Cheryl Brown, PhD, leads Stanford’s Office of Residential Education (ResEd), overseeing the undergraduate residential experience—one of the most formative and memorable aspects of student life at Stanford. I collaborate with the ResEd leadership team to manage our professional staff, the Resident Fellow (RF) program, and residential student leaders (RAs and ETAs) across more than 70 undergraduate residences. Our department works closely with campus partners to provide a web of support for RFs and student leaders, who aim to build a strong house culture and create programs that foster student development, belonging, and community.
More About Cheryl
Cheryl has over two decades of professional experience in higher education, including more than fifteen years at Stanford. She holds a PhD in Education from UCLA, with a focus on higher education and organizational change and brings extensive experience in residential life and a strong commitment to student-centered leadership.
Cheryl assumed the role of Assistant Vice Provost for ResEd in January 2020, guiding the department through the challenges of COVID-19 and working closely with R&DE to reopen undergraduate housing in 2021. Since then, she has focused on rebuilding a vibrant residential community in partnership with campus leaders. She remains deeply engaged with students, ensuring their voices inform her team’s work and the broader student experience.
Prior to this role, Cheryl was Director of Frosh 101, a student-led course designed to support first-year students. Under her leadership, the program grew from a pilot in five residences to full implementation across all frosh houses within three years—a reflection of her collaborative leadership and responsiveness to student needs.
Throughout her time at Stanford, Cheryl has remained committed to student mentorship and development. Early in her tenure, when she served as the Associate Director for AAAS, Cheryl was honored with the BCSC’s Faculty/Staff Mentor of the Year award (2011) and the ASSU’s Teacher of the Year award (2012).
Cheryl often represents the university at New Student Orientation and national professional conferences, where she shares insights on cultivating inclusive and dynamic residential environments. On campus, you’ll find her hosting RF events in Meier Hall, attending sporting events, performances, and lectures —or enjoying a walk with her labradoodle, Justice.
Connect With Cheryl
To connect with Cheryl, please email her directly.
