Dr. Melanie V. Tucker is seasoned higher education professional, currently serving Maryville College as the Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students, and as the Chief Diversity Officer. She is a steadfast advocate for access and inclusion, and a passionate champion for individualized student success.
Dr. Tucker’s path to Eastern Tennessee has taken her across the county – from Eastern Washington University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Psychology while working in various mental health settings; to the University of New Orleans where she worked within the community supporting individuals with chronic mental illness transition to independent living while earning her Master’s degree in Counselor Education; to Southeast Missouri State University, where she served as the Director of Learning Assistance Programs & Disability Support Services, and earned her Education Specialist degree in Counseling Education; to Northern Illinois University where she served as the Assistant Vice President for Student Services and earned her Doctor of Education in Adult & Higher Education; and, to Dickinson State University in North Dakota where she served as the Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management. Prior to her career in higher education, Dr. Tucker worked as a state and nationally credentialed mental health professional serving adolescents and adults within clinics, hospitals, public/private settings, and a state penitentiary.
The first in her family to earn her doctorate, Melanie seeks to give back professionally, as others have done for her. She has become a sought-after guest speaker, touching on topics such as critical hope, humor as an education tool, inclusive design, student success, and women in higher education. Dr. Tucker is a proudly published author with writings covering topics such as threat preparedness on college campuses, crisis management, concerning student behavior, violence prevention, student engagement, leadership transitions, integrating senior leadership and parenthood, and universal design.
Dr. Tucker’s drive to make a difference in the lives of students begins at home, where she is the proud parent of an inquisitive and thoughtful 7-year-old daughter.
, | February 2, 2022 3:00 PM