Rachael Heard (she/her) joined the Office of Academic Advising in June of 2022 and serves as the Director of Academic Programming and Student Transitions. Her dedication to and excitement for student success drives her to create innovative and impactful opportunities for the WPI community while striving for equity and access across the institution.

As the Director of Academic Programming and Student Transitions, Rachael works with our campus community members to enhance the student onboarding experience by removing institutional barriers related to the college transition, redefine and assess academic success, and provide a strategic framework to successfully transition and retain students.

Rachael is an alumna of Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Biotechnology. She received her Master of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA). Outside of her role in Academic Advising, Rachael serves as the Head Coach of the Cheerleading Team at WPI.