Heather Deere

About Heather

Heather Deere serves as the Director of Family Engagement & Student Affairs Communications at William & Mary. In this dual role, she leads strategic communications for Student Affairs and facilitates programs that strengthen the connection between families and the university community. She oversees all aspects of Family Engagement, including Family Orientation and Family Weekend, coordinates year-round communication and engagement efforts for families, and elevates the work of Student Affairs through collaborative storytelling and digital outreach.

Heather began her career in student affairs at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith as an undergraduate, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and Writing as a first-generation college student. It was at UAFS that she worked at the Welcome Desk for Student Affairs and gained a passion for supporting new students and their families through orientation. She later earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University, where she served as the Family Programs and Outreach Graduate Assistant in New Student and Family Programs. At Texas A&M, she led leadership development for student staff, coordinated signature events like Parents of the Year Weekend and Family Weekend, supported the Aggie Parent and Family Advisory Council, and developed marketing strategies and publications for tens of thousands of new Aggie families.

Heather’s professional interests include student belonging and flourishing, leadership through storytelling, and inclusive communication practices grounded in data and design. She was honored with the W. Samuel Sadler New Professional Award in 2022 for her contributions to Student Affairs.

Originally from rural Oklahoma, Heather is a proud aunt to two rambunctious nephews, an avid reader and devoted Formula 1 fan. She lives in Williamsburg with her golden retriever, Oakley.