Effective October 1st, Rachael Heard (she/her) has been promoted to Associate Director of Multicultural Education and First Generation Success in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA). Rachael joined the OMA team in the winter of 2019, and has been instrumental in maintaining the office’s annual programs and services through several leadership transitions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
"I want to offer my genuine congratulations on your promotion. You are evidence that great things come to those who are willing to work hard to reach their goals. Your commitment, dedication, and passion are evident in all that you do and your contributions are truly valued and appreciated! Enjoy this exciting time, and congratulations on your promotion again. I look forward to seeing you continue to grow and flourish in Talent and Inclusion." –Alicia Mills, Vice President for Talent & Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, ad interim
As Associate Director, Rachael will manage and oversee all aspects of the Connections Pre-Orientation Program, the new Graduate Student Connections Program, and the First Generation Success Program at WPI. Rachael will design and facilitate new and innovative learning strategies to streamline these success programs while also enhancing the office’s other educational programs across the institution in promotion of equity and inclusion.
“I am very excited for Rachael take on this new leadership role in the office. She will continue to be a valued partner and member of this team as we further develop and formally implement our new strategic plan in the coming months. I look forward to seeing how she enhances our success programs as WPI continues to diversify our student population.” –Arnold Lane, Jr., Director of Multicultural Affairs, ad interim
Rachael will also take a more active role in creating learning experiences for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Scholar Program as well as foster continued partnerships with Graduate Studies in support of our graduate student population.
“I strive to combine WPI’s motto of theory and practice with the excitement and importance of multicultural education, identity exploration, and holistic development. I look forward to the challenges of this new role and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to create positive change within the community.” –Rachael Heard, Associate Director of Multicultural Education and First Generation Success
Rachael is an alumna of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Biotechnology. She received her Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA). Outside of her day-to-day office responsibilities, Rachael serves as the Head Coach of the Cheerleading Team at WPI.