William A. Meehan

Dr. William A. Meehan, born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, served in several roles for JSU before becoming president, including coordinator of medical technology, director of academic advisement, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs, acting vice president for academic affairs, associate vice president for academic and student affairs, and acting vice president for institutional advancement.

On July 1, 1999, he became the 11th president of JSU. During his tenure as president, five buildings were constructed from the ground up: the McGee Science Center, the Gladys M. Carlisle Fine Arts Facility, the Little River Canyon Center, Kennamer Hall, and Stadium Tower. (On April 20, 2015, the board of trustees voted to rename Stadium Tower William Meehan Hall in honor of the outgoing president.) The Houston Cole Library, Martin Hall, and Jack Hopper Dining Hall underwent makeovers during the Meehan administration, as well.

Meehan held the third longest term in JSU’s history, exceeded only by Presidents Clarence W. Daugette (1899-1942) and Houston Cole (1942-1971).