Current Ancilla Chancellor Joseph Heidt returns to Indianapolis
in a new senior leadership role with Marian University’s Center for
Vibrant Schools
Marian University’s Ancilla College (MUAC)
has promoted the current Dean of Academics, Natalie Tucker, Ph.D., to
Vice President and Dean. Dr. Tucker will lead MUAC in Plymouth, Indiana
in this new role.
The current senior administrator at MUAC,
Chancellor Joseph Heidt, will return to Marian University’s Indianapolis
campus to serve in a new role as the Executive Director of Vibrant
School Partnerships in Marian University’s Center for Vibrant Schools
(CVS).
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Tucker’s extensive
experience in academics, student support, and community partnerships
leading our northern Indiana campus. Through her outstanding leadership,
we are confident in her ability to elevate recruitment and provide an
unrivaled experience for students in the region,” said Kenith Britt,
Ph.D., chancellor and chief operating officer of Marian University. “We
are thankful to Joseph Heidt for leading the mission collaboration with
the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to launch Marian University’s Ancilla
College and look forward to his new statewide senior leadership role at
the Center for Vibrant Schools.”
As vice president, Dr. Tucker
will lead, guide, and mentor staff, faculty, and students while
providing direction for the Ancilla College campus, including its
Catholic identity, academics, intercollegiate athletics, and
extracurricular programs. As Dean of Academics, Dr. Tucker will continue
to work with the Marian University provost in leading, planning, and
implementing solid programs of excellence across the college.
Before
being named Dean of Academics, Dr. Tucker served as Agriculture
Department Head and Assistant Professor of Agriculture at MUAC for two
years. As a lifelong Hoosier, she has earned her degrees and worked
extensively throughout northern Indiana. Dr. Tucker holds degrees in
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication, a Master of Arts in
American History, and a Doctoral Degree in Agriculture from Purdue
University. Before joining MUAC, she served at Purdue University as an
Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development Educator for more than
seven years.
“It is an exciting time at Marian University’s
Ancilla College, and I am very grateful to serve in this new role that
will allow me to be more involved in the community and make a direct
impact on all aspects and functions of our beautiful campus,” said Dr.
Tucker. “We have a strong network of dedicated faculty, staff, alumni,
Poor Handmaids, and supporters who value the impact higher education
makes in Plymouth and the surrounding counties. With a continued focus
on offering high-quality education and wraparound support for students,
we are positioned to recruit, educate, and graduate more leaders who
will help our communities thrive.”
Joseph Heidt will begin his
new role at the Center for Vibrant Schools on August 1. Using his vast
experience and leadership in K-12 education, he will develop and launch a
program focused on partnering with K-12 schools across Indiana to
ensure that all students receive a high-quality education. This
partnership will bring leadership development services, comprehensive
student support (City Connects), and literacy (Science of Reading) as
the Center for Vibrant Schools improves the academic performance of K-12
schools throughout Indiana.
