Dean of Students Office
Welcome to Heartland Community College! The Dean of Students Office is here to support and advocate for students as they progress through their personalized path to success. Our office provides information about various campus and community resources, assists in students' transition to the college, offers programming that promotes student success, and addresses students' concerns and appeals.
Heartland strives to offer an equitable and innovative learning environment. To offer an environment in which all students have the greatest chance of success, we expect students to uphold the Student Code of Conduct. Heartland students should refer to the Student Handbook regularly to learn more about the Student Code of Conduct, as well as to learn about their rights and resources.
Our office is excited to welcome students to campus. Visit us in the Student Commons Building in suite 2300. We are located just above the library!
Dean of Students
Jessica Pickel (Ed.D., Northern Illinois University)
Dr. Pickel came to Heartland Community College in 2023. She has spent her entire career in higher education and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals. Dr. Pickel previously served as the Executive Dean of Academics and Liberal Arts at Richland Community College. She has experience in admissions, adult education, academic human resources, academic planning, and student life.
Associate Dean of Students
Tammy Truitt (M.A., Wheaton College)
Tammy Truitt is the Associate Dean of Students at Heartland Community College. She earned a B.A. in Social Work from ISU and an M.A. in Intercultural Studies/TESOL at Wheaton College. Upon graduation, Tammy spent 4 years teaching English to students in Vietnam. She has taught and counseled students all over the world but is now happy to be settled in Normal with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. She has been working at Heartland Community College since 2010 and hopes to stay here until she retires.
