From the President

The gift of change—we see it every day here at Heritage. Our students embody this gift as they build new futures for themselves and their families through education. It is easy to see this kind of planned, ordered change as something exciting and positive. But what about changes that come upon us unexpectedly?

During a crisis it is difficult to see beyond what is happening. A strong university, however, can turn an unforeseen problem into an opportunity. Take for example the fire that destroyed Petrie Hall, our oldest building, which was for many in the community their own McKinley Elementary School! While we at Heritage mourned the loss of this historic building, we turned our energies to the future, preparing for the construction of new buildings for student life and technology.

As these new facilities emerge and our students benefit from them, we all will understand how even unplanned change can be beneficial. It can further enhance our planned improvements like stronger advising and career counseling, talented and student-centered new faculty, and new academic programs with excellent career opportunities in health care, environmental sciences and business.

Yes, change really is a gift. It is the only way we grow to reach our full potent