Vice provost awarded
Dr. Emily Heady was recently named among the ‘top 20 under 40’ in Lynchburg
Dr. Emily Heady, Liberty University’s first female vice provost for undergraduate education, was recently recognized in Lynchburg Business Magazine’s Top 20 Under 40.
Lynchburg Business set out to seek this year’s “Top 20 Under 40” in collaboration with Lynchburg’s Office of Economic Development and Region 2000’s Young Professionals of Central Virginia in June 2015.
Recognized — Dr. Emily Heady honored for successful leadership. Photo provided
It targeted young professionals of the Greater Lynchburg region that stand out of the crowd. The process began with more than 150 publicly-submitted nominees to find the best and the brightest. Those individuals must have exemplified success in their professions while also working within the community to advance the region as a whole. They also represent the best the region has to offer in young, innovative, creative and motivated talent.
Heady was selected as one of those individuals. She earned a Ph.D. in English with a concentration in Victorian studies from Indiana University and completed postdoctoral work in educational studies from the University of Virginia. She has taught many English courses at Liberty from English 101 to English 621.
Prior to holding the faculty position in the English department, she directed Liberty’s Writing Program. Heady is now the dean of the college of general studies, which is in charge of overseeing general education for all Liberty students, and she recently received the additional responsibility of vice provost.
She said it was a series of events that brought her to her current position.
“I came as a faculty member, (and) within a year, I got involved with (the) founding of the Writing Center,” Heady said. “The reason why I got involved with that was that I had some experience with it from my previous institution. One thing led to another, and then that took off. All the while, I was working on some other side projects, which qualified me to be the founding dean for the college of general studies.”
Heady said she ended up serving with Dr. Ronald Godwin, the previous provost and vice-president for academic affairs, while working on implementing Liberty’s strategic plan. When Dr. Ronald Hawkins was named provost in January 2015, Heady was asked to join his team.
She also believes that she plays only a small part in changing Liberty’s future.
“Honestly, (the recognition’s) not important to me personally,” Heady said. “I think it’s important for Liberty, so I’m glad we have that (recognition) for that reason. I think Liberty has not had as prominent role in Lynchburg as we have earned and as we deserve now.”
She said her proudest achievement was being able to build a faculty in the college of general studies that is student focused.
“It’s hard to keep people focused on the mission, especially in a place as fast moving as Liberty,” Heady said. “I think we’ve got that. I think we’ve got people who make good decisions every day because we’ve done a good job communicating why we’re here.”
Heady said she is unsure of the next step in her career because progress at Liberty is moving so quickly. She said she believes in making the most of every position she is in, and she continues to encourage others to do the same.
Phuong is a news reporter.