Phone:
Email: devries@juniata.edu
Office:
Office Hours: [Hours]

Biography

Dr. Merriwether-deVries came to Juniata in 2001 after earning a doctorate in human development and family studies in 2000 from Penn State University. She earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree, both from Penn State in human development and family studies, in
1990 and 1994, respectively.

At Juniata, she has taught such courses as Introduction to Sociology, Minorities, The American Family and Social Welfare Policy and Services. Before coming to Juniata she was a lecturer in the sociology department at Penn State from 1994 to 2000. In the summer of 2001, she also worked as a research associate on the Juniata College African-American Oral History Project.

Merriwether-deVries' doctoral research focused on how African-American adolescent mothers adjust to the role of motherhood. Her research has been published in such journals asGenerations and Marriage and Family Review.
Before returning to college to complete her education, Merriwether-deVries worked as children's program coordinator at the Centre County Women's Resource Center from 1985 to 1988. From 1983 to 1985, she was assistant director of the First Steps and Kinderhouse Group Day Care Homes operated by the Child Development Council of Centre County. In 1983, she worked as an assistant teacher at the State College Children's House Montessori School.

Merriwether-deVries received the Penn State University Commission for Women Student Leader Award in 1997 and was awarded the Certificate of Citizen Service from the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Citizen Service in 1991. She was named a New York Bicentennial Scholar in 1976. Merriwether-deVries was named to the Penn State College of Health and Human Development Honor Society in 1989 and became a member of the Golden Key National Honor
Society in 1988.

She is a member of the Pennsylvania Sociological Society and the Friends Council on Higher Education. She also is a member of the Leadership Roundtable of the Huntingdon County "Families r First" Collaborative. She actively volunteers her time for such community organizations as The American Lung Association, the Ballet Theatre of Central Pennsylvania, Centre County Special Olympics and the State College Community Theatre.

Cy and husband Paul have a daughter Jillian.