Experience & Scholarship

ABOUT

From my early days in the East Orange School District to my current leadership at Saint Elizabeth University, I have focused on the intersections of policy, advocacy, and direct student support. I am known for my ability to manage complex, large-scale student services while never losing sight of the individual student navigating academic or institutional barriers. Whether I am overseeing a $1M state-funded budget or designing an early-alert system that boosts retention by 15%, my goal is to create environments where students of all backgrounds can thrive.

Core Areas of Expertise

Strategic Retention

Building coordinated systems that bridge the gap between admission and graduation.

Fiscal & Regulatory Stewardship

Expertly managing state-funded resources and ensuring total compliance with the Office of the Secretary of Higher

Education.Inclusive Pedagogy

Designing coursework and summer bridge programs specifically tailored to the needs of first-generation students.

Education, Systems & Technical Proficiencies

ABILITIES

Doctor of Education (EdD),
Educational Leadership

Caldwell University

Master of Science in Education

University of New Haven

Bachelor of Arts, Political Science & History

SUNY Albany

Educational
Foundation

Systems
& Technical Proficiencies

Student Success & Management

Ellucian, Banner, Navigate, Campus Nexus, WaterMark

Operations & Development

Blackbaud, Raiser’s Edge, ADP, Moodle

Collaboration

Microsoft Office, Google Workspace

Thought Leadership
& Service

Community Partnerships

EOFPANJ Directors’ Summit (2025)

Race, Medicine, and Health Inequity

The 1619 Project (2023)

Bias in AP

College Board Summer Institute (2021)

Libby Clarke

Web Marketing Manager, Saint Elizabeth University

It has been such a joy working with Melissa. She has a rare talent for balancing high-level strategy with genuine empathy, making her the kind of leader who turns complex challenges into clear, actionable paths forward. She has transformed the EOF program with her steadfast, cheerful presence. Her ability to take data and use it to fuel strong choices has meant she creates the change we need at SEU at a crucial time. I come away from meetings with her reminded of our larger mission and inspired to carry on. She doesn't just manage programs; she advocates for them with a level of dedication that is contagious to everyone on the team.

Bonnie Taylor

Lead Business Teacher, New Milford High School

I was fortunate to work with Mrs. Melissa Jones for five years at STEM Academy High School. Her warm and welcoming approach is second nature, making students and coworkers alike feel at ease. Melissa established an updated application process that digitized the process while tracking data trends, and her superior skill set is highlighted in her efforts to bring more advanced placement classes into the district. Her demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire will be a valuable asset to your school and faculty.

Words of Praise

TESTIMONIALS