After three fulfilling years teaching History and Global Perspectives at Principia, professor Charles Heck will retire at the end of this year.
Charles Heck was first invited to Principia by then-College President George Moffett, became a visiting professor in 2005, and was hired as an associate professor in the spring of 2006.
Heck holds an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College, and he completed graduate studies at Yale University.
Prior to coming to Principia, Heck served from 1982-2001 as the North American Director for the Trilateral Commission, a public policy institute which focuses on international issues concerning North America, Europe and Asia. Heck continues to serve the Trilateral Commission as Senior Advisor and Member.
“He is very compassionate and has a broad and clear sense of international relations,” said Art History professor Margaret D’Evelyn.
Heck said that coming to Principia to teach was like a fresh start for him.
On top of teaching, Heck has been an advisor to Principia’s Annual Public Affairs Conference (PAC) for the past two years.
“The purpose of PAC was to raise consciousness not just among Prin students, but among a wider group,” he said.
Former PAC Co-Director Will Buchanan said, “Professor Heck was the best faculty advisor we could ask for. He was professional and unbelievably well-connected, but he was also willing to stay up late with us stuffing folders. We will miss him.”
Heck said that it is crucial for students to be active in the learning process of history and be able to think deeply about historical events, draw connections and effectively problem solve.
“If we can get insight into how and why something happened, that’ll give us insight into something we’re wrestling with now and make us thoughtful citizens,” he said.
Heck said that during his time at Principia, he “could not have asked for better colleagues, and spiritual purpose that the community shares.” He added, “Everybody supports each other, and I salute a dedicated faculty.”
If he were to give a word of advice to a new faculty member to Principia, Heck said he would encourage them to “be prepared for an all-absorbing experience.”
That’s exactly what students report they’ve gained from Heck. “This is a teacher who embodies the ’still waters run deep’ proverb,” says Kate Wells, a 2009 PAC board member. “His kindness, intelligence, experience and dedication to us kids will be hard to match.”
The future is open for Heck and his wife, painter Joyce Heck. “We have fantasized about taking trips for decades — some U.S., some overseas,” he said. “But I hope to continue to be based in teaching or helping an organization.”
