Gretchen Heasty

Gretchen began her TRIO career as an advisor in 1999 and is honored to serve as the director 20 years later. Gretchen earned undergraduate degrees in English and social work and a master’s degree in social work from KU. In 2022, she completed an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Baker University. While at KU, Gretchen has participated in leadership and service roles including the Hixson Scholars council, Staff Senate, and Staff Fellows. She is most proud of earning KU Academic Advisor of the Year awards in 2003 and 2018 and a student nomination for a People’s Choice Award and Citation for Leadership in Student Services. Working with TRIO students is the joy of her career.