Neverson Heatley, III
My Career: An Introduction
My career has been guided by a simple belief: education has the power to transform lives, but only when institutions are willing to recognize potential that others may overlook.
That belief did not begin in a university office or a doctoral seminar. It was shaped by my own experiences as a student navigating instability, by the educators who challenged me to see possibilities beyond my circumstances, and by the realization that schools and universities can either become gateways to opportunity or barriers that limit it. Those experiences continue to influence every role I have held—as a teacher, higher education administrator, researcher, journal editor, curriculum leader, and international educator.
Throughout my career, I have worked across secondary schools, colleges, universities, nonprofit organizations, and international educational settings. I have advised students, developed institutional policies, taught undergraduate and graduate courses, supported accreditation and assessment efforts, edited scholarly publications, led student affairs initiatives, and worked with colleagues to strengthen educational programs and improve student outcomes. Whether serving as an Assistant Dean of Students, working in Student Conduct, leading an English department in Colombia, or contributing to academic research, I have remained focused on helping institutions better serve the people who depend upon them.
My academic interests have consistently centered on educational leadership, student success, institutional effectiveness, higher education law, restorative approaches to student conduct, and expanding opportunities for historically underserved populations. These interests have guided my research, informed my professional practice, and shaped the questions I continue to explore as an educator and scholar.
Although education has been the defining focus of my professional life, I have never viewed learning as something confined to classrooms or campuses. My work has been enriched by experiences in law, international education, technology, photography, music, and community engagement, each providing a different perspective on leadership, communication, and human development.
Today, I continue to teach, write, create, and learn while living and working in Colombia. Regardless of the setting, my purpose remains the same: to help build educational environments where students are challenged, supported, and encouraged to realize possibilities they may not yet see in themselves.
My Impact on Education
Every position I have held has reinforced a lesson I first learned as a student: the quality of an educational institution is measured not only by the knowledge it produces, but by the opportunities it creates for others.
Over the course of my career, I have worked across multiple sectors of education, contributing as a teacher, administrator, researcher, attorney, editor, and institutional leader. My experience spans secondary education, undergraduate and graduate instruction, student affairs, academic publishing, curriculum leadership, and international education. These varied roles have given me the opportunity to view education from multiple perspectives while remaining committed to a common goal, helping students and institutions succeed together.
My work has focused on supporting student development, strengthening institutional policies, promoting equitable educational opportunities, and improving organizational effectiveness. I have collaborated with faculty, administrators, students, and educational organizations to address challenges ranging from student conduct and campus life to curriculum design, assessment, accreditation, and educational leadership. As a scholar, I have examined issues affecting access to higher education, diversity within legal education, and the ways institutional systems influence student success.
Teaching has remained one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. From university classrooms to international schools, I have sought to cultivate environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning. Working with students from diverse backgrounds has reinforced my belief that talent is distributed far more broadly than opportunity, and that one of education's greatest responsibilities is helping bridge that gap.
Living and working internationally has further expanded my understanding of education as a global endeavor. My years in Colombia have deepened my appreciation for language, culture, and the ways education can foster meaningful connections across communities and national boundaries. These experiences continue to influence both my teaching and my broader perspective on educational leadership.
While professional titles and academic credentials tell part of the story, I believe my greatest contribution has been helping students recognize possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. Whether through teaching, mentoring, research, institutional leadership, or creative work, I have sought to contribute to educational communities that value curiosity, integrity, service, and human potential.
As my career continues to evolve, I remain committed to scholarship, leadership, creativity, and international collaboration, while continuing to explore new ways education can empower individuals and strengthen institutions for generations to come.
What Others Have Said
Anyjah was my doctoral candidate at the University of Florida. He was an active participant in my courses, consistently contributing to discussion concerning trends in Higher Education. He served on a number of committees for the College of Education, including the search for an Associate Dean. He has shown a strong commitment to diversity, focusing on the study of minority enrollment in law schools. Towards that end, he has shown great adaptability and resilience, having overcome a number of hurdles towards the completion of his doctorate and I am glad to have been able to help him realize that goal. I believe Anyjah's background in law will make him a great administrator at the University level, one that can lead with empathy and has the tools to competently use data and research to guide decisions.
- Dale Campbell, Ph.D.
“He is a serious, hardworking, responsible, punctual, organized professional who willingly shares his knowledge with colleagues and students.”
“He is an important asset for our teaching community due to his uncanny ability to adapt to various challenges.”
“Each time, he has risen to the occasion.”
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Neverson as an outstanding educator. Throughout our professional association, I have witnessed Neverson's exceptional qualities as a teacher, marked by his passion, humility, advocacy for students, student-centered approach, and collaborative spirit. Neverson's passion for teaching is evident in every lesson he delivers. His enthusiasm for the subject matter and commitment to student learning are infectious, inspiring students to engage deeply with the material. He consistently goes above and beyond to make his classes not only informative but also exciting and relevant, fostering a love of learning in his students. One of Neverson's most remarkable traits is his humility. Despite his extensive knowledge and expertise, he remains approachable and open-minded. He values the contributions of others and continually seeks to learn from his colleagues and students, creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. As an advocate for his students, Neverson is dedicated to supporting their academic and personal growth. He takes the time to understand each student's unique needs and challenges, providing personalized guidance and encouragement. His unwavering belief in their potential helps students to overcome obstacles and achieve their best. Neverson's student-centered approach is at the heart of his teaching philosophy. He prioritizes the needs and interests of his students, designing lessons that are engaging and tailored to their learning styles. His empathetic and supportive demeanor ensures that every student feels valued and empowered to succeed. Collaboration is another area where Neverson excels. He actively seeks opportunities to work with colleagues, sharing ideas and best practices to enhance the overall educational experience. His collaborative mindset fosters a sense of community and shared purpose among staff and students alike. In summary, Neverson is an exceptional teacher whose passion, humility, advocacy, student-centered approach, and collaborative spirit make him a true asset to any educational institution. I have no doubt that he will continue to inspire and positively impact the lives of his students and colleagues.
