Andre Heard, assistant dean of residential life

He’s been a student, worked as an admission officer, taught the human sexuality and relationships course and served as a house parent, advisor and coach, but this September, André Heard ’93 assumes a new role at Milton—assistant dean for residential life.

As a student, André says he could never imagine working at Milton, but after graduation from the University of Virginia, and jobs with the Abercrombie and Fitch and McCue Corporation, André found himself on Centre Street in search of a change in profession.

André’s search led him to Geoff Theobald, then Director of Admission; he has worked in the offic eof admission for the last three years. André says his experience as an admission officer provided him with an outsider’s perspective of Milton’s current residential life program. “As an admission officer I fielded many questions about Milton’s residential life program. Prospective parents want to compare the residential life programs at the schools they are exploring. Listening to their concerns and hearing the types of questions they asked, helped me understand what matters to parents in a residential program.”

It is this “outsider’s” perspective, combined with the “insider” perspective he’s gained as a house parent in Goodwin House that André says will help him build on the successful aspects of Milton's residntial life program and respond to student, faculty and parent concerns.

“My job is to support the things that work, and expand existing programs to encompass the needs of a larger boarding population."

With construction of two new dormitories beginning this fall, André will devote much of his time to defining all the good things Milton does in the residential area and moving those programs , activities and ideas into position for the two new house heads to execute when the new dorms open next fall. “When we have that infrastructure, then we can think about creating a residential life curriculum that proactively teaches the ideals of community living which we exercise in our houses somewhat subconsciously now.”

In addition to working with the residential life program, André will be responsible for new student orientation, the professional development of the boarding staff, and preparing the entire community for the increase of students living on campus.

“I’m really excited about my new role here at Milton. This position enables me to be more hands on with the students; I can help them create good memories and a positive environment in which to grow.”

In addition to his duties in the dean's office, André will serve as head of Goodwin House during Ned Bean's sabbatical this fall and will lead the Class of 2006, sharing class dean duties with Hope Rupley.  In the spring André will contnue to coach boys' track and field.