Thanatologist/psychologist says farewell to Purdue, continues at Temple U
Renowned thanatologist and psychologist Heather L. Servaty-Seib said farewell to Purdue University on June 19 after nearly 26 years to become vice provost for undergraduate education at Temple University. Throughout her Purdue career, she championed student well-being, integrating those efforts into teaching, research, and university policy.
Servaty-Seib joined Purdue in 2000 as a founding faculty member of the College of Education’s counseling psychology doctoral program. She helped secure the program’s first American Psychological Association accreditation in 2002 and led its reaccreditation efforts in 2013. As a professor of counseling psychology in the Department of Educational Studies, she chaired 28 dissertations, served as training director of the counseling psychology program, and held leadership roles including associate department head.
Her impact extended beyond the College of Education. She served as associate dean of student life in the John Martinson Honors College (JMHC; 2017-2021) and most recently as senior associate vice provost for teaching and learning in the Office of the Provost (2020-2026).
A nationally recognized scholar in thanatology—the study of death, dying, grief, and loss—Servaty-Seib became interested in the field as an undergraduate after hearing a professor discuss a grief conference. Her research has focused on helping college students cope with loss and raising awareness of grief-related issues.
One of her most significant contributions was advocating for a student bereavement policy at Purdue. The university adopted its Grief Absence Policy for Students (GAPS) in 2011, becoming one of the first universities in the nation to formally address student bereavement. Her scholarship has also informed bereavement leave policies at institutions across the country.
Colleagues praised her research, mentorship, and leadership. Eric Deemer, professor of counseling psychology, noted that her scholarship established Purdue as a leading destination for grief and loss research and highlighted her lasting influence on students and faculty. Christine Rienstra-Kiracofe, head of the department of educational studies, described Servaty-Seib as an exceptional mentor, instructor, and administrator.
Rhonda Phillips, former JMHC dean, credited Servaty-Seib with helping create programs that supported students through difficult topics and also said that her expertise was especially valuable during the pandemic years.
“While associate dean for student life, she created beneficial programs for students to parse difficult topics,” said Phillips, now president of St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “She provided leadership with a wonderfully rare combination of professionalism, warmth and empathy.”
Jenna Rickus, former senior vice provost for teaching and learning in the Office of the Provost, said that Servaty-Seib helped develop Purdue’s student-centered advising framework, which contributed to gains in student retention and became a national model. She also helped advance policies and interventions that strengthened student persistence, resilience, and graduation rates.
“Heather is an incredible researcher, leader, and educator who made profound contributions to Purdue by applying her expertise and scholarship in education and counseling psychology to make research-backed and evidence-informed improvements in teaching and learning,” said Rickus, now senior vice provost at the University of Arizona. “I personally have learned more from her about student success than anyone I can think of!”
Reflecting on her career, Servaty-Seib said she was grateful to collaborate with dedicated faculty and staff to improve the student experience through policy updates, procedural changes, and innovative initiatives.
Her honors include Purdue’s Leadership in Action Award (2025) and the Promising Practice Award for Inclusive Advising Initiative (2024). She also co-edited the Handbook of Thanatology, a leading reference in the field.
Purdue’s Office of the Provost recognized her contributions at a farewell reception on June 11, 2026.
MORE: “HELP” for grieving students: Collaboration advocates for college student bereavement leave policies (2024)
Source: Heather Servaty-Seib