Longtime professor of history inspires Presbyterian College students to be their best
“Pursue excellence, young people!” are likely the words you’ll hear as Dr. Richard Heiser wraps up one of his several lectures of the day.
Heiser has been teaching history at Presbyterian College since 1999, having taught classes ranging from Ancient and Medieval Europe to the History of Christianity.
Discovering a Calling in History
His interest in history began early on, and he credits his high school history teacher for cultivating that passion.
Heiser wasn’t always certain about his future in history, though, having arrived at college with his sights set on being a youth pastor before eventually deciding to major in history.
“I just kind of thought, ‘I really enjoyed my college history class, so I’ll major in history.’ I didn’t know for sure how it was going to work, or what I was going to do with it, but I ended up having been significantly impacted by my professors,” said Heiser. “I thought, ‘If I can have a similar effect on young people and help them, that’d be cool.’”
A Scholar of Medieval Europe
Heiser’s research interests lie in medieval European history, and he’s particularly known for his love of Richard I Lionheart. He wrote his master’s thesis on an official in Richard I’s royal court and expanded that work in his Ph.D. dissertation, focusing on lower officials within the same court.
After finishing his dissertation, Heiser was approached by his professor to co-author a book on Richard I, titled The Reign of Richard Lionheart.
“My professor, the same fellow who took me on as a master’s student, said, ‘Well, why don’t we co-author a book together,’ which was, I mean, what an honor,” he said.
I enjoy the college years. I enjoy where students are at this stage in their lives. They have a lot of fun and energy, and I get a kick out of that.”
Dr. Rick Heiser
A Mentor Who Values His Students
Working with students has been a highlight of Heiser’s nearly 30 years at PC.
“I enjoy the college years. I enjoy where students are at this stage in their lives. They have a lot of fun and energy, and I get a kick out of that,” he said. “I can’t keep up like I used to these days, but I do enjoy the students, and that’s why I went into it to begin with.”
He recalled numerous experiences accompanying students on study abroad trips to various locations around the world and how much he’s enjoyed seeing them grow on those trips.
“It’s really cool to see students experience a bigger world, and learn their way around and gain confidence and things that go along with traveling abroad for the first time,” he said.
Collegial Ties and a Strong Department
Another highlight for Heiser? His colleagues in the history department – Dr. Roy Campbell, Dr. Will Harris, Dr. Mike Nelson, Dr. Jaclyn Sumner, and Dr. Stefan Wiecki.
“Working with Nelson, Campbell, Wiecki, Sumner, and Harris … It’s been a really great run working with them. There’s no doubt that’s a big part of what’s made the 27 years here really great,” he said.
A Reputation Built on Rigor
Throughout his time at PC, Heiser has earned a reputation for being a hard professor. He credits this reputation to his desire for students not only to succeed but also to put forward their best work in the process.
“I can build on helping students become better when I’m receiving their very best,” said Heiser. “I want to see students’ very best, and then see them reach for a little bit more.”
Gratitude and Hope for the Future
As Heiser looks forward to his future at Presbyterian College, he hopes to continue interacting with students, impacting them, and helping them grow as people.
“That’s why I got into this. It goes all the way back 30-some odd years ago,” he said. “I had that experience as a student, and to have the privilege of being a part of that for 40 years now – I’m just very thankful for that, and I hope it can continue for a little bit longer.”
