October 14, 2022
Linda Blaser
Nevin Heard named Director of Office of Intercultural Relations
Nevin Heard has been named Director of the Office of Intercultural Relations (OIR) at Lake Forest College, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Andrea Conner announced October 14.
Heard, who was unanimously chosen by the search committee to fill this important role, will begin on campus later this month, Conner said.
Currently, Heard is an assistant professor of clinical counseling at Roosevelt University in Chicago. In addition to teaching courses with social justice frameworks, he served as chair of the Racial Equity Committee and co-chair of the DEI Advisory Council, facilitated intergroup dialogues, led cultural competency workshops, advised affinity groups, and served as department lead for developing anti-racist initiatives.
In his free time, Heard consults with XNY Genes, volunteers with Impulse Chicago, and stays active through Chicago LGBTQ+ sports leagues.
“I am looking forward to partnering with Dr. Heard, the staff of OIR, and all of you to advance inclusion and belonging on our campus through critical justice work,” Conner said in an email to the campus community.
Heard received his bachelor’s degree in social science and his master’s in clinical counseling from the Ohio State University and his doctoral degree in counselor education and supervision from the University of Central Florida. While earning his PhD, Heard led a program that mitigated the school-to-prison pipeline among Black and Latino male youth.
He has served as a licensed professional counselor in Ohio and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. In addition, Heard has experience with clients in various settings, such as substance-use rehabilitation, crisis centers, and college counseling centers.