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