Assumption Makes Leadership Transitions Amid Student Life Changes

Matthew Willar

News Editor

Several senior leaders have left Assumption University in recent months. Following changes made to student life last academic year, the university has undergone several changes to continue its mission of providing a community atmosphere for students.

Following the conclusion of the Summer Orientation Program, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Kristen White left the university. In an email sent to students on July 14 from President Greg Weiner, he said, “I am deeply grateful to Kristen for her many contributions to our community and the care she has shown for our students during her time here.”

He added that during the search for her successor, students should be reminded that the university is guided by Vision II of Thrive, which is, “our strategic plan, which says we will make all decisions based on the ultimate best interest of students.” He offered for students to share their thoughts about the vision and ask questions about the search process for White’s replacement.

Although no reason for the change was provided to students, White shared on a LinkedIn post before Weiner’s email that she would be returning to her alma mater, Merrimack College, to begin her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.

On Aug. 4, Weiner sent another email to students, faculty, and staff announcing that Debbie Heida was named the new Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. Heida, who formerly served as Senior Advisor for the Division of Student Affairs at Duke University, has four decades of experience in higher education.

In his email, Weiner said, “Dean Heida’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter here at Assumption. She is committed to listening and engaging with our entire community to reenvision and improve the student experience. That ethic of community lies at the heart of our Catholic educational mission to pursue truth in the company of friends.”

Heida was also appointed Interim Title IX Coordinator on Sept. 12, a role previously held by Christina Graziano. Students were informed of the change in an email sent by Weiner on Sept. 12, where he said, “Debbie brings extensive experience and deep dedication to this work. She served as Title IX Officer at Barry College for 15 years, where she also served as Vice President for Student Affairs.”

Weiner did not address Graziano in the email; however, she stated on a Sept. 16 LinkedIn post that she had begun her PhD at Salve Regina University.

In other important moves, George Kuntz, the Director of the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, is leaving Assumption on Sept. 26. Kuntz shared on a Sept. 17 LinkedIn post, “Leaving a job I’ve truly loved is never easy—the work, the people, and the impact have all shaped me in meaningful ways. At the same time, every workplace evolves, and sometimes those changes lead us to recognize that it’s time to move forward. While the current climate no longer feels like the right fit for me and my integrity, I will always carry deep gratitude for the experiences, growth, and relationships I’ve had here.”

Despite the leadership turnover, President Weiner emphasized Assumption’s dedication to listening to students. “…when you have ideas or concerns, we should listen and take you seriously. That doesn’t mean we’ll always agree. It does mean you always deserve to be heard and, when we disagree, you deserve an explanation of why.”