Melanie Jones

Melanie Jones, Director of Academic Diversity Outreach in University College oversees the department’s budget, functional operations, and financial activities.  Melanie’s primary focus is to provide support to underrepresented students who are racially diverse, first -generation, and from limited income background.  Melanie is the co-chair for the Academic Diversity Outreach Action Team, a committee that focuses on support and success resources for underrepresented students in each college across campus.  Melanie also serves on the Kupita Transiciones (K/T) planning committee, Great Place Initiative (GPI) student engagement group. 

The following initiatives are under Melanie’s purview which provide support for underrepresented students.  Key Connections, Summer Advantage, LEAD Ambassadors, and the First-Generation Celebration.  Melanie has also developed the Faculty Connections initiative, which is designed to create a space to enhance student - faculty relationships to increase their sense of belonging, and academic/research pursuits.