Carrie Heilman, a longtime Faculty Athletics Representative and renowned associate professor at the McIntire School of Commerce, passed away on February 26, 2026, at the age of 40 after a heroic battle with cancer, leaving the University of Virginia community in deep grief.
Her departure has plunged the entire academic institution into mourning, as colleagues and students alike mourn the loss of an extraordinary educator, guide, and champion for student-athletes whose genuine warmth and commitment enriched countless lives.
Throughout her academic career, Carrie distinguished herself as an exceptional instructor, teaching courses in brand management, marketing, and communications with expertise and enthusiasm. She served as mentor to the McIntire National Student Advertising Competition team, steering them toward multiple national championships, and received the UVA All-University Teaching Award in 2020 in recognition of her exceptional contributions to student achievement.
For numerous years, she fulfilled the role of Faculty Athletics Representative at UVA, assuming a crucial function in fostering the academic and personal growth of student-athletes. Additionally, she took immense pride in being the mother of two UVA swimmers, Olympian Thomas Heilman and his brother Matthew, and discovered her ultimate happiness in family moments shared alongside her husband Brad.
Individuals fortunate enough to have known Carrie characterize her as an individual possessing remarkable modesty, compassion, intelligence, and warmth. She possessed a unique capacity to motivate those surrounding her and effect positive change through both her professional endeavors and interpersonal connections.
The announcement of her death has generated emotional tributes from fellow faculty members, students, and the athletics department, all recognizing the profound and enduring influence she exerted at the University of Virginia. Her commitment and compassionate nature will be remembered by the numerous lives she enriched.
Carrie Heilman leaves behind a strong legacy marked by excellence and sincere compassion as the University of Virginia and the larger community reflect on her life. May the treasured memories and the deep regard shown by so many find solace and fortitude for her husband, boys, family, friends, students, and coworkers.