Scholar and advancement professional will expand school’s expertise in the philanthropy of diverse communities
Dr. Anthony L. Heaven has been appointed Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies–Philanthropy and Justice at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
As both a philanthropy scholar and an advancement professional, Heaven brings a wealth of expertise in the philanthropic sector to the newly created position. Before joining the school, he served in positions spanning donor relations, fundraising, and philanthropic consulting.
In this new capacity, Heaven will conduct research and facilitate the translation of new knowledge into improved professional practice. He will explore frontier issues in the field that connect philanthropy and justice to the roles that philanthropy plays in society, contribute to further diversifying the school’s curriculum, and support service opportunities focused on philanthropy and justice. In addition to teaching and mentoring students, Heaven will collaborate on research and outreach with the school’s Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, Women’s Philanthropy Institute, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative, The Fund Raising School and the school’s research team.
“We are pleased that our successful national search has resulted in this dynamic new colleague joining our faculty to focus on issues related to the ‘why’ of philanthropy,” said Amir Pasic, Ph.D. “Beyond his scholarship, Dr. Heaven’s experience as a philanthropy professional will enrich our community of discovery and continue to strengthen our established expertise in connecting research and practice.”
Most recently Vice President and Higher Education Practice Group Leader at Graham-Pelton, Heaven previously was Associate Director of Development for the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He formerly served as the inaugural Development Lead for the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Development Lead for The Division of Diversity & Community Engagement at the University of Mississippi He also served in donor relations and development roles at the University of Florida and the University of Texas at Austin, where he also helped coordinate the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement’s Summer Bridge Program.
“I’m delighted to join the faculty of the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, a beacon for philanthropy and the hub of philanthropic research, and to collaborate with my colleagues to advance research and understanding of the philanthropy of underrepresented people and communities,” Heaven said. “I look forward to helping amplify these narratives that are an essential but often excluded part of philanthropy, and to teaching the school’s inspiring students who drive change and will advance the important work of improving philanthropy.”
A proud graduate of Stillman College, a Historically Black College (HBCU), Heaven earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Religion/Theology. He earned a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin. Heaven’s doctoral research, which received a Dissertation of the Year Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, offers a critical examination of the lived experiences of African American development officers at predominantly White institutions.
With scholarly contributions and leadership that influence the field of philanthropy, particularly in advancing equity and justice within the sector, Heaven’s research interests focus on philanthropy and justice. They include: the intersection of philanthropy and justice and its impact on society; examining the experiences of underrepresented philanthropy workers through an intersectional lens; leveraging philanthropy for political, social and personal power and the impact on fundraisers, beneficiaries, and other donors; and the experiences of underrepresented donors in historically White philanthropic spaces as well as spaces that mirror their social identities.
Heaven currently is teaching an undergraduate course on “Donor Motivations and Engagement.” Next semester he will lead a “Philanthropy, Justice and Ethics” course for participants in the school’s Professional Doctorate in Philanthropy Leadership (PhilD) program.
About the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University Indianapolis is dedicated to improving philanthropy to improve the world by training and empowering students and professionals to be innovators and leaders who create positive and lasting change. The school offers a comprehensive approach to philanthropy through its undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional development programs, its research and international programs, and through The Fund Raising School, Lake Institute on Faith & Giving, the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy and the Women’s Philanthropy Institute. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter),LinkedIn, or Instagram and “Like” us on Facebook.