Dr. Mark Heistad, associate professor of mass communication at Morningside College, hasn’t seen his chin in more than 40 years. But that’s about to change.

Dr. Mark Heistad, associate professor of mass communication at Morningside College, hasn’t seen his chin in more than 40 years. But that’s about to change.

Heistad was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer, and his doctors are requiring him to remove the beard before continuing with his treatments. So, Heistad will allow students from KMSC, the college radio station, to cut off his iconic chin whiskers during a special event on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. near the fountain outside the Krone Advising Center on campus.

Heistad, who has a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, joined Morningside’s faculty in 2002. Previously, he worked for more than 15 years at Minnesota Public Radio. While working at KUNI in Cedar Falls, Iowa, he was a frequent contributor to National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered.”

In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the lobby of Buhler Rohlfs Hall, the new academic building on the south edge of campus along Garretson Avenue.