About Cheryl Achterberg

 

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

She left Iowa State on July 1, 2008, to serve at The Ohio State University as dean of the College of Education and Human Ecology.

During her tenure at Iowa State, Achterberg recruited three new department chairs and an interim chair, led a university-wide effort to improve the supply and preparation of math and science teachers for K-12 and the community colleges, and established the Nutrition Wellness Research Center with Diane Birt as the interim director.

"Dean Achterberg's holistic vision for the future of this new college has provided an important unifying force at a critical time for the college. She leaves an important legacy," said ISU Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Hoffman.

Education and background

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.