I am pleased to announce the reappointment of Sheila Amin Gutiérrez de Piñeres for five years as dean of the Burnett Honors College.
Under Dean Sheila’s leadership, the college and its staff have worked diligently to attract and develop promising students from all backgrounds to distinguish UCF as a model for student success, inclusive excellence and innovation. Meanwhile, Dean Sheila has championed a spirit of collaboration among UCF’s colleges to promote new ways to unleash the potential of our students and prepare them to thrive in a constantly evolving global marketplace.
Since joining UCF in 2018, Dean Sheila’s accomplishments are significant. They include expanding the University Honors program to engage highly talented students entering their second year; creating the Inspire Scholars Program to attract and benefit more high-achieving at-risk students from across Florida; increasing the college’s graduation rates and fundraising; and growing honors thesis participation to new levels. Also in recent years, the college – home to UCF’s Office of Prestigious Awards – has been instrumental in boosting the number and scope of top national awards earned by our students across the university.
Her reappointment follows a 5-year performance analysis. The process was informed by feedback from students, faculty, staff, the Dean’s Advisory Council of community partners and UCF leaders. I am grateful for their help and for the efforts of the review committee.
I look forward to how Dean Sheila will guide the college to greater impact as we strive to be the University for the Future. Please join me in wishing her continued success in the years ahead.
