By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- It’s that time again! As you are preparing to say hello to the crisp fall leaves, you are also preparing to return to campus.

Excited for the memorable moments with friends and classmates, you are dreading the nights where you need guidance and do not know who to turn to. Aside from your advisor and professors as well as supervisors at work, your college dean is here to support you as well.

Dr. Heather Duda, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities has worked at the University of Mount Union since 2019 when she fell in love with the Purple Raider community as they welcomed her with such warmness.

Her favorite part of overseeing a college is sharing her passion for the liberal arts with faculty along with helping students grow throughout college.

“I love interacting with students during a performance recital or at their academic presentations like Scholar Day,” said Duda.

Duda adds that two of her fun facts are that she loves listening to podcasts and loves to hike.

Dr. Sandra Madar, dean of the College of Natural and Health Sciences has worked at Mount Union for four years. She was drawn to the campus by the inclusivity of that surrounds it; there are groups of students studying or hanging out together all over campus.

“My favorite memory at Mount Union is of when the Sit Lux research program began two and half years ago; it not only provided an opportunity for students to conduct interdisciplinary work, but brought students and faculty members together,” said Madar.

Madar states that she has studied paleontology, or the origin of whales and she currently is learning to farm.

As you get ready for another semester buying course materials and gathering your dorm décor, hop over to the Mount Union Instagram to see each deans' spotlight video in our "Meet the Deans" story highlight!