Jan. 4, 2024 - The Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Ford Turnbow, is pleased to announce that Julia R. Heck will serve as Associate Vice President for Student Life & Support Programs & Dean of Students. Heck will begin transitioning into this role January 16, 2024, and will fully serve in this capacity effective February 1, 2024.
Julia R. Heck (she/her) is a seasoned higher education and student affairs professional with over a decade of experience, and is a catalyst for positive individual and organizational growth. Serving most recently as the University Ombuds at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) where her work was aligned with student support services, she is at the forefront of student success, conflict resolution, and organizational transformation.
Heck is a Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd) with a specialization in Student Conduct Administration (CSAEd-SC), and currently completing her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at EMU. She received her Master's degree in Educational Leadership - Higher Education & Student Affairs from EMU and dual Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She also possesses numerous specified training certificates including but not limited to Strategic Higher Education Finance & Planning, Diversity & Inclusion, and Student Affairs Law & Policy.
Heck’s expertise spans policy design, programmatic enhancement, professional mentorship, program evaluation, student retention and success, and leadership development. In 2023, Heck was recognized by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Region IV-E with the Undergraduate Fellows Champion Award, and the Equality of Women & Men Award from the Baha’i Community of Washtenaw County in 2017, showcasing her adaptability and effectiveness in higher education and student affairs.
“I am thrilled and appreciative of the incredible opportunity to serve as CSUCI’s next Associate Vice President for Student Life & Support Programs and Dean of Students,” says Heck. I look forward to becoming part of this wonderful university community and contributing to the intentional efforts underway to support a positive campus experience and student well-being.”
As a woman-identified millennial leader and a first-generation student, Heck believes in the importance and strength of understanding individuals' stories and experiences in creating an intentional community. She works diligently to foster environments where equity, inclusion, and belonging are not just ideals but integral components of the educational experience. Heck considers herself a trailblazer, embodying the philosophy of “everything is figure-out-able,” and transforming challenges into opportunities. Outside of academia, Julia finds solace in the creative realm of her kitchen, experimenting with new plant-based dessert recipes.
Dr. FT expresses her confidence Julia will make significant contributions to our entire campus community and will play a critical role in leading the division of Student Affairs.