Heritage Honors Two Longtime Educational Leaders Upon Their Retirement

Two educational leaders with ties to Heritage, whose leadership and service have expanded opportunities for students throughout Washington state, recently announced their retirements: former Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Curt Guaglianone and Heritage University Board of Directors member Henry Strom.

Guaglianone’s career in education spans more than four decades across both higher education and K-12 leadership. Before joining Heritage University as provost and vice president of academic affairs, he served as a professor, dean, counselor, and school administrator in California. He served at Heritage from 2012 to 2016. During his tenure, he helped guide academic programs and faculty development while advancing the university’s commitment to student success. Following his time at Heritage, he served as superintendent of the Mount Adams School District, where he became known for his student- centered leadership philosophy and commitment to building pathways for student achievement.

Strom recently concluded a distinguished career as an educator, superintendent, state education leader, and advocate for Native students. A member of the Yakama Nation and descendant of the Quinault and Nez Perce tribes, Strom is a champion for educational equity throughout the region. He joined the Heritage Board of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Tribal Relations Committee. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of the Office of Native Education and Assistant Superintendent at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, helping strengthen educational opportunities for Indigenous students across the state.

 

Heritage Names New Vice President for Academic Affairs

Heritage University has selected Dr. Beth Durodoye as its next Vice President for Academic Affairs following a national search.

Durodoye currently serves as Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Montana State University–Northern, where she has led academic programs since 2021. She is expected to join Heritage later this summer.

A nationally recognized scholar, educator, and administrator, Durodoye brings more than two decades of higher education experience to the role. Prior to her current position, she served as professor and chair of the Department of Leadership, Technology, and Human Development at Georgia Southern University and held faculty appointments at the University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, where she earned tenure and was promoted to full professor.

Durodoye holds a doctorate in counselor education with a specialty in multicultural counseling from the University of Virginia and is a National Certified Counselor. Her scholarship includes more than 20 peer-reviewed publications, three books, numerous book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences.

Throughout her career, Durodoye has focused on student success, faculty development, and creating inclusive learning environments. While at Montana State University–Northern, she worked closely with Native American tribes and students, an experience that aligns closely with Heritage University’s mission and service to diverse communities.

As Vice President for Academic Affairs, Durodoye will serve as Heritage’s chief academic officer, providing leadership for the university’s academic programs, faculty, and student learning initiatives.

 

College of Education Professor Receives National Scholarship

Dr. Fang Xu, assistant professor in Heritage University’s Teacher Preparation Program, was selected as a recipient of the inaugural Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS) Scholarship from the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).

Founded in 1922, the Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and gifts and talents. The organization advocates for high-quality educational opportunities, supports research and professional development, and works to influence policies that benefit exceptional students and the educators who serve them.

The scholarship supports educators committed to advancing special education policy and practice through advocacy and leadership. Recipients were selected to ensure representation from a broad range of states, school districts, professional roles, and perspectives within the field of special education.

Xu earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Florida and focuses her research on teacher preparation, inclusive early childhood education, and practice-based professional development that supports educators and families. Her work has been published in leading journals, including the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Early Childhood Research Quarterly, and Reading & Writing Quarterly.

 

Former Heritage President Publishes New Book on Broadway Pioneer

Former Heritage University President Dr. John Bassett has added a new title to his body of scholarly work with the publication of Rachel Crothers: Broadway Innovator, Feminist Pioneer, released by Bloomsbury Academic in 2025.

The book examines the life and career of Rachel Crothers, one of the most successful playwrights and theater directors of the early twentieth century. Crothers wrote more than two dozen Broadway productions and was known for tackling issues of women’s rights, social expectations, and gender equality at a time when few female voices were represented on the American stage.

Drawing on extensive archival research, Bassett’s book is the first full-length study of Crothers in more than 30 years and explores her influence as a playwright, director, producer, and advocate for women in the theater. Scholars have praised the work for bringing renewed attention to a pioneering figure whose contributions helped shape modern American drama.

Bassett served as president of Heritage University from 2010 to 2017. During his tenure, he helped guide the university through a period of growth and expansion of educational opportunities. His latest publication reflects a lifelong commitment to scholarship and the arts.