Vice President, Student Affairs - Dr. Heather Kruse
Dr. Heather Kruse has served the Maricopa County Community College District for more than 25 years. She has served as the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs at Phoenix College since 2018. In this leadership role, Dr. Kruse leads the Division of Student Affairs inclusive of enrollment services, student development, retention, and success programs, and Athletics, as well as serving as the college's Title IX Coordinator. Prior to her role as Vice President, Dr. Kruse served as the Dean of Student Affairs, providing leadership over enrollment services housed in a “One-Stop” student center, namely, recruitment, admissions and records, academic advising and transfer services, career services, financial aid, early college programs, student success and retention initiatives, student conduct, and Title IX investigations.
Dr. Kruse completed her doctorate and master’s degrees in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and her bachelor’s degree in English and Health Promotion/Wellness from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. Her dissertation investigated the impact and efficacy of a college success course on first-term retention, fall-to-fall persistence, and three-year completion rates. She is also a contributing author of Developing Non-Hierarchical Leadership on Campus, Case Studies and Best Practices in Higher Education. Heather has committed her career to improving student outcomes, retention and success, creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive environments, leadership development, and creating healthy academic communities.
Dr. Kruse, a first generation college student raised in the Midwest, now enjoys living in Phoenix with her family, hiking and exploring Arizona.