Although a Texan girl at heart, Meredith spent the past seven years in Chicago where she earned a degree in Psychology and Art and Design at DePaul University. As a student, she developed an interest in educational programming by interning at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and working in the First-Year Program to help incoming freshman transition into college.
Following graduation, Meredith devoted time to researching pediatric mental illnesses and leading after-school, art-based programs for children at Chicago Cares. Through her participation in research and the arts, Meredith developed a passion to revitalize the presence of art programs in schools and community organizations.
At the University of Oregon, Meredith will continue this passion as a second-year graduate student in the Arts and Administration Program, concentrating in Community Arts Management. She hopes to research the relationship between the arts in promoting self-efficacy and resilience.