- Cristina Mancheno
“His approach melds the theoretical with the practical and, as a result, he drives impact.”
Neverson-Anyjah Heatley, Ill was an instrumental in helping me balance academics and student leadership at Florida A&M University College of Law. As a student, I had the chance to work closely with him when I was president of an organization. He was always ready to lend a hand and offered valuable guidance that made our group flourish. His dedication to helping students like me navigate both academic and personal challenges was seriously impressive. His know-how in everything from organizing events to providing practical career advice was invaluable. Not just a fantastic advisor, but also a mentor who truly cared. Neverson is one of the most passionate I know regarding education. Any university would be lucky to have him. I couldn't recommend him more!
- Dorrissa Griffin, Esq.
“Mr. Heatley consistently modeled a calm confidence which earned him the respect and the buy-in needed to be effective in his daily work.”
“He successfully provided students with the appropriate balance of tough love, challenge, and support.”
Selected Professional Experience
Assistant Editor
Journal of Comparative & International Higher Education
Coordinate the final review, formatting, and publication of articles to meet style guidelines, upload galleys to the OJED platform, facilitate author and Editor-in-Chief approvals, and manage global indexing in academic databases.
Collaborate with editorial and communications teams to promote each journal issue through the HESIG listserv and social media channels.
Specialist in Student’s Rights & Responsibilities
Southern Illinois University
Implemented a restorative justice program in the office which increased student engagement and reduced student recidivism in the conduct process.
Researched and successfully proposed changes to the campus substance abuse policy; the results eliminated disparate treatment of minority students and reduced suspensions of non-white students at the university.
Led the campus conduct response to emergencies and was consistently commended for competently balancing the protection of the university, as an organization, and the needs and protection of its constituents.
Instructor for Master of Education and Master of Business Administration Programs
University of the People
Began as an instructor for the MBA program and was added to the faculty for the Master of Education and the English as a second language programs after receiving consistently positive reviews for course management and engagement.
Chosen as one of a small number of instructors certified to teach the capstone course for the Master of Education program which includes guiding and reviewing research proposals and capstone projects.
I performed a review of and prepared materials for the MBA program’s successful application for distance learning accreditation as part of a peer committee.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Florida A&M University College of Law
Presented research of student academic and bar performance that was adopted by the faculty and resulted in increased student academic performance standards along with the installation of an early detection system for students who may possibly face academic concerns.
Designed and implemented a student professionalism program that prepared graduates for better integration into their legal careers; the program was permanently added to the school’s orientation.
Since the school did not have a student counseling service, I assumed that role and was consistently cited by students for being trustworthy and competent counselor and mentor for their academic, social, and personal concerns.
Administrative Officer
One League
Reviewed cases and created a template for the selection of cases in courses employing the case-study method, increasing the efficiency of onboarding for new professors and identifying pedagogical gaps in targeted areas of knowledge.
Designed a series of databases and pages, using Notion, which increased efficiency in admissions by consolidating admissions data, applicant reviews, and related notes into a single accessible template.
Successfully drafted policies that identified and closed gaps in student-facing areas, including academic performance, leave requests, and attendance.
Graduate Assistant, Faculty Development
University of Florida
Alumni Fellow
University of Florida
Intranet Webmaster for Business Services
State University of New York at Buffalo
Assistant University Webmaster
Florida A&M University
Higher Education Courses & Education
Business Courses Taught
BUS 3305: Business Law and Ethics
BUS 3306: Business and Society
BUS 4402: Organizational Behavior
BUS 5113: Organizational Theory and Behavior
BUS 5115: Business Law, Ethics and Social Responsibility
PHIL 1404: Ethics and Social Responsibility
Education Courses Taught
EDUC 5210: Learning Theory and Implications for Instruction
EDUC 5470: Research in Education
EDUC 5910: Applied Professional Inquiry
Certifications
Apple Teacher with Swift Playgrounds
Diffit Ambassador
Duolingo Educator
International Baccalaureate English B (Cat.2) Diploma Programme
Introduction to Cambridge Lower Secondary
Propell Workshop for the TOEFL iBT Test
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
University of Florida
Juris Doctor
SUNY at Buffalo Law School
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with Honors
Florida A&M University
Publications
Heatley, III, Neverson-Anyjah. (2025, March 8-9). Two Novel Ideas to Promote English Language Immersion [Conference Session]. Bolivar Forum, Santiago de Cali, Valle de Cauca, Colombia.
Heatley, Neverson. (2017). Analyzing Minority Enrollment at American Bar Association Accredited Law Schools Between 2004 - 2012 Using Feedback Loops. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Heatley, Neverson. (2012). A Look at the Conduct Participation Rates of Black Males at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Southern Illinois University.
Heatley, Neverson. (2009). Bar and Academic Performance of Graduates from 2005 - 2008. Florida A&M University College of Law.
Heatley, Neverson. (2007). Gratz, Grutter, and the Future of Higher Education [Conference Keynote Presentation]. Florida Education Fund McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Summer Meeting, Tampa, Florida.
Wood R. Craig, Deziree Elliot, Carlee Poston Escue, and Neverson-Anyjah Heatley. (2008). North Carolina School Boards Association v. Moore: A Decision Without a Solution. ELA Notes.