GBC’s Dr. Deanna Merritt Honored with DAWN Visionary Award

CONTACT: Janine G. Sorbello, Dir. of Ext. Affairs

CELL: 302-290-3224

EMAIL: [email protected]

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DATE: February 13, 2025

Wilmington, DE – Goldey-Beacom College proudly announces that Dr. Deanna M. Merritt, Director of the Center for Professional Development and Partnerships, has been named a recipient of the prestigious DAWN (Delaware ACE Women’s Network) 2025 Visionary Award. This distinguished honor celebrates leaders who inspire and elevate their communities through innovative thinking, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Dr. Merritt is a trailblazer,” said Goldey-Beacom College President Colleen Perry Keith. “Her visionary thinking and innovative leadership have elevated the Center for Professional Development and Partnerships, and her tireless dedication to promoting the College’s mission is inspiring. She consistently pushes boundaries and creates opportunities, ensuring that the College and the community grow and thrive together.”

Dr. Merritt has championed innovative programming and forged strategic partnerships that align with GBC’s mission of empowering students and professionals to “Achieve Greater.” Through her work, Dr. Merritt has launched key initiatives such as the Advancing Digital Learning Symposium and collaborated with organizations like Delaware’s Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy, Delaware EPSCoR, and the Delaware Restaurant Association to provide cutting-edge training and development opportunities. With over 3 decades of experience, Dr. Merritt is a lifelong educator, devoting 24 years to GBC. She is known for her passion for teaching, her dedication to fostering professional growth, and her forward-thinking leadership.

She recalls one of her proudest moments as an educator, when a student, still wearing a graduation cap and gown, stopped to say, “I never thought I would ever get a degree, and here I am with a master’s.” Moments like these highlight the transformative power of education and the significance of Dr. Merritt’s work at Goldey-Beacom College.

When reflecting on her work, Dr. Merritt emphasizes the power of integrity and perseverance. “Strong, honest, ethical people inspire me,” she shares. “They stand firm in their values, even when it’s difficult. Great leaders have the power to influence and inspire others with integrity and compassion. It’s not about perfection; it’s about conviction, listening when it’s inconvenient, caring when confronted, and the ability to build trust.”

In addition to her recent recognition as a DAWN Visionary, Dr. Merritt has received the GBC Excellence in Teaching Award and served as Faculty Assembly co-chair, where her leadership has been instrumental in enhancing academic programs and fostering professional development opportunities.

Merritt holds a Ph.D. in Management from the University of North Texas, an MA in English Literature from the University of North Texas, and a BA in English from Texas Wesleyan University. Her academic career is practitioner-focused in the areas of Human Resource Management, Organizational Behavior, and Marketing. She is a SHRM-certified professional. She treasures the peace and tranquility of an empty nest, the thrill of two independent children, the absolute joy of a laughing grandchild, and the splendor of spending time with her amazing husband of 30 years.

Delaware ACE Women’s Network (DAWN) is committed to the advancement of women leaders in higher education. For more than 25 years, DAWN has provided information and counsel to constituencies within the higher education community regarding policies, issues, education, and research that influence women’s equity, diversity, and advancement.

DAWN provides national leadership in advancing women to executive positions on campus and serves as a national voice for women in higher education. Staff members also work in collaboration with associations and other groups in higher education on ways to improve the status of women.

Founded in 1918, the mission of the American Council on Education (ACE) is to unite all of American higher education in service to students and society. Counted among its members are more than 1,800 accredited degree-granting colleges and universities and higher education–related associations, organizations, and corporations.

Founded in 1886, Goldey-Beacom College has approximately 1,300 students enrolled from 29 states and 65 nations. The College offers 48 degree options in its graduate and undergraduate programs with majors in psychology, economics, criminal justice, communication & media, human services, English, and all areas of business, including accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship and finance. Additionally, the College offers 21 certificate programs.

The College began accepting students into three new degree programs in fall 2023: Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing, and two concentrations in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program: Cybersecurity and Esports & Gaming Administration. Also offered in fall 2023 are stackable new macro and micro graduate certificate programs.

The College is committed to connecting its graduates with careers in their respective fields. For over a decade, the College has achieved a 90% placement rate for graduates. Goldey-Beacom College is located in Pike Creek Valley, a suburb of Wilmington, Delaware. The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.