FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Names Dr. Beth Durodoye Vice President for Academic Affairs

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University has named Dr. Beth Durodoye as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs as part of the institution’s ongoing strategic growth and commitment to academic excellence.

Durodoye currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Montana State University-Northern, a public institution with a mission and scale like Heritage University. She will join Heritage on July 20, 2026, and serve as the university’s chief academic officer, overseeing academic programs, faculty development, accreditation, and strategic academic initiatives.

“Dr. Durodoye brings an exceptional combination of academic leadership, scholarship, and commitment to student success,” said Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Throughout the search process, she demonstrated a deep understanding of and belief in Heritage’s mission, along with the experience and vision needed to help lead the university into its next chapter.”

Since 2021, Durodoye has led Montana State University-Northern’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Education, where she has worked closely with Native American tribes and students. Previously, she served as professor and chair of the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development at Georgia Southern University and was a tenured full professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

Durodoye earned a doctorate in counselor education with a specialty in multicultural counseling from the University of Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor. An accomplished scholar, she has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed national and international publications, three books, and numerous book chapters. She has also presented extensively at professional conferences and held leadership roles in faculty governance and national professional organizations.

Her appointment follows a national search that attracted 60 applicants. A committee representing faculty, staff, students, administration, and the Heritage University Board of Directors reviewed candidates and identified three finalists. Gilmer thanked the search committee for its work, including co-chairs Mary James and Laura Orozco-Zamudio and former co-chair Martin Valadez. He also expressed appreciation for the Heritage community members who participated in candidate forums and provided feedback throughout the process.

“Community feedback consistently highlighted Dr. Durodoye’s commitment to Heritage’s mission, her breadth of academic leadership experience, and her collaborative, thoughtful approach,” Gilmer said. “We are excited to welcome her to Heritage University and look forward to the impact she will have on our students, faculty, and future growth.

For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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