Biography
Joanne Meier, Ph.D., is the Senior Assistant Dean for Digital and Instructional Initiatives, where she leads teams focused on faculty development, instructional design, media production, and live studio operations. In this role, she has played a key part in guiding faculty and staff through major instructional transitions, including the rapid shift during COVID-19 and currently, the impact of GenAI.
Dr. Meier joined Darden in 2014, following a faculty appointment at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development. Her career spans a wide range of educational settings—from top-ranked business schools to PBS—where she has provided expertise in curriculum design and instructional innovation to diverse stakeholders.
She is a co-author of PALS, a widely used literacy screening instrument currently implemented by more than 17,000 PreK–grade 3 teachers across Virginia. Dr. Meier has also conducted research and published in several professional education journals.
She holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from the University of Virginia and a B.A. from the University of South Carolina. In 2019, she completed UVA’s Cornerstone Program for high-potential leaders.
