About Cheryl Achterberg

 

Dr. Cheryl Achterberg joined Iowa State University as inaugural dean of the College of Human Sciences on September 1, 2005.

Born and raised in California, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology, and then moved to Maine for six years. She worked in the Department of Food Science at the University of Maine and completed a master's degree in human development there. In 1986, she received a Ph.D. in human nutrition from Cornell University.

Upon graduation, she served as an assistant professor Pennsylvania State University in the nutrition department, rose through the ranks to professor and became director of the Penn State Nutrition Center. In 1997, she became the founding dean of the Schreyer Honors College, which she brought national prominence in six years. The Schreyer Honors College became known for sending of 50% of its first-year students abroad; creating a national model for honors service learning; leadership development; and academic excellence that rivals all Ivy League institutions.

Dean Achterberg has written dozens of scientific papers, received a number of teaching awards, and worked around the globe.