Heather Knight (educator) facts for kids

Heather Joy Knight is an American educator and former President of Pacific Union College. She made history as the first woman to lead Pacific Union College. She is also the only African-American woman to lead a college linked with the Adventist Church in North America. Born in Jamaica, her family moved to the United States when she was nine. She studied at Oakwood University, Loma Linda University, Stanford University, and Harvard University.

She started her career as a professor at the University of the Pacific. Later, she became the provost at Andrews University. In 2009, she became the 21st President of Pacific Union College.

Early Life and School Days

Heather Joy Knight was born in Jamaica and 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 and chaplain. They have five sons and three daughters.

Heather began her schooling in Jamaica under the British system. After moving to New York, she attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School. This school was featured in the famous 1980 movie Fame. She studied vocal performance there.

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

Her Career Journey

Working at University of the Pacific

Heather Knight began her career at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. She started as an English professor in 1988. 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, she received a special award called the Eberhardt Teacher/Scholar Award. She was the youngest faculty member to get this award for her excellent teaching and research.

Leading at Andrews University

In 2006, Knight was chosen to be the provost of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. As provost, she helped oversee many of the university's operations. This included more than 150 academic programs. She was also in charge of 227 full-time professors and thousands of students.

Becoming President of Pacific Union College

Knight was chosen as President of Pacific Union College in July 2009. She officially started her new role in September 2009. Her inauguration ceremony was held on April 15, 2010. This was a very important moment for the college.

She became the first black president and the first female president in the college's history. She is also the first and only black woman to lead an Adventist college in North America. When she took over, the college's student numbers had been going down. However, in her first year, enrollment went up by 11%.

People noted her wide experience at both religious and non-religious schools. She was also good at bringing different groups of people 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.

Her Ideas on Education

The Adventist Advantage

In a meeting at Pacific Union College, Knight talked about "Integrating Faith and Learning." She called her ideas the Adventist Advantage. She explained that colleges are looking at religion and spirituality more closely. She believed this gave Adventist Education a chance to show what it does well.

From Good to Great

Heather Knight was inspired by the ideas of Jim Collins, a Stanford colleague. Collins wrote a book called Good to Great. Knight used this idea to help colleges improve. She believed that colleges should aim for a very high level of excellence. This is because God Himself is excellent.

In January 2011, the Pacific Union Recorder reported on campus improvements under Knight's leadership. The college's dining hall and campus center were updated. These areas had not been changed in 30 years. Knight said, "When I think about our campus going from good to great, I'm including every area of campus." She wanted the entire campus to be transformed.

Belief in Faith and Reason

In late 2010, a biology professor at Pacific Union College faced false accusations. Some thought he was promoting ideas that went against official church beliefs. This happened after a similar issue at La Sierra University. 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 said science sometimes seems to conflict with certain religious ideas.