Drs. Watret, Heist Elevated To University-Level Positions

Dr. John P. Johnson, President of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has announced the following changes in the school’s organizational structure that elevate two campus executives to university-level positions.

Dr. John R. Watret, previously Chancellor of the university’s Worldwide Campus, now holds the title of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. With the Chancellors of the Daytona Beach, Fla., Prescott, Ariz., and Worldwide campuses reporting to him, Dr. Watret will spearhead increased cooperation between the three campuses, evolve student services and leverage technology more effectively. He joined Embry-Riddle in 1989 and held the successive titles of Associate Provost, Associate Chancellor and Associate Dean of Academics at the Daytona Beach Campus. In 2006 he took on leadership roles in the Worldwide Campus, becoming Associate Vice President, Chief Academic Officer, Executive Vice President and Chancellor.

Dr. Richard Heist, previously Chief Academic Officer for the Daytona Beach Campus, now holds the position of Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. He will provide strategic leadership in academics and research for all three campuses, whose Chief Academic Officers will report to him. Dr. Heist joined Embry-Riddle in 2007 as Provost and Senior Vice President and went on to hold three positions at the Daytona Beach Campus: Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer.

Drs. Watret and Heist are members of the President’s Cabinet along with two other university leaders, Dr. Randy Howard and Bill Hampton. Dr. Howard joined Embry-Riddle in 2014 as Senior Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Previously he was Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer at Ball State University. Bill Hampton, Senior Vice President for External Relations and Chief Marketing Officer since 2014, was previously Embry-Riddle’s Vice President of Enrollment Management. During his 12 years at Embry-Riddle he also held the roles of Director of Development, Director of International and Graduate Admissions and Worldwide Campus Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Enrollment.

“Our top national rankings in academics and athletics, increased research funding, and the solid placement rates and high starting salaries of our graduates are all hallmarks of our great institution,” said Dr. Johnson. “For continued success, the realignment of our top administration will enhance intercampus and interdepartmental cooperation.”

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