President’s Biography

Dr. Andrew C. Sund, Ph.D., embarked upon his journey as President of Heritage University on July 1, 2017, ushering in an era of profound institutional advancement and innovation.

Under his stewardship, Heritage University has experienced a remarkable 30% growth in its endowment. His leadership has also engendered a culture of philanthropy, resulting in the establishment of prestigious endowed scholarships and the creation of an endowed chair for the esteemed nursing program.

Diversity and inclusivity have thrived under Dr. Sund’s guidance, with a faculty body now boasting 47% representation from diverse backgrounds, most of whom are accomplished women scholars. Driven by a commitment to excellence, he has expanded the university’s program offerings and service initiatives. These include a groundbreaking workforce development program, a pioneering law school preparation program developed in collaboration with the three law schools in Washington State, and the construction of a cutting-edge Early Learning Center. Furthermore, Dr. Sund’s strategic vision has extended Heritage University’s reach into the Tri-Cities region by establishing a regional site in Kennewick.

Dr. Sund’s dedication to academic excellence is evident through his leadership in navigating the university through two comprehensive strategic planning cycles and rigorous accreditation processes. During his tenure, Heritage University has developed various new academic degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in reading.

Heritage University’s remarkable achievement of being designated both a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution by the US Department of Education stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to diversity and educational access, a distinction unmatched in the state of Washington.

Prior to his tenure at Heritage University, Dr. Sund served as President of St. Augustine College in Chicago, where he orchestrated a remarkable renaissance. He presided over a period of uncertainty, guiding the institution along a trajectory of heightened academic distinction, recognition, and stability. Dr. Sund’s tenure witnessed the introduction of pioneering academic programs, the establishment of additional campus sites, strategic partnerships with many public and private entities, and a remarkable 35% increase in enrollment. His visionary leadership culminated in the development of the college’s inaugural fundraising strategy, a pivotal milestone celebrated by accolades such as the Maestro of Community Service award from Latino Leaders Magazine and the prestigious recognition of St. Augustine as the Outstanding Institution of the Year by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in 2013.

Beyond academic administration, Dr. Sund’s career includes co-authoring an American History textbook in Spanish and pioneering multimedia integration in educational settings. He has had the opportunity to set a forward-looking agenda for higher education as the past president of the Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education (ILACHE) and as a governing board member of prominent organizations, including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the Yes We Must Coalition and the Yakima Humane Society. Dr. Sund is fluent in Spanish, proficient in four additional languages, and embodies a global perspective in his leadership.

Dr. Sund’s academic journey is distinguished by a bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master’s degree in history from Northwestern University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.