Heier says goodbye to Doane

Tosha Rae Long
Special Sections Editor
May 6, 2004, Page 1

She smiled back with tears in her eyes. The realization that she was leaving behind the students, faculty, and co-workers who had been such a big part of her life overwhelmed her. Dean of Student Leadership Kim Heier’s resignation announcement Monday came with much struggle.
“She had struggled with it [the decision to resign],” President Fred Brown said. “The issue was up in the air. It was her call, her life. She owes herself happiness.”
The campus wide e-mail sent to all users publicized that Heier is leaving Doane due to professional and personal life choices. The inconsistent hours and abundance of time needed to fulfill her job requirements have become somewhat overwhelming, Heier said.
“I haven’t been able to maintain a healthy balance between work and home,” Heier said. “It is getting harder to bounce back. I’ve got to think about even though I am healthy, maintaining my health. Having cancer changes your life.”
Heier came to work for Doane as the Hansen Leadership Program director seven years ago.
“We needed someone like her to run the program,” Brown said. “We knew the quality of person she was. She was the first director and then dean I’ve found that ‘got’ it; the vision that you can lead at any level. She understood that perfectly. We sought her out.”
Heier’s decision to accept the position came relatively easily.
“It is my alma mater and I love Doane College,” Heier said. “The challenge of being director of the Hansen Leadership Program really excited me. The philosophy of the leadership program fit my personal leadership philosophy as well.”
Taking on the position as Hansen Leadership Director, Heier faced completing the transition from Student Life to Student Leadership, a challenge Brown said Heier took in stride.
“Its not just student life, it is student leadership,” Brown said. “She was a catalyst of change. She was the one who took the lead and said we are going to take a step forward.”
After the resignation of George Clancy, her career quickly unfolded as she became Dean of Student Leadership. Heier began to implement her personal objectives into the program. Her goal was to find the leader within each one of the students.
“I think what I really wanted to achieve most was to help the students realize that they all have leadership skills,” Heier said. “Some are perhaps more on their way while others might just be realizing they have them.”
After working here for seven years, Heier has become part of the Doane family.
“She really is a lovely lady,” Brown said. “She is a classy lady. That may sound old-fashioned, but there are ladies in this world and she is one of them.”
Heier plans to move to Lincoln with her husband and family. She has no definite career moves in mind at this time, however she is optimistic about the future.
“It’s kind of weird because since the age of 13, I have never not had a job,” Heier said. “I am not exactly sure [what I am going to do after Doane]. I am exploring opportunities where I can combine my level of leadership with working with people.”
While Heier feels that moving on is her best option, leaving Doane will be a feat in itself.
“I have never gotten used to how beautiful this campus is,” Heier said. “I went to school here and even just driving up today, it hit me. It is beautiful. It just is. When Thomas Doane picked a hill, he picked the right one.”

Heier leaves big shoes to fill

Finding a successor to fill Heier’s position is a job Brown feels will be harder than it seems.
“As I said in my e-mail, she can’t be replaced, she can only be succeeded,” Brown said. “We will seek the nearest Kim we can find.”
According to Brown, the quest to find a new Dean of Student Leadership will involve an internal and national search. Interviews will be conducted by students and faculty once any candidates are chosen. The ultimate decision however, is Brown’s, as he signs the contract.
The search has yet to commence but Brown hopes to begin the interview process this summer.
Heier believes Doane will replace her in time for the 2004 fall semester. In the mean time, she is coordinating fall orientation so her replacement can effectively take over.
Brown is confident that the transition will be as smooth as possible.
“It is going to be a challenge to keep the pace,” Brown said. “But if we have the right person, they will have the advantage of her success.”