At 80 years old, Dr. Joseph Heavey, EdD, MPA (EdD ’24), has already accomplished so much in his life. He is the proud father of 10 children, grandfather to 20, and has built a successful career in education and hospital leadership. But for Dr. Heavey, learning and personal growth are not just milestones to achieve but values to live by.
His desire for continued growth took him back to the classroom in his late 70s. On August 23, 2024, he walked across the stage at the commencement ceremony in St. Augustine, FL, to receive his Doctor of Education with a concentration in executive leadership. It was the first time in 33 years that he had participated in a graduation ceremony, having missed the opportunity during his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
“I wanted to model being a lifelong learner for my kids and grandkids,” says Dr. Heavey. “It’s critical to our mental health to stay alert, involved, and integrated throughout our lives.”
For Dr. Heavey, the EdD was the perfect fit because of its real-world applications in healthcare consultancy and teaching. His dedication to leadership and mentorship, which runs through the heart of his dissertation-turned-book, 21st Century Leaders and Followers: The Relationship, reflects his profound belief that leadership is not about power, but empowering others.
“Our degree gives us a license to mentor those we encounter,” says Dr. Heavey. “As leaders, we must focus on ensuring that we are fulfilling a mentorship role, which helps us develop future leaders who will carry the torch.”
Dr. Heavey’s career has been a testament to this philosophy. Over 25 years with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), he held numerous key positions, including chief of staff and undersecretary. He also served as the chief operating officer for multiple VA medical centers. After retiring in his 50s, he took on a new challenge as CEO of an extensive pediatric practice, where he led the organization’s growth from two offices and 10 providers to nine offices and 30 providers. His commitment to his community also saw him serving on several nonprofit boards, including his role as vice chair of a statewide health maintenance organization.
“I’ve accomplished exactly what I wanted during my EdD journey,” he says. “I married didactic work with all of my work experiences.”
His passion for growth doesn’t stop with his degree. He and his wife are looking forward to traveling and learning new languages, continuing their journey of discovery.
“Commencement was just the beginning of the next stage,” he shares, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to learning, leadership, and positively impacting others’ lives.
For Dr. Heavey, pursuing knowledge is a way to leave a lasting legacy through his work, the example he sets for his family, and the future leaders he continues to mentor.
