Dr. Heather French currently serves as Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at UC Merced. In her role she oversees several campus departments that offer services to support students outside of the classroom, and she provides advocacy and direct support to students. Her current portfolio includes Basic Needs, Calvin E Bright Success Center, Social Justice Initiatives and Identity Programs, Student Accessibility Services, Student Rights and Responsibilities, as well as Non-Clinical Case Management. Previously Dr. French held Vice President for Student Affairs appointments at both Fontbonne University and the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, served as Dean for Student Development and Engagement at Holy Names University, and held various roles in residence life, first year experience and multicultural services within the UC and CSU systems.
Dr. French has been active in NASPA and ACPA throughout her 25-year career in Student Affairs and has held several leadership roles within these professional organizations, currently serving as NASPA Region VI Northern California Co-Chair and the California Chapter of ACPA (CCPA) Professional Development Chair. Dr. French received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of California, her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University and her B.A. in Human Studies from Bradford College. In her spare time, she enjoys baking yummy treats, reading historical fiction novels, professional and creative writing, traveling to just about anywhere, Zumba (dance fitness), and spending time with her wife, Angela and their college student, Espy.
