Sheri N. Leavens

Sheri N. (Shaw) Leavens, M.Ed., serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Success and Academic Advising in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) at UNCW. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, she leads initiatives that strengthen the student experience by overseeing and supporting a team that provides high-impact practices to the areas of academic advising, scholarships, pipeline and pathway programs, and pre-health programs within CHHS. She also teaches CHHS 205: Introduction to Health and Human Services, contributing directly to student learning and professional exploration. Her work extends into community impact, where she has collaborated with industry partners to establish pipeline programs, pathway initiatives, and student success scholarships.

Sheri previously held leadership roles at Drexel University, where she directed undergraduate student services and launched the LeBow BRIDGE program to support student success for undergraduate business majors. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, she created and led the nationally recognized Mannie L. Jackson I-LEAP Program, an undergraduate academic enrichment and leadership program housed within the College of Applied Health Sciences.

Clifton Strengths: Learner | Achiever | Relator | Strategic | Arranger

Education

M.Ed. in Educational and Vocational Technology (HRE), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
B.S. in Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
A.A. in Merchandise Product Development, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising

Professional Service

Member, Wilmington Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Member, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated

Community Engagement

Board Member, Willie Stargell Foundation
Advisory Board Member, Wilma Leadership

Honors & Awards

Wilmington Biz 100. Connector, Greater Wilmington Business Journal, 2021-2024
Willie Stargell Award, Willie Stargell Foundation, 2021
Women of Achievement for Education, YWCA Lower Cape Fear, 2019
Dr. Ewaugh Fields Legacy Award, Drexel University Black Alumni Council, 2016
President’s Award for Intercultural Engagement and Diversity., Drexel University, 2013
Larine Y. Cowan "Make a Difference" Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010
Applied Health Sciences Academic Professional Excellence Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2010
Outstanding Advising Program Award, National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), 2009
Robert P. Larsen Human Development Award, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2009