Center for Educational Development and Support
Named in honor of Dr. Anna Cherrie Epps, the Center for Educational Development and Support (CEDS) is a comprehensive academic support, professional center that nurtures excellence in learning in the four schools: Applied Computational Sciences, Dentistry, Graduate Studies and Research, and Medicine.
CEDS is centrally located on the Meharry campus in D.T. Rolfe Hall. The upper level offers four spacious group study rooms and two classrooms with a seating capacity of 35. The break area is equipped with vending machines. The lower level offers a computer lab for computer-based learning, two large space instructional learning rooms for group interaction, and five independent study rooms.
Mission
Together we can support student learning and promote student academic achievement through collaborative learning and academic acceleration.
Vision
To support the academic success of student doctors, future researchers, data scientists, and public health professionals.
Values
Tailored approaches to student success; open communication; collaboration across the college, positive relationships, collaborative learning; student-centered services.
Goals
Provide the academic support that each student needs; prepare students for their future careers; foster learning and skills development to assure excellence for all students.
Collaborative Learning
CEDS has facilitated collaborative learning through its peer tutor program for over ten years. Peer tutors are trained by CEDS staff and certified through the International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC), sponsored by the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
Tutoring sessions are available to all students upon request. All sessions are group tutoring which consists of two or more students. A component of tutoring is the Tutor Led Instruction (TLI), which consists of large group settings. All tutor related activities are scheduled through the electronic tracking system, TracCloud.
Academic Skills
For accelerated learning, students can work with an Educational Skills Specialist in the follow areas:
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking/Analytical Reasoning
- Stress Management Advising
- Self-Confidence Building
- Reading & Comprehension
- Test Taking Strategies
- Note Taking
- Study Techniques
Comprehensive Board Review Program
In collaboration with the Schools of Dentistry, and Medicine, respectively, CEDS provides resources to support success with the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1 and 2, the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) and the NBDE Part II.
Resources
Counseling Services
Library
Students with Disabilities
Meharry Medical College is committed to providing access to all students. Please click here to find out more information about requesting accommodations.
Administration & Staff

Pamela Rucker, M.A., M.P.A.
Assistant Director and Educational Skills Specialist
Email: prucker@mmc.edu

Services for Students
- Skills Profile Assessment
- Skill Improvement Instruction in:
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking/Analytical Reasoning
- Stress Management Advising
- Self-Confidence Building
- Reading & Comprehension
- Test Taking Strategies
- Note Taking
- Study Techniques
- Individual Skills Development Consultation
- Computerized Student Practice Testing
- Peer Tutoring – Nationally Certified
- Small Group Intervention Review Sessions
- Small Group Case-Based Review Sessions
- Comprehensive Medical Review Program – USMLE Steps 1 and 2
- Comprehensive Dental Review Program – NBDE and NBDE Part 2