Valparaiso University's 150th Anniversary

Mark A. Heckler,
July 2008-2020

Mark A. Heckler assumed his role as the 18th president in the 150-year history of Valparaiso University on July 1. He succeeded Alan F. Harre, who had served as president since 1988.

Previously he served the University of Colorado Denver for more than a decade, most recently as chief academic officer for the three-campus university. He joined the institution as director of the School of the Arts and a professor of theatre, later was named founding dean of the College of Arts and Media and professor of theatre, film and television, and served as acting chancellor prior to being named provost and vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in 2003. He also served as UC Denver’s coordinator of the International College at Beijing, 1996-98.

Prior to moving to Denver, he was professor of fine arts and director of theatre at Siena (N.Y.) College. Active in numerous professional and civic organizations, he is a past president of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education and founder and co-director of its Leadership Institute.

He and his wife, Veronica, grew up together in Windber, Pa., and were married while he was completing his master of fine arts degree with an emphasis in directing at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in communications with honors at Elizabethtown (Pa.) College.

The Hecklers are parents of four children.