Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Heidi Heinz will be retiring from Blackburn College this spring. As dean of students, she has coordinated student activities, residence life, counseling services, campus security and discipline, among many other duties.
Heinz has worked at the college off and on since 1978. “It’s a sordid story,” she joked. “I started in July of 1978. I left a few times and came back, leaving a few months for graduate work, a couple years working in community mental health and a couple years owning my own restaurant.”
Throughout Heinz’s time here, she has worked in admissions, housing, student activities, career placement, alumni development and now serves in her current position. “I’ve kind of made the rounds,” she said. Over time, her job has changed in many ways. Instead of going to schools and talking to students about the college, she works more closely with the staff.
Heinz’s favorite aspect of her job is the cyclical nature of it with the flow of students. She is always anxious to see students return in the fall but is also happy for students to leave for the summer. “I believe in the place,” said Heinz. “The mission is extremely valuable. Dr. Comerford has said that no time more than today, we need a place like Blackburn. People are not pushed enough. If young people are going to be successful after college, they need to be pushed in college.” Heinz encourages today’s students to be more willing to take on challenges. “A lot of students head down the rabbit hole instead of trying to meet the challenge. No matter what path you take in life, you’re going to be challenged. You’ve gotta figure out how to overcome it. This is more like the real world than any other institution. The moment you step onto campus, you better be ready to juggle.”
According to Student Life Office Manager Debbie O’Brien, Heinz stays pretty busy at Blackburn. “She typically has a lot of meetings. Her schedule is always so full.” O’Brien noted that Heinz has a good sense of humor, which is important when working in student life. “We laugh when we can and help each other.” O’Brien has enjoyed her time working with Heinz. “Heidi is a really good boss and most folks in student life will tell you that.”
When Heinz is not working, she enjoys playing golf, gardening and tending to her coy pond. She also enjoys going on walks and playing ball with her black lab and spending time with her husband who keeps her hopping. She is very excited to retire and to have more time for all of the things she enjoys.
Heidi noted that her job takes commitment. “Student life doesn’t stop. It’s time for the next generation of professionals to come and make their contribution to the student affairs at Blackburn.”
“It’s been a very rich and rewarding career,” said Heinz. “A wild ride at times, but it’s been fun to watch students grow and develop.”