Teri Heckert

Dr. Teri Heckert, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, displayed remarkable courage as her fierce battle with cancer concluded, Feb. 19, 2014.

Heckert was born to lead, to inspire and ultimately, to teach. At Truman, she was recognized for her academic expertise in the field of psychology, where she won the respect and admiration of her colleagues and her students. Even greater admiration and respect was earned for her humanity, for living a joyful and purposeful life that steadfastly supported and elevated others. Heckert’s actions were consistently motivated by what she knew to be in the best interest of her students. Her recent work included a focused effort to facilitate meaningful relationships between the University and its friends and alumni.

A member of Faculty Senate and two-term president, Heckert was a member of the Guiding Coalition that worked with the president to create a vision document for the future of the University. Her numerous leadership roles also included serving as chair of the Northeast Missouri Regional Campaign Committee for Truman’s Bright Minds Bright Futures campaign. Surpassing the regional and overall fundraising goals has been cited as one of the accomplishments that made her most proud.

To memorialize and commemorate her significant and lasting contributions to the University, family and friends established the Dr. Teresa M. Heckert Memorial Scholarship in Psychology.

“She was keenly aware of the increasingly important role that the Foundation and charitable giving holds for the future success of the University and its students,” said Brad Chambers, Truman’s planned giving officer. “We were better and more effective because of Teri and her passion for our mission. Working to build the Dr. Teresa M. Heckert Memorial Scholarship Endowment is one of several ways that we are now committed to honoring Teri as well as the people and priorities that were important to her.”

Contributions to this new scholarship endowment can be completed online at giving.truman.edu or by mailing a gift to: Truman State University, Office of Advancement, 205 McClain Hall, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501. For more information, contact Brad Chambers or Becky Pike at (660) 785-4133.