FERRUM, VA, August 9, 2024 – Ferrum College President Mirta M. Martin has announced that Dr. Delia Heck, who has been serving as interim provost, will continue to serve the college in that capacity as Provost and Chief Academic Officer.
Heck earned her Ph.D. and master’s degree in economic geography from the University of Washington. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in regional development from the University of Arizona.
Heck served as the interim provost for the past seven months, guiding both a transition to a new six-school structure, with new chairs for each school, and the establishment of a revised general education curriculum to better prepare students for work after college. Dr. Heck has been at Ferrum for 26 years, serving in various roles throughout that time.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as the provost and chief academic officer for Ferrum College during these challenging times in higher education,” said Heck. “I’ve spent my career here building bonds of affection with students, faculty, and staff. Those relationships will be central to our journey of transformation as Ferrum College strives to offer programs and experiences to meet the changing needs of our students, community, commonwealth, and the world.”
During her career at Ferrum, Heck has served as the director of Assessment and Institutional Research, director of the Quality Enhancement Plan, and professor of environmental science. She has taught courses in Eco-Justice and Sustainability and works on climate justice and environmental racism as a member of The Episcopal Church’s Taskforce for Care of Creation and Environmental Racism. Recently, she attended and served as a panelist representing the Episcopal Church at COP 28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Heck is also a member of Episcopal Relief and Development’s Climate Resilience Community of Practice.
She continues to co-lead Ferrum College’s Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Monitoring Program, which is wrapping up its 38th year of collecting samples.
“I am thrilled to announce Dr. Delia Heck as the new provost for Ferrum College,” said President Martin. “After serving in myriad positions during the past 26 years and distinguishing herself as a passionate advocate for students, faculty, and staff, Dr. Heck’s incredible talent and leadership are exactly what our institution needs for ‘such a time as this.’ We are excited to have her lead our outstanding faculty as we continue to strive for excellence.”
