Heather Knight (educator) facts for kids

Heather Joy Knight is an American educator who used to be the President of Pacific Union College. She was the first woman to hold that position. She was also the only African-American woman to lead a college connected to the Adventist Church in North America.

Born in Jamaica, her family moved to the United States when she was nine years old. She earned her first degree from Oakwood College. Later, she completed her advanced studies at Loma Linda University. She received her highest degree, a doctorate, from Stanford University. She also did special research at Harvard University.

She started her career as a professor at the University of the Pacific. She became an award-winning associate provost there. In 2006, she was asked to become the provost at Andrews University. Then, in 2009, she became the 21st President of Pacific Union College.

Early Life and Education

Heather Joy Knight was born in Jamaica. She lived there until she was nine years old. Her family then moved to the Bronx, New York. Her parents were Austin and Herolin Evelyn. Heather Knight is married to Norman Knight, who is a professor. They have five sons and three daughters.

Knight started school in Jamaica under the British system. After moving to New York, she went to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. This school was famous from the 1980 movie Fame. She studied vocal performance there.

She began her college education at Howard University in Washington, DC. A year later, she moved to Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. She graduated in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in English. Two years later, she earned her master's degree in English from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. In 1991, she received her doctorate in English from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. She also completed special studies in leadership at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Career Highlights

University of the Pacific

Knight started working at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California in 1988. She was an English professor. Later, she became an assistant provost. In 1997, she became the associate provost for Faculty Development, Diversity and Special Programs.

During her time there, she led the school's first Diversity Committee. She also helped greatly increase the number of minority faculty members. In 1997, Knight received the Eberhardt Teacher/Scholar Award. This award recognized her excellent teaching and research. She was the youngest faculty member to receive it.

Andrews University

In 2006, Knight was chosen as the provost of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. As provost, she oversaw many of the university's operations. She was in charge of over 150 academic programs. She also managed 227 full-time professors and 3,400 students on campus. Another 4,000 students studied in programs around the world. She also managed a large budget of $75 million.

Pacific Union College Leadership

Knight became the President of Pacific Union College in July 2009. She officially started her role in September 2009. Her inauguration ceremony was held on April 15, 2010. This was a historic moment for the college. She was the first black president and the first female president in the college's history. She was also the first black woman to lead a North American Adventist college.

When Knight became president, the college's student enrollment had been decreasing. However, in her first year, enrollment increased by 11%. People noted her wide experience at both religious and non-religious schools. She was also good at bringing different groups together. In December 2010, she received an award from the local Chamber of Commerce. This award recognized her efforts to work with the community. Knight finished her presidency at Pacific Union College in January 2017.

Ideas on Education

The Adventist Advantage

In 2009, Knight spoke about "Integrating Faith and Learning." She shared her idea called the Adventist Advantage. She believed that religious education offers special chances. She said it allows Adventist schools to show what they do well. Her framework aimed to help these schools use these opportunities.

From Good to Great

Heather Knight was inspired by the ideas of Jim Collins. He wrote a book called Good to Great. Knight used this idea to help improve the college. She believed that schools should aim for a very high level of excellence. This is because of God's own excellence. She saw Adventist schools as leaders in higher education.

In 2011, the Pacific Union Recorder reported on campus improvements under Knight. The college's dining hall and student center were updated. They had not been changed in 30 years. Knight said her vision was to transform the entire campus. She wanted it to go "from good to great."

Faith and Science

In late 2010, there was a discussion at Pacific Union College. A biology professor was wrongly accused of teaching ideas that went against church beliefs. As president, Knight made a statement. She confirmed the college's commitment to church beliefs. But she also stressed the school's dedication to understanding science. She noted that science can sometimes seem to conflict with certain religious ideas.