Dr. Theo J. Heap, Mesa's "Man for all Seasons"

  Athletics, admissions, Associate Dean of Students, President – Dr. Theo J. Heap has done it all at Mesa Community College.

  Hired initially be MCC's first President, Dr. John D. Riggs, Heap was charged with building a successful athletic program. He began by, in his words, "hiring the most successful coaching staff in community college athletics." While that is, of course, a subjective statement, he may have done just that.

  When he relinquished the position of Athletic Director to Carvel Jackson ten years later, Mesa had won an amazing 14 NJCAA national championships, all at the Division I level.

  However, Heap wasn't through by a long shot.

  While Athletic Director he was also Associate Dean of Students. He also took on the role of Dean of Admissions for one year, Dean of Administrative Services for two, and eventually President of the college for eight years. Fittingly, his name adorns MCC's gym.

  Heap's influence extended far from the Mesa campus. He played a major role in NJCAA executive affairs as Regional Director, Treasurer, and eventually President of the organization. For his efforts he was inducted into the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

  During his time with the NJCAA Congress passed the Title IX Act, aimed at insuring equal opportunities for female athletes. Heap authored a constitutional change that brought the NJCAA into compliance with the new law.

  In his MCC Hall of Fame bio he was called "Mesa's Man for All Seasons." That he definitely is.