_edited_.png)
DR. jEFFREY SHEARS
Jeffrey Shears is a joint appointed Professor in the Social Work Departments at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University & UNC Greensboro, where he is also the Director of the Joint Masters Social Work Program (JMSW). Dr. Shears earned his BSW and Masters in Education Administration from North Carolina A&T State University and his PhD in Social Work from the University of Denver. His research interest is men (fathering, multicultural issues, HIV and AIDS) and quantitative research with an emphasis on data sharing among social service agencies. In addition, Dr. Shears has an extensive list of academic publications on fathering featured in national and internationally refereed journals. He is co-author of the acclaimed “What all Dads Should Know” (Createaspace Publishers, 2011).
CHRIS MEADOWS, m. Ed
Chris Meadows, AKA “Coach Chris” has spent over 20 years developing and mentoring some of the highest performing basketball players in the U.S. and several other countries. This includes developing and coaching over 1000 Division 1 basketball players and 12 McDonald’s All Americans, many of whom have continued to play professionally in the NBA and WNBA.
His work in travel basketball has distinguished him as a coach. He has won multiple national showcases on both the boys’ and girls’ travel circuits and served as the of Director of Player Development for several national organizations. Chris Meadows’ imprint on the game of basketball has extended far beyond the court and into the lives of the players and families across the country. Chris has also worked exclusively with many college coaches to assist with player development during the summer months.
Chris earned a scholarship to play basketball at Saint Bonaventure University where he completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education. Chris and his family reside in the state of North Carolina. His son is a college senior and his daughter is a Point Guard at High Point University.
Chris recently coauthored the book I AM D-1: How to Conquer the World of Travel Basketball. He describes this book as his commitment and obligation to empower, inform and encourage players and families who are working toward earning a D-1 scholarship.