Heather Arnold Appointed Director of Strategic Partnerships

Houghton University has galvanized their commitment to partnership with K-12 schools by appointing Heather (Spencer ’02) Arnold to a newly created role as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Graduate Admission.   

Arnold was previously the Director of Online Admission, which promotes online degree completion for adult learners.  Her work as a tenured K-12 educator combined with a decade of experience in college admission has provided her with deep context for understanding the unique needs of students as they graduate high school and take the next steps into college.  A Houghton graduate with a Master of Science in Education from SUNY Albany, Arnold is uniquely positioned to combine her experience and skill with collaboration and leadership in this key role. 

“I am excited to accept this role and continue working with Western New York schools and businesses as they experience firsthand what Houghton has to offer,” said Arnold.

Houghton has a rich legacy of providing an excellent, Christ-centered education that allows graduates to fulfill their potential in ways that provide significant value to their workplace, family, and community. Expanding these benefits to more partners and students is a fulfilling opportunity that aligns with Houghton’s founding mission.

Heather Arnold, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Graduate Admission

As Director of Strategic Partnerships and Graduate Admission, Arnold’s work will involve continued development of and investment in active partnerships.  A primary focus will include identifying and cultivating pathways to support and expand Houghton’s early college and graduate programs, which offer tuition discounts, such as the Hal and Sheila Heiner Early College Scholarship, a streamlined admission application process, and complete access to curriculum resources, faculty experts and a highly motivated population of potential interns in Houghton’s talented students. 

“Houghton is incredibly fortunate to have Heather in this position. Her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to students’ advancement and success has already energized and expanded Houghton’s partnerships,” said Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., president of Houghton. “Through our partnerships with businesses and schools Houghton is ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to exceed the expectations of employers, with unmatched skill, competence, and character. With Heather’s leadership we will continue to eliminate barriers for high school students and graduate students to access a high-quality, Christ-centered university education that radically expands their options for careers, graduate and professional school, and life.” 

Arnold actively serves the greater Western New York community and is a senior board member with Hope Rising, an NGO in Sierra Leone bringing clean water and education to remote areas. She also serves on the speaking team and as a board director at her local church and invests her time with the foster care community through Gateway-Longview Buffalo.