Dr. Pamala Heard has over thirty years of experience as an educator, director, grant writer, and consultant.  Dr. Heard started her career as an instructor in mathematics at Jackson State University and then went to Langton University as an assistant professor of math. Following her time at Langston University, she managed international, national, state, and local programs for over six years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Stennis Space Center.  Dr. Heard returned to Jackson State University as a data management specialist and the JSU NASA Educator Resource Center director. Later, Dr. Heard took the position of director of honors student services and activities at Jackson State University, where she is currently working. 

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Dr. Heard is actively involved in outreach for students from post-doc to pre-college. She has raised over $3 million in grant funds in the ten years since her return to Jackson State University. Dr. Heard has been an advisor for the Gilman Program for over seven years. She is also the Fulbright, Truman, Critical Language Scholarship, and National Society of Collegiate Scholars advisor.    

 

Dr. Heard received her Bachelor of Science degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. She received her Master of Science in teaching in mathematics and Ph.D. in higher education from Jackson State University.