SUU's College of Natural Sciences Welcomes William Heyborne as Dean
Published: May 03, 2023 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dr. William Heyborne has been named dean of Southern Utah University’s Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences. He will officially begin his appointment on July 1, 2023.
“Please join me in welcoming Dr. Heyborne into this new role,” said SUU Provost Jon Anderson. “I look forward to all of us working with Dr. Heyborne in this new role and anticipate many great days ahead for the College of Sciences.”
Originally from Kanab, Utah, Dr. Heyborne has a deep commitment to Southern Utah and the regions SUU serves. Most recently he has served as an associate provost at SUU, overseeing a number of areas within the Division of Academic Affairs. He has also served as the faculty senate president at SUU and as a department chair at Morningside College. He was the founding director of the SUU Stem Center and SUU’s Animal Ambassadors and has built an extensive set of connections with local school systems and the SUU community.
Named an Outstanding Higher Education Science Educator by the Utah Science Teachers Association, Dr. Heyborne has taught students to understand living systems and the impact of human actions on biological communities. He encourages critical thinking, problem-solving and the application of scientific thinking. Dr. Heyborne has been awarded SUU Professor of the Year, SUU Advisor of the Year and has been named an SUU Influencer many times.
“I am excited about the opportunity to work as the new dean of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences,” said Dr. Heyborne. “I am thrilled by the new opportunities to advocate for the faculty, staff, and students in the college. It is the people of the college that make it such an amazing place to work, learn, and grow.
Dr. Heyborne graduated from SUU with a bachelor’s degree in zoology with a minor in chemistry. He earned a master’s degree in entomology, then a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Northern Colorado. He specializes in biological education, reptile/amphibian natural history, insect biology and venoms and venomous animals.
“I also want to thank Dr. Jim Brandt for his service as the interim dean,” said Provost Anderson. “Dr. Brandt is a consummate professional and has worked diligently to serve the faculty and staff in the College. It has been a pleasure to work with him. I also extend my appreciation to those who served on the search committee, attended candidate presentations, and provided feedback throughout the search process.”
SUU’s Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Sciences includes the Physical Science, Geosciences, and Biology departments. Learn more about the College of Natural Sciences.
Tags: College of Natural Sciences