The Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), created in 1969 by the New York State Legislature, is a partnership between the State of New York and its independent colleges and universities which provides economically disadvantaged and educationally underprepared New York State residents the possibility of a college education. The primary objective of HEOPis to help provide a broad range of services to the student, who because of academic and economic circumstances, would otherwise be unable to attend college, yet has the potential and desire to obtain a college degree. HEOP is sponsored jointly by the New York State Education Department and Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University.
HEOP began serving students at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ in January of 1970 and continues to provide unique and comprehensive academic services along with full-need financial support that will enable you to compete equally with your peers and earn an undergraduate degree. If you have the ability, motivation, and potential to succeed, this program will be of great benefit to you.
If you wish to be considered for admission to Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University through HEOP, please indicate so on the college application. Our HEOP staff and admissions liaison will review your application materials and communicate with you regarding your status through the Slate portal.
How Can We Be Reached?
Location: Duns Scotus Hall, Room 118
Email: heop@daemen.edu
Phone: 716-839-8249
Tiffany L. Hamilton, Director and Vice President for Institutional Equity & Belonging
Tiffany Hamilton (she/her) holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia and a Master of Science in Student Personnel Administration (Higher Education Administration) from SUNY Buffalo State. With a deeply rooted commitment to fostering a campus environment steeped in equity, inclusion, and justice, Tiffany leads strategic initiatives that empower every community member to thrive and evolve.
Embodying her mantra of "Progress, not perfection," Tiffany inspires others to embrace growth and authenticity, recognizing that true transformation stems from continual self-improvement.
Kay Leach, Assistant Director of HEOP
Kay (she/they) holds a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Visual Arts Education K-12 from Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ. Kay served as the Administrative Associate for the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education and as Administrative Coordinator for the Visual and Performing Arts department at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, where they provided essential support in event coordination, communications, studio, and academic operations.
In addition to their administrative roles, Kay is a committed educator, teaching visual arts courses at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ and previously within Buffalo Public Schools. Their dedication to the arts is further reflected in their involvement in curating and coordinating exhibitions, as well as their ongoing contributions to the broader arts community through individual mentorship, presentations, and group workshops. They aspire to continue helping people connect with their intuition through artistic expression and symbolic reflection.