About the Dean

Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Ph.D., is the dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences and a professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Human health and well-being across the lifespan are at the core of the college’s mission, with basic, applied and translational research spanning cell to society. Education, research and community engagement activities focus on such areas as physical activity, public health, health technology, rehabilitation sciences, communication, health disparities, healthy communities and includes prevention, behavioral and social interventions, adaptations and accommodations to improve quality of life.

After receiving her Ph.D. from Illinois, Dr. Hanley-Maxwell joined the faculty of the Rehabilitation Institute at Southern Illinois University and subsequently became a faculty member in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education and an associate dean in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Hanley-Maxwel received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from Illinois and worked as a vocational specialist, behavior consultant, educational coordinator and teacher.

Dr. Hanley-Maxwell’s multi-disciplinary work focuses on improving the lives of youth and adults with disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities. This includes inclusive education, school-to-adult life transitions, community employment and independent living. She authored numerous publications, with her work appearing in top journals; provided a large number of peer-reviewed and invited presentations and keynotes and serves as a reviewer for several top rehabilitation journals. She has directed/co-directed research and personnel preparation grants; participated in professional, community, state and national committees and task forces and provided consultative services throughout the nation.