Lisa M. Meeks credits her mother with instilling in her an understanding of civil rights and “the idea that all individuals should be treated equally.”
These powerful values undergird her work. As assistant professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco, Meeks puts into daily practice both research acumen and theoretical insight honed in CSU’s doctoral program. She is a disabilities’ advocate and specialist.
“I get to effect change in medical education every day, ensuring that all students have equal access to the curriculum. I am also employed at a school … committed to social justice and equal access. I love that students like me -- first generation in college, underrepresented, financially disadvantaged -- are attending the #2 medical school in the country!”
Her current position, Meek says, “is absolutely magical.”
She likewise cherishes CSU, where she cultivated positive relationships, even lifelong friends. “The (doctoral) cohort model is amazing,” she says.
Meeks holds a master’s degree from the University of Alabama and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida. Enthusiastic about CSU, she urges any prospective student on the fence about attending to “absolutely do it! You must be organized and self-motivated, but if you reach out for help it is there -- the faculty are amazing. You can accomplish anything with hard work and focus.”
Her proudest accomplishment is yet to come, she believes. “But being published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) and publishing three books in three years was pretty cool!”
She has passed on the torch of educational passion. “I am the proud mother of two grown children -- a junior at Cleveland State and a junior at the University of Alabama. They are social justice-minded adults and very kind people. I think the kind part is what I am proudest of!”
