Dean Dana Heller of Eastern Michigan University's College of Arts and Sciences will be officially retiring on June 30, 2025.
Heller has been working in higher education for 40 years. She came to EMU from another institution, where she spent 28 years rising through the ranks to ultimately become the interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters. During that time, she discovered her passion for academic leadership.
"Having spent 28 years at one institution, I thought it was probably a good time for me to spread my wings a little bit and see what other opportunities might be out there," Heller said. "When I saw the posting for the position at Eastern, it immediately piqued my interest."
She applied to be the dean of EMU's College of Arts and Sciences, and as soon as she interviewed, she had a feeling the position would be a good fit.
"When I was invited to campus as a finalist, I realized that my instincts were correct," Heller said. "I felt that this was a place where I could make a meaningful contribution, and I felt that this was an institution whose mission and values aligned with my own as an educator."
Heller said that during her time as CAS dean, one accomplishment she is proud of is helping to establish the Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur Institute of Civic Education, which is a collaborative institute with the College of Education.
"I think we're at a point right now where civics education has become an essential part of a comprehensive college education," Heller said. "Working with our generous donors, working with the foundation, working with everybody who helped bring this gift to fruition ... has been a great joy and part of what I hope will be a lasting legacy."
Above all, Heller is most proud of EMU's students.
"When I see them walk across the stage at every commencement, it reminds me why my work is important," Heller said. "When I see ... all of the students flip their tassels, it's a very important reminder of what we do as educators and administrators and why it's so valuable."
As her time as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences comes to a close, Heller would like to thank the EMU community.
"It's a privilege — the greatest privilege of my forty-year career — to have led this college. I'll never forget it."
She is also excited to see what EMU students will accomplish in the future and where their education will take them.
To contact Heller, email dheller@emich.edu or call 734-487-4344.
