Heather D. Shea Ph.D.

Heather D. Shea, Ph.D. is a student affairs educator, author, teacher, and podcaster with nearly three decades of experience in higher education. A self-described student affairs generalist, she has worked at five universities across the U.S. in many different functional areas including residence life, student activities, identity centers, education abroad, and student success.

Heather is a past president of ACPA—College Student Educators International and co-founder and host of Student Affairs NOW, an award-winning podcast and learning community for higher education professionals. Throughout her career, she has taught and mentored graduate students and emerging student affairs educators.

Heather is especially passionate about belonging, student success, and preparing the next generation of student affairs professionals.

Before You Begin is the guide she wishes someone had handed her when she began her own student affairs graduate program nearly thirty years ago.