Theresa Meeks, Ed.D.

Core Faculty,
Department of Leadership and Administration

Dr. Meeks has been teaching adult learners online since 2013. She earned a Doctorate of Education with a specialization in higher education and organizational change from Benedictine University and a Master’s of Science degree in Rehabilitation Administration and Services from Southern Illinois University. Dr. Meeks is passionate about helping students develop the creative talent needed to persevere through personal, educational and professional challenges. She is also devoted to building community within online classrooms and making sure all students experience a strong sense of belonging. Her professional philosophy is rooted in her belief that students must be supported from a holistic perspective. She has a strong background in curriculum development, increasing retention rates and developing programs that focus on securing the success of marginalized student populations. During her free time, she enjoys taking long walks, traveling, volunteering, spending time with family and practicing yoga.

Education

  • Doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change
    Benedictine University
  • Master's in Rehabilitation Administration
    Southern Illinois University
  • Bachelor's in Psychology
    Southern Illinois University

Research Interests

Research Interest/Agenda Outline

 

Adult Learning and Development

     Adult learning processes, maturation process as it relates to learning

Campus Culture

Health and Safety, Socialization, Peer Norms, Habitual Participation

Disability in Higher Education

     Disability aesthetics conceptualization, inclusion/exclusion, cultural implications, social justice

Distant Education

     Philosophy and theory, best innovative practices, success factors, engagement, collaboration

Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education

Access, cultural competence, equality, social justice

Educational Access

First Generation, Freshman, Transfer, Low-Income, Disabled, Women, and Graduate Students

Interdisciplinary and Multicultural Curriculum Development

Course Design and Efficiency of Resources

Mentoring

Program Development, Assessment and Practice

Retention

Leadership, Strategies, Minority Students, Best Practices and Collegiate Persistence

Stigma Consciousness

     Academic Achievement, Marginalized population, Gender Differences

 

Program Affiliations

Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of a wide range of curriculum development and instructional methods that can improve teaching and learning in diverse educational settings.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Instructional Technology Doctor of Education

This customizable degree is designed to help you advance your understanding of methods of instructional technology for a wide range of educational settings. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Leadership Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education in Leadership program is designed to help you advance your leadership and research skills within your chosen discipline, whatever that may be. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Public Health Education Doctor of Education

The customizable Doctorate in Public Health Education is designed for healthcare educators and professionals who wish to address public health issues through education in local, national and international communities at the post-master’s level.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.D. in Second Language Instruction Doctor of Education

The Doctorate of Education in Second Language Instruction is designed for professionals with a master’s degree who wish to advance their second language instruction skills and knowledge at the post-master’s level. Through a tailored approach to the dissertation process, you can complete the program in as little as three years.

Students will gain experience as a scholar practitioner with the necessary skills to utilize innovative curriculum, current technology, and instruction methods relevant to second language learners’ educational needs in a variety of professional settings. Students engage in scholarly research throughout the coursework to support their final dissertation at the end of their program.

64

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Curriculum and Instruction degree is for leaders who wish to advance their skills in curriculum development and instructional methods at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Instructional Technology Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Instructional Technology degree for leaders who want to advance their knowledge in instructional technology at the post-master’s level without needing to complete a dissertation. You will use theoretical foundations and current real-world practices to support the development of relevant technology that meet the needs of diverse learners.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Leadership Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Leadership degree is designed for leaders who wish to pursue advanced training at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation. You will learn advanced leadership skills and competencies that will make you a more effective leader.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Public Health Education Educational Specialist

The Education Specialist in Public Health Education degree is designed for educators and healthcare professionals who wish to address public health issues through education in local, national and international communities at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation.

34

Semester Credits

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Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction Educational Specialist

The Educational Specialist in Second Language Instruction is for professionals with a master’s degree who wish to advance their second language instruction skills and knowledge at the post-master’s level without having to complete a dissertation. Students will become more effective leaders in the field of Second Language Instruction through in-depth knowledge of research-based theories of language acquisition, assessment and instructional methods, strategies that promote cultural understanding, and current best practices to meet the needs of second language learners across diverse educational settings.

34

Semester Credits

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M.Ed. in Higher Education Master of Education

Designed for individuals who wish to advance their skills or career in higher education, this program focuses on the ever-changing global, economic, and technological environments that impact the field of higher education.

34

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Advanced Graduate Study Certificate

This program is designed for students wishing to design their own program of study at the post-master’s, advanced level. Students can choose from a variety of courses to study the topics they want to study.

30

Semester Credits

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Certificate in Higher Education Certificate

This program is designed for students wishing to learn more about the key areas of higher education. Students will learn about relevant higher education topics that will allow them to advance their knowledge and career in higher education.

18

Semester Credits

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Micro-Credential in Community College Leadership Micro-Credential

This micro-credential centers on the unique needs of leadership in a community college setting. With the growing cost of higher education, local institutions will serve a greater role in supporting student achievement, enabling them to complete degrees for career options which may not exist today. Consideration is given to the historical development of the two-year college in light of the economic dynamics existing in the 21st century and how change is needed to build community relationships, service students, and sustain institutional growth.

9

Semester Credits

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