Dave Meredith
Vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management
What do you like about your job?
I work with some pretty amazing people who consistently remind me of the importance of the work we do. Outside of the medical field, I’m not sure who else can say they come to work and change the trajectory of someone’s life. It’s powerful to understand that.
What do you like to do outside of work?
When I lived in North Carolina, searching for fossilized shark teeth in the rivers or diving off the coast for megalodon teeth was always fun. I’m excited to go fossil hunting in Illinois.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
If you keep the question “What’s in the best interest of the student?” at your core, you’ll rarely go wrong.
How do you like spending time with friends and/or family?
My wife and I are outdoor people, so we like hiking and exploring historical sites.
Who’s someone who has had a significant impact on your career?
My boss at UNC-Chapel Hill was Barbara Polk. She taught me a lot about working with people and how to be a good leader. If I ever do anything the right way, it’s probably due to her influence.
Have you traveled to any interesting places?
Tikal in Guatemala. I took a group of students there when I worked at the University of Cincinnati for a spring break trip. I’ve always been fascinated by the Maya, and standing at the top of the main pyramid gave me chills.
Where have you lived or traveled?
I lived in New Orleans for a few years when I worked for the University of New Orleans. I’m still a member of a Mardi Gras krewe, the Krewe of Freret.