University of Minnesota Rochester Welcomes Dr. Heidi Anderson-Isaacson as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life

Heidi Anderson-Isaacson, EdD joined the University of Minnesota Rochester as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Life on March 31. 

She is a visionary higher education professional who implements strong assessment practices to inform strategy. Her work at various institutions has led to measurable increases in retention. 

“Dr. Anderson-Isaacson’s expertise and passion for student life align wonderfully with UMR’s commitment to evidence-based student development practices. With her leadership, our Student Life team will advance their mission to support student engagement and wellbeing. I am delighted to welcome her to the UMR community," shares UMR Chancellor Lori Carrell.

Dr. Anderson-Isaacson received a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Olaf College. She completed her Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership General Administration and Doctor of Education degree at the University of St. Thomas, investigating “The Persistence of At-Risk Students” in her dissertation. She most recently served as Dean of Student Development and Success at the innovative Alverno College, known as a leader in competency-based education. In that role, she led initiatives that increased retention by 10% and 4-year graduation rates by 4%. She has also taught as an adjunct faculty member in areas of education, leadership and criminal justice. One of her proudest accomplishments was receiving the Most Supportive Faculty and Staff Member Award in 2023. Throughout her career, Dr. Anderson-Isaacson has served in a variety of roles within student life, including leadership roles in residential life and student activities.

Dr. Anderson-Isaacson shares that, “I am excited to join the team at the University of Minnesota Rochester—a dynamic and growing community. Throughout the selection process, it was clear in every conversation that the faculty and staff are deeply committed to meeting students where they are, fostering their personal and academic growth and continuously evolving to serve today's learners. I look forward to contributing to this important work as a part of such an innovative and student-focused team.”

In this role, Dr. Anderson-Isaacson will provide strategic direction to Student Life staff to increase student engagement and well-being and to enhance residential life. The Student Life team includes directors of residential life, student health and wellness, and student engagement with staff members and partners who support counseling, recreation, health services, disability services, intercultural programs, living learning communities and student activities. She will also manage student conduct, care reporting, biased incident response and student Title IX issues.