SUNY Professor Robert L. Heichberger, A professor of education at the State University of New York at Fredonia from 1964 until 1995, received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who’s Who community.

Dr. Heichberger holds the title of professor emeritus at the State University of New York at Fredonia, having retired from his position as professor of educational administration in 1995. He founded the Graduate Educational Administration and Supervision Program at the State University of New York in 1975, and acted as the director of the program until 1995. He served the University as executive assistant to the president from 1972-1977, and as assistant dean (1966 -1970) and acting dean for professional studies (1970-1972). Also, Dr. Heichberger served as founder and graduate director of the doctoral leadership program at Capella University. He began his career in 1951 as a teacher in the East Aurora Public Schools, and then as a principal in East Aurora for a period for ten years, 1954-1964.

Dr. Heichberger graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Doctoral degree in 1970. He has shared his expertise as a lecturer, motivational speaker and consultant in the field and is the author of a number of books, including “The Happy Pattern Road,” “We Will Be Friends Forever” and “The Five Horses and the Friendship Tree.” He also authored the books “The Land of Nature,” “Treasured Gilt-Edged Memories,” “The Deer and the Pine Tree” and “Tell Me A Story Grandpa.” He is the co-author of the book ” Five Years on the Cutting Edge.” Dr. Heichberger founded, produced, and moderated the radio program “Focus on Education.” He is a contributing columnist.

Dr. Heichberger served as the vice president of the Fredonia Chamber of Commerce from 1972-1980 and as president of the local Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa from 1973-1976. He was appointed by the Governor to the College Council of the State University of New York at Fredonia and served in that capacity for ten years. Also, he served on the Gowanda Central School Board of Education. In addition, from 1976 to 1979 , he served as the vice president of the Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Gowanda and he currently is on the foundation board of the TLC Hospital in Lake Shore.

Dr. Heichberger was recognized for his contributions to the community and the State University of New York at Fredonia with the Distinguished Service Award by the Fredonia College Foundation in 2015. He was also the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by Phi Delta Kappa International in 1975, and was honored as the Educator of the Year by Phi Delta Kappa International in 1979. The Heichbergers established the Scholars Leadership Endowment Fund with the Fredonia College Foundation. Dr. Robert and Mrs. Elaine Heichberger (Elaine, a retired educator) have celebrated more than 60 years of marriage. They have two children, Lisa Elaine, MD, a physician in South Carolina and Mark Robert, a teacher in Springville. The Heichbergers have six grandchildren.