Teresa Merriweather Orok: Pioneering as the First Black Woman to Lead the University Economic Development Association

Teresa Merriweather Orok, a seasoned administrator at Alabama A&M University, has been appointed as the president of the University Economic Development Association (UEDA). This historic milestone makes her the first Black woman and the inaugural representative from a historically Black college or university to lead UEDA. Founded in 1976, the UEDA fosters partnerships between educational institutions and various sectors to enhance regional economic prospects. Notably, Alabama A&M University will co-host UEDA’s annual summit this fall, marking a significant first for HBCUs.