Robert Stephan, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of the W.A. Franke Honors College and Associate Professor of Practice (Classics) at the University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, United States

About

Award-winning professor and academic leader at the University of Arizona with national recognition for teaching excellence and a record of internationally published research. Now serving as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the W.A. Franke Honors College, Dr. Stephan is committed to fostering an exceptional, personalized educational experience that combines the depth of a liberal arts education with the scale and resources of a major research university. His leadership focuses on curriculum innovation, student engagement, and leveraging technology to enhance learning. Dr. Stephan's academic focus bridges the ancient Roman economy and cutting-edge digital pedagogy, exploring how technology—from video games to virtual reality—transforms learning. As a long-time Director of Undergraduate Studies, he drove significant growth in recruitment and retention, more than doubling the majors in the Classics program. An experienced archaeologist, Dr. Stephan has conducted fieldwork in Sicily, Cyprus, Britain, Armenia, and Greece, where he now helps lead the Bays of East Attica Regional Survey. He is passionate about education, innovation, and bringing the ancient world to life.

Experience

  • University of Arizona (On-site)
    • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | W.A. Franke Honors College
      Feb 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    • Associate Professor of Practice | Classics
      Aug 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

    • Assitant Professor of Practice | Classics
      Aug 2019 - Jul 2022 · 3 yrs

  • Fellow | Program in Writing and Rhetoric at Stanford University
    Aug 2014 - Jun 2016 · 1 yr 11 mos