Dr. Cheree Meeks

Dr. Cheree Meeks is the Assistant Dean for Programs, Diversity, and Inclusion in the W.A. Franke Honors College. She leads college efforts and initiatives to create and foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment in the college. This includes intentional development of programs and experiences to address recruitment, access, support, and retention of underrepresented students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Meeks incorporates equity and inclusion-based student affairs practice to review policies that contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Dr. Meeks leads the Common Reading Program and designs complementary programming. She also teaches a unique first-year seminar that explores the ways in which policing and incarceration impact communities of color. In addition to designing a study away course and experience in which students visit Montgomery, Alabama to explore the history and impact of enslavement in the United States, she is also the visionary for the creation and implementation of the Black Excellence Scholars Program, designed to support Black and African American students through culturally responsive engagement, academic support, service, and community connections.

Dr. Meeks earned her BA in Political Science and MA in Student Development and Postsecondary Education from The University of Iowa and doctorate in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University. Dr. Meeks’ research explores the experiences of African American mothers working in student affairs, with a special focus on the intersection of race and gender.