William A. Meehan

William A. Meehan has a long-term association with Jacksonville State University that began when he enrolled as a first time freshman in 1968. He completed the Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1972 and began a career in education that same year. He earned the Master’s of Science degree in Biology at Jacksonville State University in December of 1976 and returned in January 1977 to serve as an instructor in the Department of Biology. He completed a Doctorate of Education in the field of higher education administration from the University of Alabama.

Since 1977 Dr. Meehan has served in numerous administrative and teaching positions at the University. Among these are Coordinator of Medical Technology Program, Director of Academic Advisement, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Acting Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Dr. Meehan, an old friend to the University, and alumnus assumed the helm as president on July 1, 1999 proclaiming an expansive vision for JSU that looks to the future while drawing on the strengths of the past. He hopes to preserve the small town friendly spirit that has attracted generations of students who enjoy standing out as individuals at JSU rather than getting lost in the numbers on larger campuses.

President Meehan says a top goal is knocking down the walls of the ivory tower through such innovations as distance education. The University already has in place a number of remote classrooms that receive live, real-time feeds of lectures originating from campus. Through the Internet, DVDs, and videoconferencing initiatives, the University is able to make a college education more accessible to those who work or for other reasons are not able to reside on or near the main campus. Under Meehan’s leadership, JSU will be working to establish more of these extended classrooms and other ways to remove barriers to a college degree.

President Meehan says JSU has a bright future, but one that depends in large part in gaining more cooperation among the institutions of higher education, such as the State’s Community Colleges. Meehan said he wants to turn JSU into a campus where education can be seen as a seamless process flowing from kindergarten through graduate school.

Dr. Meehan hopes to more accurately accomplish the institution’s mission, which means integrating traditional academic programs with career oriented programs for the students of Alabama. His vision for the future is based on the philosophy that education is a utility for economic development.

Dr. Meehan has and continues to be very active in numerous civic organizations. He has been an executive committee member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of East Central Alabama. He is active in the area Chambers of Commerce both Calhoun and Etowah County. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Jacksonville, Alabama. He is married to the former Elizabeth Stevens and together they are the parents of twin boys, Drew and Will, and a daughter Carol Grace.

Last updated on 07/09/2008 10:06:31 AM