Maria Rihn ’24
This year Mercersburg is happy to welcome an astounding number of new faculty members, among them Rich Heffron, who teaches history and is the assistant coach of Mercersburg’s boys cross country team.
Before coming to Mercersburg, Heffron said, “I spent a long time doing research, presenting at conferences, and being a part of that end of the field.” He’s also lived abroad, specifically in the Middle East. “It’s not that it necessarily sets me apart, but I think that type of background just adds another element to our faculty,” he said.
Aside from the topics he currently teaches, Heffron expressed an interest in working to introduce new courses to the history curriculum. These include reinstating term courses on Middle Eastern history and providing a way for students to learn Arabic. “I would love for those to come back if we could get enough enrollment and interest, as I’m passionate about the region,” he said.
Another interest of Heffron’s is to create a cross-curriculum class on the philosophy of technology. “I really want to do a class that’s like a philosophy of technology, where we’re investigating how we live with it and how it’s involved in our lives so we can come to a better understanding of how to use it thoughtfully,” he said.
Outside of the classroom, Heffron possesses a serious love of running, which he taps into in his coaching. He said, “I can’t believe I’ve never done this before. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to share my passion with the students.”
Heffron is excited for the coming year and about the students in his classes. Teaching Ancient Mediterranean History and World Religions, as well as taking on ninth grade advisees, Heffron interacts primarily with freshmen. “I’m excited to grow with this ninth grade class as we go along and see where this year takes them!”
You go Rich!!! Love, Bevie
Very impressive Rich!