ESU Names Doyle Heffley Legislative Fellow for 2026-2027 Academic Year

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced the selection of its 2026-2027 Legislative Fellow, State Representative Doyle Heffley, at a breakfast held in his honor on Friday, September 25. ESU President Kenneth Long introduced Representative Heffley at the event to university faculty, students, staff and special guests from the community.

The Legislative Fellow program, established in 1999, is designed to bring state legislators to campus to participate in a variety of campus activities and to meet formally and informally with students, faculty and staff throughout the year.

The program is co-sponsored by the university administration and the local chapter of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (APSCUF). Fellows are selected by a committee of faculty and administrators, and jointly appointed by the university president and the president of APSCUF at the beginning of each academic year.

Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), a lifelong resident of Carbon County, serves the 122nd Legislative District as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He is currently the Republican Chair of the House Human Services Committee and chairs the Republican East Central Caucus and the Pennsylvania House Bipartisan Trucking Caucus.

Heffley's role on the Human Services Committee aligns with his focus on reducing waste, fraud and abuse within government. He is leading the way in efforts to curb Pennsylvania's opioid crisis and is an advocate for services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, behavioral health and addiction issues.

Heffley's legislative focus has included creating a business-friendly environment, reducing taxes, achieving greater fiscal responsibility, promoting more government transparency, and restoring trust in government.

As a 1989 graduate of Lehighton Area High School, Doyle later went on to Lincoln Technical Institute where he received his associate's degree in architectural drafting and design. In 1996, he entered the trucking industry where his work ethic and dedication propelled him to a management position overseeing more than 100 employees.

Prior to his election to the State House, he served as a trucking industry consultant, using his knowledge and experience to assist companies operate more efficiently.

In addition to attending Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Trachsville, Doyle is active in his community. He is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post No. 314, F & A.M. Lehighton No. 621, the Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, the Indian Mountain Rod and Gun Club and many other civic and fraternal organizations.

He is a former member of the Lower Towamensing Township Planning Commission and has served as both committeeman and chairman of the Carbon County Republican Committee.

As an Eagle Scout, he developed a deep sense of patriotism for state and country. He is an outdoorsman and a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights.

Doyle resides in Palmerton with his wife, Kellie. They are the parents of two daughters and the proud grandparents to two grandchildren.

For more information on the Legislative Fellow program, contact Miguel Barbosa, chief of staff and vice president for university relations in ESU's Office of the President at (570) 422-3545.