Theo Heap

Theo J. Heap

Theo Heap is our "Man for All Seasons" at Mesa Community College. Beginning in 1965, he was Athletic Director and Associate Dean of Students for 10 years, Dean of Admissions for one year, Dean of Administrative Services for two years, and President for eight years.

He supposedly retired in 1978, but continues to work for MCC on a part-time basis at our Red Mountain campus. In all, he has been in education for 57 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator.

When Theo was hired by John Riggs, he was given full authority to build a successful athletic program. He set out to hire what he has described as "the most successful coaching staff in community college athletics." He also organized a community support group called the Ho-Chief Foundation to raise funds for student financial aid.

By the time Theo turned the program over to Carvel Jackson, Mesa had won 14 national championships, all in Division I, and MCC ranked among the top programs both academically and athletically in the National Junior College Athletic Association. It is not surprising that Theo was inducted into the National Association of Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame.

As Associate Dean of Students, he had an impact on student life outside of athletics and was instrumental in establishing student government (both day and evening), a Black Student Union, a club for American Indians, and facilities and services for the handicapped.

Over a period of more than 13 years, he was a Regional Director, Treasurer, and President of the NJCAA, the governing body for community college athletics. It was during this time that Title IX was passed by Congress insuring equal opportunities for women athletes. Theo wrote a constitutional change that brought NJCAA compliance with Title IX, and he was subsequently asked to serve as a consultant to the NJCAA and the NAIA.

For more than two decades, he served as an officer of director of such national and international organizations as the United States Olympic Committee, the United States Collegiate Sports Council, and the World University Games.