SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Amanda Wachsmuth Heavens has taken an impressive path since graduating from Evangel University in 2000. She has earned two master’s degrees, traveled to 47 countries on seven continents, and is a leader in the international finance industry.
Heavens lives in London and serves as a vice president for Morgan Stanley. Her current role is European Chief Operating Officer for Operational Risk.
Heavens will be honored this fall during Evangel’s Homecoming celebration as the Outstanding Young Alumnus for 2015.
The award presentation will be made during an 11 a.m. luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the University Plaza Convention Center.
“I feel incredibly honored to be recognized by Evangel as an outstanding young alum, given the formative role Evangel has played in my growth as a person and the rich tapestry of Evangel relationships which continue to enrich my life,” said Heavens.
Integration of faith & life
Heavens was a highly motivated student at Evangel, earning two degrees in six semesters — a B.S. in mathematics and a B.A. in English.
“Amanda’s English and math majors at Evangel gave her strong communication and analytical skills, and they, in turn, have helped her succeed in the world of finance,” said Dr. Don Tosh, professor of mathematics at EU.
Upon graduation, she began the simultaneous pursuit of two master’s degrees — an M.S. in statistics at Northwestern University, and an M.A. in biblical studies and theology at Fuller Seminary. She completed both programs in 2003.
She began her career as an equity derivatives trader and has held past leadership roles as the chief operating officer and chief business officer at two hedge funds, and the director of operations at a derivatives market making firm.
During her five years at Morgan Stanley, Heavens has served in several risk-related roles in both New York and London.
While living in New York, she spent nine years leading the Center for Faith and Work’s financial services ministry, challenging Christians in finance to better consider the impact of the gospel on the marketplace.
According to Tosh, “Her goal is connecting, equipping and mobilizing Christian financial professionals to transform the industry and bring back trust.”
Her work included developing curriculum for a faith and finance leadership development program and writing a 40-part faith and finance devotional series.
Evangel involvement
During her time at Evangel, Heavens (then Wachsmuth) was active on campus. She served as president of the mathematics honors society Kappa Mu Epsilon, was the co-editor-in-chief of Epiphany magazine, served her floor as discipleship leader, and served as chairwoman of the Student Senate Policy Review Committee.
“The best part about being an Evangel student was the flexibility to experience variety in both my coursework and extracurricular activities — and the people,” she said. “I still keep up with a ton of professors, and 2014 was the first year I didn’t make an annual Labor Day visit to Evangel, because I was getting married.”
Amanda married Dr. Nicholas Heavens on Sept. 1, 2014. He is a planetary scientist researching dust storms in the Martian atmosphere.
The wedding ceremony was performed by her former math advisor, Dr. Tosh.
EU Homecoming 2015 honorees
Three additional alumni awards will be given during this year’s homecoming celebration. The recipients were chosen by the Evangel University Alumni Association Board of Directors:
- Evangel Distinguished Alumnus – Robert Ferguson
- CBC Distinguished Alumnus – Rev. David Crabtree
- CBC Outstanding Young Alumnus – Rev. Nick Poole
For more information, contact the Evangel University Alumni Relations Department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7333.