MEREDITH A.

DEACON

CORE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

Coordinated, developed, and implemented cross-divisional programming to support the success of all
undergraduate and graduate students at Bridgewater State University.
Proven track record working with diverse populations in a variety of settings domestically as well as in Nicaragua,
Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, Morocco, and Jordan.
Provided training, supervision, hiring, and mentoring services to volunteers and interns in both the nonprofit and
higher education sector.
Developed, drafted, and implemented several nonprofit organizational policies concerned with social media and
strategic planning.
Conducted grant research and collaborated on grant proposals for multiple organizations including FNE
International.

EDUCATION

Master of Public Administration Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Cum Laude

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA Assumption College, Worcester, MA
Graduated: December 2015 Graduated: May 2012
Concentration: Civic and Nonprofit Leadership Minor: Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies

RELATED EXPERIENCE

Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA

Coordinator of Student Success Interventions April 2016 Present
As part of the Division of Student Success and Diversity, I serve all BSU students by providing direct support
services and programs with a variety of objectives, particularly ensuring student retention.
Interpreting institutional data on achievement gaps present at the University
Developing, leading, and coordinating cross-divisional interventions aimed at eliminating those achievement gaps.
Faculty (Part-Time), Political Science Department July 2016 Present
Planning and instructing professional development modules as part of the Certified Public Manager Program at
Bridgewater State University.
Courses taught to date: Managing Human Resources in the Public and Nonprofit Sector.
Office Assistant (Temporary), Multiple Departments September 2016 April 2016
Worked with various departments on campus to ensure student success through programming related to student
retention, policy analysis, and regional engagement.
Program Assistant (Temporary), Mandela Washington Fellowship June 2016 July 2016
Served as residential advisor to a group of twenty-five fellows from all over Africa as they completed a
comprehensive six-week academic program on public management.
Assisted Coordinator in all aspects of the program, from supervising other program staff and community site visits,
to collaborating with other University departments on logistics of the various program activities.
Graduate Assistant, Academic Counselor August 2014-December 2015
Advised diverse caseload of first year students on core curriculum and other issues related to their academic
standing.
Led various presentations regarding the Universitys academic policies in large and small group settings, in
addition to individual advising sessions.
Intern August 2014
Collected firsthand accounts of Palestinian and Syrian refugee camps in Amman, Jordan.
Co-presenter on findings and observations back to the University community.
Co-Investigator on International Research July 2015
Traveled to Fez, Morocco for two weeks to conduct survey research about young people and their perceptions of
government.
Completed a comprehensive paper and corresponding presentation to the University on the research findings.
Meredith Deacon, Page 2

FNE International, Boston, MA September 2014 - September 2015

Clerk to the Board of Directors
Served on the governing body of the organization, voting on all matters that came before the Board of Directors.
Aided in the logistics of service trips to Nicaragua and supervised in-country interns.
Formulated and implemented several policies concerned with organizational structure and strategic planning.
Collaborated on several special event, grant writing, and individual fundraising campaigns for the organization.
Intern
Developed and prepared strategic planning, marketing, and internal communication documents for the
organization.
Attended a nine day service to trip to Nicaragua to participate in community development programs.

Weymouth Public Schools, Weymouth, MA

Paraprofessional-Instructional, Weymouth High School August 2013 June 2014
Served as a classroom aide to English Language Learners.
Worked with students to strengthen their English skills one on one and in small group settings.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Jesuit Volunteer Corps, UNITY of Greater New Orleans August 2012 - December 2012
Information/Referral and Interfaith Coordinator
Participated in six months of post-graduate service.
Assisted in providing services to the homeless by being an information and referral resource to clients.
Coordinated an Interfaith Initiative between UNITY and the Greater New Orleans community.

Assumption College, Worcester, MA August 2009 - May 2012

Campus Ministry Core Team
Served as a Campus Ministry representative on the Colleges Social Justice Committee and collaborated on
campus-wide initiatives, such as obtaining the Colleges Fair Trade Certification from FairTrade USA.
Organized weekly interfaith prayer services and retreats for students.
Facilitated the spiritual development of the student body of Assumption College through social justice events and
discussions.
Attended two service trips to Ecuador and Mexico and led group community service activities and daily reflections.
Service Director, Reach Out Center
Organized groups of volunteers to serve twice a month at the Veterans Shelter and to provide a meal once a
month to the local Dismas House community of former prisoners.
Participated in various community activities to promote awareness for homelessness, including being the
Chairperson of the Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Committee.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

Father Emmanuel DAlzon Crown and Shield Guy Clifford Memorial Scholarship
Assumption College Bridgewater State University
May 2012 May 2014
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

MPA Advisory Board December 2015 - Present

Bridgewater State University

Greater Brockton Young Professionals Steering Committee September 2016 Present

MetroSouth Chamber of Commerce