Biography

Cheryl Foster specializes in helping others to uncover the roots of their disciplinary passion, then funnel what they find into innovative course design, meaningful and creative assessment methods, dynamic classroom environments, the mentoring students beyond traditional courses, and lifepath advising including but not limited to progress through the academic major. She has a particular commitment to promoting the inclusion and empowerment of those who are first generation college students, from low and moderate income families, or part of communities that are thus far underrepresented or less visible in higher education.

Beyond her work at URI Cheryl has been extensively involved in the national movement to open up highly selective academic opportunities to students from public colleges and universities, including service to the Truman, Marshall, and Gates scholarship foundations. She has received numerous teaching and advising awards and has been at URI since 1992, working in a variety of capacities.