Meredeth Summers is a native of Elon, North Carolina and proud graduate of Wake Forest University where she received bachelor’s degrees in sociology and religion with a concentration in family studies. She went on to graduate studies in sociology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, inaddition to an MBA at Strayer University. She received an Executive Juris Doctorate as a dual enrollee at McKinney Law School of Indiana University and Purdue University Global. She completed a doctorate in Strategic Leadership in 2025 from Regent University.
Meredeth is a natural entrepreneur who started her first business, Cre8iveSoul Co., during her junior year at Wake Forest in 1997, an umbrella company specializing in small business consulting, initial imaging and event planning. She also is the Founder and co-owner of Venus Moon Hair Studio, a full service salon, tattoo and piercing shop established in 2008; In The Lyfe, Inc., an event planning company established in 2004; MD Tax Solutions, a tax preparation and consulting firm; MixxFyxx, a meal prep and nutrition consulting business that helps people transition to a healthier lifestyle and Cre8ive Cakes, a small bakery started in 2011 in memory of her late mother.
In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Meredeth currently serves as the Chief of Staff and the Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. She also faithfully serves on the President’s Cabinet. Hailing various roles since 2011, she works closely with the popular Bryan Series, is a Title IX hearing officer, is responsible for executing Opening Convocation and Commencement Exercises and other major events on campus, and is the staff Founder, Director and Advisor for Voices of Victory, the College’s gospel choir. She faithfully serves as an adjunct professor in Integrative Studies, Justice and Policy Studies and also for the Wiser Justice Program that affords a unique opportunity to those incarcerated to earn 30 Guilford College credit hours and certification as a peer support specialist.
Research Description
Dr. Meredeth D. Summers’ scholarly research in higher education bridges global leadership, servant leadership, and cross-cultural engagement through a sociological lens. Her work explores how leadership and entrepreneurship can be cultivated across diverse cultural contexts to promote equity, inclusion, and social transformation. She examines the intersections of race relations, systems of oppression, and historical legacies such as apartheid in South Africa and Jim Crow in the United States—drawing powerful parallels between them to inform truth and reconciliation processes in educational and community settings. Through her research, Dr. Summers advances a vision of higher education as a platform for global citizenship, ethical leadership, and entrepreneurial problem-solving grounded in compassion and justice.
Positions
Education
Dissertation accepted and official graduation is December 2025!
Congratulations, Dr. Summers!
It is my great honor to congratulate you on the successful completion of your DSL final project.
Research Experience
Professional Affiliations
Honors
1st African American valedictorian