91ɬÂþ'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 91ɬÂþ 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 91ɬÂþ serves. Most recently he has served as an associate provost at 91ɬÂþ, overseeing a number of areas within the Division of Academic Affairs. He has also served as the faculty senate president at 91ɬÂþ and as a department chair at Morningside College. He was the founding director of the 91ɬÂþ Stem Center and 91ɬÂþ’s Animal Ambassadors and has built an extensive set of connections with local school systems and the 91ɬÂþ 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 91ɬÂþ Professor of the Year, 91ɬÂþ Advisor of the Year and has been named an 91ɬÂþ 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 91ɬÂþ 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.”
91ɬÂþ’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