DelVal names two new trustees
Dr. Jimmy G. Cheek and Jerry Fritz ’88 were named to the Delaware Valley University Board of Trustees in March.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cheek, a well-known and well-loved higher education administrator and Jerry Fritz, a successful DelVal alumnus to our Board,” said DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo. “Both Jerry and Dr. Cheek will play a critical role in helping students at DelVal to reach their full potential. Dr. Cheek was transformational for the University of Tennessee. He knows how to identify and solve challenges in higher education and we look forward to his leadership and input. Jerry has had an impressive career in his field and is a successful business owner. His wealth of experience will help DelVal expand opportunities for students in a variety of majors.”
Dr. Jimmy Cheek
Dr. Cheek is a University of Tennessee distinguished professor of educational leadership and policy. He is also Chancellor Emeritus for the University of Tennessee Knoxville and a Professor Emeritus for the University of Florida. Dr. Cheek was the seventh chancellor of UT and began in 2009 after spending four years as the senior vice president at the University of Florida. As Chancellor, he increased the size and quality of the freshman class and oversaw $1 billion in construction projects that improved academic buildings, residence halls and athletic facilities. Dr. Cheek also focused on attracting and retaining excellent professors. In February 2017, Tarleton State University recognized him with a Legacy Award for exhibiting the core values of civility, integrity, excellence, leadership, tradition and service. Dr. Cheek earned his master’s degree from Lamar University and his doctorate from Texas A&M University.
"It's an honor to be selected as a member of the Board," said Dr. Cheek. "I look forward to being actively involved and helping to advance all aspects of university life. I've been impressed with what Dr. Gallo has told me about DelVal including the upward trajectory of the University and the experiential learning component. I have known and worked with Maria for a long time and know she is a great leader and visionary. I look forward to working with her to advance the University."
Jerry Fritz
Fritz earned his B.S. in ornamental horticulture from DelVal. He is the president of Jerry Fritz Garden Design, Inc. and Linden Hill Gardens. Since founding his garden design company 28 years ago, he has focused on satisfying his clients’ craving for original and innovative concepts and plant material. He has been involved as an alumnus at DelVal and also serves on the President’s Advisory Council. Linden Hill Gardens earned Philadelphia Magazine’s “Best of Philly” award. Fritz has also been featured as a guest on Martha Stewart’s TV Garden Show “Martha Stewart Living,” Martha Stewart’s Sirius Radio garden program and on WHYY’s, “You Bet Your Garden.” He leads international garden tours to places such as Jamaica and England. In addition to his service at DelVal, Fritz is also a member of the Perennial Plant Association’s Board of Directors.
“I would have to say joining the University’s Board is one of the proudest moments of my life,” said Fritz. “I have dreamed about serving my alma mater and look forward to many years of service to the institution. I want to continue beautifying our campus with gardens and to especially get the students involved in that beautification. I also really want to connect alumni from the landscape and ornamental horticulture majors back to DelVal through networking and open houses, increasing their involvement and their giving.”