02/17/2026
The CHRD master’s program proudly celebrates alumnus Dr. Greg Heiberger on his appointment as Dean of the Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College at South Dakota State University.
Dr. Heiberger earned his master’s degree in counseling and human resource development with a student affairs specialization from SDSU, building a foundation in student development, leadership, and higher education practice that has shaped his more than 20-year career in the field.
He later completed his Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies with a specialization in University Leadership at Colorado State University, where his doctoral work focused on higher education leadership, organizational effectiveness, and advancing student success within complex university systems. His academic preparation reflects a strong commitment to bridging theory and practice—an approach that has defined his career.
Dr. Heiberger officially assumes the permanent dean role on Feb. 22 after serving as interim dean since May 2025. Prior to this appointment, he served as associate dean of academics and student success in SDSU’s College of Natural Sciences and is a tenured associate professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology.
His leadership experience spans student affairs, academic advising, faculty roles, and senior administration. Over the years, he has led study abroad programs, coordinated the accelerated master’s program in human biology, advised hundreds of honors students, and helped launch leadership initiatives such as the LeadState program. He has also overseen student success initiatives, curriculum innovation, and interdisciplinary programming.
Dr. Heiberger maintains an active research agenda. His recent projects include a National Science Foundation-funded initiative, The Wokini Undergraduate Biology Education Network, and a social listening study examining shifts in STEM career sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In announcing his appointment, Provost Dennis Hedge described Dr. Heiberger as a collaborative and innovative leader whose commitment to expanding student opportunities will guide the Honors College into its next chapter.
Dr. Heiberger’s career exemplifies the mission of the CHRD Program and Administration of Student Affairs specialization — developing principled leaders dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful institutional impact. We are proud to count him among our alumni and look forward to the continued influence of his leadership at SDSU.