The National Association of Student Affairs Administrators has named Berry College Chief of Staff Debbie Heida a “Pillar of the Profession” for her service to students and higher education.
When one thinks about the phrase “Be Berry”, one might immediately think of students. However, Heida embodies everything about Berry’s mission and spirit just as much as the students she serves.
“In her 14 years at Berry, Debbie (Heida) has managed a weighty portfolio of responsibilities and still, to her credit, she is always among the first to run toward a new problem or reach out to offer help when a colleague has a need,” said Berry President Steve Briggs.
Berry alum Paton Roden helped nominate Heida for this prestigious award. Roden, a 2015 grad, said of Heida, “I found my passion at Berry through my student involvement and leadership positions on campus and followed this to my current career in higher education. I did all of this with the help of…current Chief of Staff Debbie Heida. She is very deserving of this award based on her commitment and involvement.”
Heida has worked at Berry since 2004 in a variety of roles and was instrumental in assisting Berry through the process of joining the NCAA Division III as well as bringing the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program to campus. Her commitment to the success of students and her colleagues is a beacon for others on the path to academic achievement.
staff writer
