Span of Responsibility: Melva works directly under the Provost as the liaison for all academic support initiatives. She provides oversight and develops support programs and policy that aid in retention and persistence. She is also tasked with creating and implementing innovative ways to assess all academic support areas in an effort to continuously improve their contribution to the mission of the College. Melva also works to analyze the academic performance of students to assist in them in meeting the rigors of Centenary College. She also serves on many committees including the Enrollment Policy Committee and Diversity Committee. More importantly, she enjoys creating opportunities for students of this renowned liberal arts college to become leaders in the 21St Century.
Speaking Engagements:
- Keynote Speaker – Livingstone College Convocation
- Keynote Speaker – Sigma Gamma Rho Scholarship Banquet
Recent Community Awards:
- The Difference Award – Making an impact on Higher Education in Louisiana
Community Affiliations:
Louisiana Teaching Fellows-2009 Teacher Selector
Board Member – The Odyssey Foundation
Grants Review Board Member – Shreveport Regional Arts Council
American College Personnel Association
Louisiana Non-Profit Organization
Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators
Board Member – Shreveport Symphony Organization
How has this Ph.D. helped your career? Since graduating with my Ph.D. many exciting opportunities have been presented such as becoming a voice and competent informational source for higher education policy and trends in my city to several career opportunities. Although it was certainly beneficial to have had a previous tenure of service in higher education prior to obtaining my terminal degree, I can say unequivocally that the Ph.D. from the Jake Ayers Institute for Research in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University has made all the difference. In 2009, one year after completing my studies at JSU, I was chosen to serve as the Chief of Staff to the System President of Southern University which is the only HBCU System in the nation. Because of my rigorous studies at Jackson, I was able to feel confident when creating academic policy that helped to shape the academic experience of over 14,000 students throughout the state of Louisiana. From that experience, I have been able to continue along a career trajectory with increasing responsibility.