Meet Dr. Roderick Heath | Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Roderick Heath and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Roderick, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking

I was raised in a single-parent household and learned to be self-reliant during my adolescence. I made several personal mistakes that could have altered my life’s course. Although the world seemed disappointing, I was determined to pursue what I believed would transform my life. Completing college was always a goal of mine, and at the age of twenty-three, I left my hometown with only 30-40 dollars, one suitcase, and a pair of shoes. Despite the risks, the rewards of finally pursuing my educational aspirations were more significant than anything else, so I left Monroe, NC. I made several personal mistakes that could have altered my life’s course. Although the world seemed disappointing, I was determined to pursue what I believed would transform my life. Completing college was always a goal of mine, and at the age of twenty-three, I left my hometown with only 30-40 dollars, one suitcase, and a pair of shoes. Despite the risks, the rewards of finally pursuing my educational aspirations were more significant than anything else, so I left Monroe, NC.

Taking risks is a crucial part of personal growth and development for anyone looking to change their life. As a first-generation college student, I learned this lesson firsthand. The human heart and brain learn from the support system you may have as an adolescent. Lack of teaching and support can affect your willingness to take risks, and it will keep you stagnant. I suffered for years from being hesitant in my personal life, and the imposter syndrome kept me from achieving my goals. I grew as a person when I became more confident in my abilities and willing to take on new challenges. Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to taking risks as a first-generation student. The fear of failure, not measuring up to others, and fear of the unknown will keep your mind questioning your thought process. Overcoming this fear requires building confidence and resilience. Taking risks now allows me to be a change agent in Higher Education because I know failure is also a part of the process.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students at Fayetteville State University. My duties are improving all students’ engagement, retention, and success at Fayetteville State University. Before arriving at Fayetteville State University, I worked as the Men’s Achievement Center director at North Carolina Central University for eight years. The work established at North Carolina Central University allowed me to lead the nation in minority male retention for four years at 94% each year. What sets me apart from other leaders is that I am a nontraditional college graduate who worked in factories, elementary schools, prisons, and the community before working in higher education. Those experiences allowed me to see the world from all aspects of life, and I promised myself that I would always lead with love so that everyone I come in contact with knows that I am only a vessel that can help them reach their personal goals. I had to overcome challenges in my own life that caused me to quit college three times before I could gain control of my personal life, and those personal issues helped me to grow, so I don’t judge people currently struggling to find their peace. The biggest lesson in my journey is that everyone has a purpose in life, and you should always look to help people struggling to find their purpose. My story is that I once battled with depression in my personal life, but with prayer, mentorship, and taking risks, I overcame my troubles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

One of my favorite spots in my city is downtown Raleigh, NC. There are a multitude of restaurants, small businesses, and festivals that happen throughout the year. I don’t have a personal favorite because businesses are on every corner throughout Raleigh, NC.

We would start the week by checking to see if any local colleges have games during the week heading into the weekend.

Sunday-Stir for Brunch

Monday-Midday Golf Outing

Tuesday-Dinner at Bahama Breeze

Wednesday-Visit Local stores around Raleigh

Thursday-Glenwood Ave to watch any college or professional games

Friday-Visit the Smoking Bull in Durham for adult socials

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I want to thank the people who have supported me on my journey. These individuals encouraged me to lead with love and helped me improve as a young professional. Their mentorship has allowed me to become a successful leader, life coach, and mentor for other young adults.

Dr. Noran Moffett-Professor of Education in the College of Education at Fayetteville State University

Dr. Toya Corbett-CEO, The Etiquette Doctor

Dr. Gary Brown-Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs & University Advancement at Elizabeth City State University

LaToya Warren-Heath-My wife. She has allowed me to grow and always supported my goals.

Website: https://www.thehighereducationblackmalecollective.org/

Instagram: dr.roderickheath

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-roderick-t-heath-26749717

Facebook: Roderick Heath