Ann Heidendal is an executive assistant in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS).
Let’s learn more about her.
Where are you originally from?
I grew up in Audubon, Iowa. I attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, and then stayed in Maryville for the next 15 years until moving to Springfield.
What brought you to Missouri State University and how long have you been here?
My husband is Egon Heidendal, associate provost of institutional effectiveness. We moved to Springfield when he started at Missouri State in April 2024, and I started at the university in October.
What’s your educational background?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a music minor and a Master of Business Administration, both from Northwest Missouri State.
What do you do in your role at the university?
I’m the MCHHS dean’s executive assistant. I wear lots of hats – everything from coordinating meetings and events to some finance duties.
Why did you choose your area of work?
I enjoy the challenge of no day being the same as the previous. There’s always something new going on here in the McQueary College.
Where did you work prior to Missouri State?
I’ve worked in higher education for the past seven years for Northwest Missouri State doing graduate admissions work and I also worked in financial aid. Before that, I worked as an administrative assistant doing human resources and payroll for a nonprofit.
What do you enjoy most about working at Missouri State?
I’m enjoying getting to know new people and a new university. I enjoy working in the dean’s office and feel like we have a good team that is always working to make the college and the university as a whole a better place for our students.
What do you do for fun or leisure?
I have lots of hobbies! When the weather is nice, my husband and I enjoy hiking and are really looking forward to exploring the Springfield area more. I also enjoy baking, especially homemade bread, and gardening.
What’s your favorite spring activity/activities?
We moved into a new house last fall, so this spring I’m really looking forward to working outside on my landscaping and planting a garden. I have ordered a couple raised bed planters and will plant raspberries and strawberries this year.