Dr. Henton led a number of innovative initiatives, such as Joseph S. Bruno Auburn Abroad in Italy, located in Bernini’s Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia, Italy, serving as Auburn’s only permanent year-round overseas campus. In 2004, she established the annual International Quality of Life Awards held at the United Nations in New York City to honor world leaders for their contributions to individual, family, and community well-being. Further, in conjunction with the UN World Food Programme, in 2006 Dr. Henton founded Universities Fighting World Hunger, a coalition of more than 300 universities worldwide engaging students in strategies aimed at eradicating food and nutrition insecurity.

Among recognitions of her accomplishments, Dean Henton was honored as a White House Champion of Change in 2012 for her work in food security. She was presented with the US Green Building Council of Alabama Award for her leadership in sustainability. Moreover, Dr. Henton received the Ellen Swallow Richards Public Service Award for her efforts in the fight against domestic and global hunger, presented by the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities. Additionally, in 2015, she received a citation of appreciation for her 20 years of service to the Interface, Inc. Board of Directors.

Dr. Henton earned her B.S. from Oklahoma State University, her M.S. from the University of Nebraska, and her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. She was conferred the Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa by the University of Guelph for her “drive to foster an international effort to create a more sustainable world, free of hunger and full of an active youth.”