Biography
Dr. Sherri L. Theaker serves as Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance at West Liberty University, where she leads teacher education, exercise physiology, and graduate and doctoral programs. With more than 30 years of experience in higher education, educator preparation, special education, and academic leadership, she has served as dean, department chair, graduate studies dean, accreditation coordinator, and faculty senate chair. Dr. Theaker is nationally recognized for her expertise in accreditation, assessment, program development, and continuous improvement, having led successful CAEP, AAQEP, and HLC accreditation efforts and served as a CAEP and AAQEP reviewer. She is committed to strengthening university-school partnerships, expanding student opportunities, and fostering academic excellence. A native of Ohio, Dr. Theaker earned degrees from The Ohio State University, Youngstown State University, and Ohio University. When not serving the university, Dr. Theaker enjoys making memories with her three adult daughters and cherished grandson. She is also an avid show cattle enthusiast, a hobby that connects her to the values of hard work, stewardship, and rural life.
Education
Dr. Sherri L. Theaker has dedicated her career to helping students achieve their educational and professional goals. With more than three decades of experience in higher education, she has served as a faculty member, department chair, graduate dean, and college dean. Her leadership has resulted in the creation of new academic programs, innovative community partnerships, expanded student opportunities, and successful accreditation outcomes. Passionate about student success and community engagement, Dr. Theaker works closely with faculty, schools, and regional partners to develop programs that address workforce needs while providing meaningful and accessible educational experiences for future educators, health professionals, and community leaders.
Professional Experiences
Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction/Special Education, Ohio University; M.S., Education (Early Childhood Special Education), Youngstown State University; B.S., Human Ecology (Human Relations and Child Development), The Ohio State University. Dean of the College of Education and Human Performance at West Liberty University; former Dean of Graduate Studies; Professor of Education; CAEP Site Reviewer and CAEP- Program Accreditation Reviewer and National Site Review Team Member; AAQEP Program Reviewer and National Site Review Team Member. Dr. Theaker has extensive experience in educator preparation, accreditation, assessment, licensure, continuous improvement, academic leadership, and program development.
Most Recent Publications and Presentations
Book Chapter
Theaker, S. (2026). From accreditation crisis to closing the loop: Building a sustainable culture of continuous improvement. Accepted for publication in Closing the Loop: Continuous Improvement in Educator Preparation. Myers Education Press in partnership with AAQEP.
Peer-Reviewed Presentations
Theaker, S. (2026, March 26-27). Emergency accreditation turnarounds: Leadership lessons. Peer-reviewed presentation at the AAQEP 2026 Quality Assurance Symposium, Irving, TX.
Theaker, S., and Whitehead, R. (2026). Motivation, mentorship, and momentum: Exploring the impact of a dissertation residency for online Ed.D. students: A phenomenological inquiry into the transformative power of face-to-face learning in a virtual program. Peer-reviewed presentation at the Twenty-Fourth Annual Hawaii International Conference on Education, Honolulu, HI.