Heather Rich was recently named Executive Director for Fontbonne University’s new West campus, where graduate-level courses in computer science, cybersecurity and business will be offered starting in August. Heather is no stranger to Fontbonne – before, she was the university’s Associate Vice President for Advancement.
Q: What are your responsibilities as Executive Director for the West campus?
Heather: I serve as the primary administrator overseeing resource planning and business development. I’m excited to grow our graduate programs, partner with regional organizations looking for workforce development opportunities and create the first-ever official home for Fontbonne Griffin athletics.
Q: What’s most exciting to you about your new role at Fontbonne?
Heather: To see the campus open its doors to the community this fall is very exciting. I am eager to develop partnerships with local businesses and individuals to grow Fontbonne’s graduate degree programs and professional development opportunities.
Q: What did you do before coming to Fontbonne?
Heather: I was associate executive director at Provident, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families to a brighter future through counseling, crisis intervention and community outreach. I oversaw Provident’s strategic planning, external relations, community outreach, resource development and communications. Before that, I was director of corporate and foundation relations at Saint Louis University.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
Heather: I enjoy movies and traveling with my husband and two kiddos. We recently embarked on an Alaskan cruise that was incredible! I also like to daydream about having my own morning radio show.