Dean Heaston to retire June 30

June 16, 2021

After 30 years of service to Georgia Southern University, Amy Heaston, Ed.D., will retire at the end of June.

Heaston began her career at Georgia Southern as an assistant professor of elementary education and rose in the ranks to earn tenure. She took the reins as acting chair of the then-Department of Early Childhood Education and Reading, where she spearheaded departmental curriculum, goals and program development. 

Championing education student classroom preparation, Heaston transitioned to direct Georgia Southern’s field experiences and partnerships program. She also managed the clinical associate and demonstration teacher programs while establishing policies and procedures related to student and teacher exchanges for the international learning community. 

Heaston then moved into the role of associate provost at the University, assisting with the delivery of key initiatives and overseeing the directors of the Center for Teaching Excellence, First-Year Experience and University Honors programs. She led the Academic Advisement Council and served as the provost’s designated liaison to the Behavior Assessment Team, Enrollment Management Council, Faculty Service Committee, Faculty Welfare Committee, Strategic Planning Council and Undergraduate Committee.

In 2010, Heaston joined Armstrong State University as Chief of Staff. She remained there for eight years and upon the consolidation of Armstrong State and Georgia Southern, served as the Chief of Staff for the consolidated university until returning to her roots in the Georgia Southern College of Education. Heaston has served as the interim Dean of the College since 2019. In this role, she oversaw the development of the unit’s strategic plan while working with the college to enhance enrollment and visibility of the College’s research and public impact efforts as well as diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

To celebrate Heaston’s many contributions to education, a reception will be held on Friday, June 25 at the M.C. Anderson RAC Pavilion, located at 3300 Old Register Road, Statesboro, from 3:30 – 5 p.m. Light refreshments and outdoor activities will be available.