Heggestad named inaugural associate provost for faculty affairs

Eric D. Heggestad, a professor of psychological science and organizational science at UNC Charlotte, has been named the inaugural associate provost for faculty affairs, effective July 1. In this new role, he will lead institutional strategies aimed at supporting faculty success and ensuring an exemplary academic experience for all faculty members.

“Dr. Heggestad’s appointment marks a significant milestone for our institution as we continue to prioritize and support the success of our esteemed faculty members and to add to the important work we are already doing in support of faculty success,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jennifer Troyer. “He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this important position. His extensive research contributions in the areas of organizational and industrial psychology and leadership, coupled with his experience as a former department chair and leader within academic and professional organizations, uniquely position him to lead our efforts in faculty support and development.

He will work closely with Yvette Huet, director of the ADVANCE Faculty Affairs and Diversity Office, to support and advance that unit’s long-standing work to create an inclusive University climate and to support the recruitment, retention and academic success of all faculty. Additionally, he will work alongside Maxwell Awando, director of academic affairs human resources, to ensure colleges and units are effectively supported in their recruitment and retention of faculty.

“I am excited to serve my University community in a way that draws heavily on my teaching, my research and my practical experiences as an industrial and organizational psychologist,” said Heggestad. “I look forward to working with my colleagues from every college to work toward growing and developing programs that will help them continue to develop as educators and researchers and realize the careers they envision for themselves.”

Heggestad has been with the University since 2005, beginning as an assistant professor of psychology and achieving the rank of full professor in 2020. From 2019 to 2022, he served as chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences.

Among Heggestad’s responsibilities as associate provost for faculty affairs will be:

• Developing and advocating for programming and policies to support faculty recruitment, hiring, onboarding, retention, promotion, leadership skill-building and success
• Providing strategic direction and oversight for faculty-related policies and procedures in collaboration with University leadership and relevant constituencies
• Advising on personnel issues and broader processes related to faculty members
• Managing faculty awards and recognition programs including coordinating nominations for prestigious awards and advancing initiatives to celebrate faculty achievements
• Supporting University leadership, deans, department chairs and University staff on matters related to faculty policies, well-being and success

Prior to joining UNC Charlotte, he served as an assistant professor at Colorado State University, and as a researcher at Human Resources Research Organization and the Air Force Research Lab.

A prolific researcher, he has authored more than 45 peer-reviewed articles in such publications as the Journal of Applied Psychology, the Journal of Management, Personnel Psychology, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology and Psychological Bulletin. Additionally, he has been awarded more than $1.8 million in grant and support through such agencies as the National Science Foundation and the Army Research Institute.

Heggestad holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Olaf College and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in personality research psychology from the University of Minnesota.

He is a Fellow of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology.