Heather Bell, who came to USC in January 2011, is an Associate Athletic Director and serves as the Director of Student Athlete Academic Services.

Heather serves as the lead administrator responsible for Student Athlete Academic Services (SAAS). As the Director of SAAS, her primary role involves overseeing all aspects of academic support, including the Advising unit and Directed Studies program. Additionally, she ensures GSR/APR submissions, strategic planning, and the management of eligibility certification and files within SAAS.

In her capacity as Director, Heather also coordinates the guest coaches’ program for football and men’s basketball, as well as the department’s summer aid applications and approvals. Moreover, she plays a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating academic support specifically tailored for the Football and Men’s Basketball teams.

During her time at USC, in an advising capacity, she has also worked with the Women’s Basketball, Women’s Track/CC, Women’s Volleyball, Baseball, Crew, Men’s Waterpolo and Lacrosse teams.

Prior to USC, Heather worked at the University of Tennessee in the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center as a Sr. Academic Counselor beginning in 2007. Her main responsibilities were advising the Football team (LB, DB, WR, DE), Technology Coordinator, and creating the Summer Bridge Program. Heather began her time at Thornton as an Academic Mentor for football in 2006 while she was earning her Masters of Science in Sport Management. While pursuing her graduate degree she was also a Graduate Teaching Associate for the Physical Education Activity Program.

Heather graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2004 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. During her time at USM, she was a member of the Golden Eagle Softball team who made 2 NCAA Regional Appearances and won 2 Conference-USA titles.

Born and raised in Southern California, Heather is an active member of the National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A). She earned her N4A individual certification in 2013 and was awarded the N4A Region V Professional Promise award in that same year.

Contact Information:
Office: (213) 740-0534
Email: bellh@usc.edu