Julia Heck

Title

Associate Director, Office of the Ombuds

Years at EMU

Five years

Why You Like Working Here

I really enjoy the students I work with. They have so many goals they’re really excited about and I think that creates an energetic environment. I especially enjoy working in an area where I help improve the institution, ensuring students are able to reach those goals.

Favorite Campus Spot

I think for me, any of the open study areas in the academic buildings are my favorite spots. I think there is an exciting energy when you walk into those spaces. There are students who are really focused on their work or small groups completing a project. Walking into those spaces inspires me to push myself a little bit harder.

Inspiration

My family and friends are the drive for me. My aunt was an elementary/middle school teacher for her entire career so she was invested in helping young children reach their goals, face their challenges and help them feel confident in the work that they were doing.

I feel I’m in a similar place in with college students. I like being able to support someone else’s vision and help them grow as they move through their experience here.

Superpower

If I had a superpower it would be the ability to just snap my fingers and be in a different place.

Surprising Fact

I came from a fourth-generation dairy farm in Wisconsin. I am a first generation college student in my family and am working on my Ph.D. here.

Next Goal

My next big goal right now is really to finish my Ph.D. I’ve been working on it for awhile now and I’m really hoping to finish it up in the next few years.

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