Laura Meehan
Associate Director of First Year Studies
University of Tampa
Company
University of Tampa
University of Tampa
Education
Awards:
2022 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year
2022 USF Extra Yard Educator
2022 State Farm Life Impact Educator
2023 Council for Excpetional Children DARTs Educator
Home Region
West Central
Class
Education Class 8
Areas of Expertise
Advocacy, Arts & Entertainment, Disability & Accessibility, Organizational Culture & Belonging, Education, Fitness, Leadership
Biography
Dr. Laura Meehan is a proud veteran educator serving over 10 years in charter and public school settings in roles both as a classroom teacher and administrator. In addition to being selected as the 2022 Hillsborough County Public Schools District Teacher of the Year, Laura has served in several leadership roles at the school, district, and community levels.
Currently, Dr. Meehan serves as the Associate Director of First-Year Studies and professor at the University of Tampa, where she supports students during their pivotal transition into college. Her work focuses on designing inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming that fosters student success, belonging, and leadership development. She is committed to advancing academic, social, and professional readiness through intentional programming, cross-campus collaboration, and real-world learning experiences.
Previously, Laura taught music and special education and then served at a high school on the administrative team in Hillsborough County, where she led efforts to foster a positive and equitable school culture. She worked closely with staff, families, and community partners to implement data-driven, culturally responsive practices that met the diverse needs of all students. She also served as Director of Education Development and Strategy at Workforce Development Partners, leading programming and curriculum design efforts aligned to workforce innovation and regional needs.
Laura enjoys being outside, participating in triathlons, and going on "race-cations" to experience different parts of the world. Originally, she is from Dallas, Texas, but has lived in Florida for 13 years. She is married to her husband, Jesse, and has two teenage step-kids and two dogs.
Currently, Dr. Meehan serves as the Associate Director of First-Year Studies and professor at the University of Tampa, where she supports students during their pivotal transition into college. Her work focuses on designing inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming that fosters student success, belonging, and leadership development. She is committed to advancing academic, social, and professional readiness through intentional programming, cross-campus collaboration, and real-world learning experiences.
Previously, Laura taught music and special education and then served at a high school on the administrative team in Hillsborough County, where she led efforts to foster a positive and equitable school culture. She worked closely with staff, families, and community partners to implement data-driven, culturally responsive practices that met the diverse needs of all students. She also served as Director of Education Development and Strategy at Workforce Development Partners, leading programming and curriculum design efforts aligned to workforce innovation and regional needs.
Laura enjoys being outside, participating in triathlons, and going on "race-cations" to experience different parts of the world. Originally, she is from Dallas, Texas, but has lived in Florida for 13 years. She is married to her husband, Jesse, and has two teenage step-kids and two dogs.