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.