About HENC
Connecting Higher Education Professionals. Building Stronger Communities. Eliminating Silos.
The Higher Education Networking Collective (HENC) is a growing professional community dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and career development among higher education professionals.
Our Mission
Breaking down silos, one connection at a time.
HENC is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission to break down silos across departments and institutions. We bring people together through regional in-person events, virtual networking opportunities, and targeted professional development sessions. Focused primarily on professionals in New England at this time, we’re building a strong network of individuals committed to advancing the field of higher education through shared learning, mutual support, and innovation.
What Makes Us Different
A cross-functional approach, borrowed from healthcare.
Unlike most professional organizations in higher education, which tend to be department- or skill-specific, HENC is intentionally cross-functional. We’re adapting the interprofessional education model from healthcare to the higher education setting. In healthcare, bringing together a diverse mix of practitioners is proven to lead to better patient outcomes — we believe the same principle holds here. By connecting professionals across roles, departments, and institutions, we can better address the complex challenges facing higher education today.
Who’s in the Room
600+ professionals spanning every corner of higher education.
From entry-level coordinators to deans and vice presidents — across institutions large and small, public and private.
Institutions Represented
Northeastern University, Boston College, Harvard University, MIT, MCPHS, Simmons University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston University, Tufts University, Brandeis University, the UMass system, Emerson College, Suffolk University, Wellesley College, Babson College, Brown University, Yale University, University of Connecticut, University of Rhode Island, Columbia University, NYU, Rutgers, Penn State, Georgetown, and many more added every day.
Leadership
Deans & Assistant Deans, VPs & AVPs, Directors, Chiefs of Staff, Executive Directors, Department Chairs
Academic
Professors, Associate/Assistant Professors, Adjunct Faculty, Lecturers, Teaching Fellows, Researchers
Admin & Student Support
Academic Advisors, Program Managers, Student Success Coordinators, Career Services Advisors, Registrar Staff, Enrollment Specialists
Admissions & Financial Aid
Admissions Counselors & Managers, Financial Aid Officers & Advisors
HR & Operations
HR Specialists & Coordinators, Training & Development, Compliance Officers, Operations Managers
What We Value
Four commitments that guide everything we do.
Working Smarter
We share practical tools and approaches that help higher ed professionals do their best work without burning out.
Growing Your Career
We create real opportunities for advancement — through visibility, mentorship, and connections that open doors.
Building Relationships
We believe the strongest ideas come from people who trust each other — across departments, institutions, and roles.
Leading in Complex Environments
We prepare professionals to navigate change and uncertainty with confidence, clarity, and good judgment.
These same four themes shape the tracks at our annual Professional Development Day.
Why Join
By joining our collective, you will:
Promote inter-professional collaboration between departments and institutions.
Expand your professional network to discover open roles, recruit top talent, and advance your career — or help others advance theirs.
Elevate or share your expertise through curated professional development and supervision opportunities.
Tap into a diverse network of peers to exchange innovative ideas and best practices for solving complex problems.
Where We’re Headed
Our goals, past and ahead.
Completed Goals
Short & Long Term Goals
Ready to be part of the collective?
Join 500+ higher education professionals building stronger, less siloed institutions — together.
Higher Education Networking Collective (HENC), Inc. 