Dr. Taylor Heard has 30 years of demonstrated successful leadership and management in higher education. She served in various administrative roles providing leadership and oversight for centers, departments and divisions. These years of service include academic and administrative appointments at Cleveland State University, the University of Akron, Pennsylvania State University (tenure-track faculty appointment), University of Georgia and University of Tennessee. She also completed a nine-month interim presidency at Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus.

Currently, Dr. Janice Taylor Heard serves as Dean of Academic Affairs for Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus and Brunswick University Center. As Dean, she provides leadership and oversight of five academic departments: Business and Applied Technologies; Health Careers; Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Liberal Arts and Social Sciences as well as the following academic offices and centers: Brunswick University Center; Learning Commons (Library, Academic Computing, and Media Services) and Adjunct Services.
Dr. Taylor Heard was recognized as an American College Personnel Association Emerging Scholar in 2000, YWCA Woman of Excellence in 2004 and received the Inspire Award in 2016 (The McGregor Foundation). In 2011, she attended the HERS Institute at Bryn Mawr College. Her current professional service includes Peer Reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission (AQIP – Systems Appraisers-Action Project Update Reviewer and PEAQ – CE Member) and board and advisory council appointments.

Dr. Taylor Heard earned a BA in Psychology and MEd in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University. She earned her PhD in Counseling and Human Development Services from The University of Georgia. She has authored several articles and conducted research on topics related to student retention, learning and development, self-efficacy, perfectionism, minority program outcomes and assessment.

“Every day I strive to be my best self. This best self will be measured through those who I have educated, encouraged and empowered.”