Melanie E. Graham, Ph.D. has been appointed as the inaugural Director of Strategic Initiatives for SEES, effective January 10, 2025, following a competitive national search.
A proud Hampton native and newly minted ODU alumna, Dr. Graham defended her Ph.D. in Higher Education this past December and will graduate in May ’25, with her dissertation focusing on partnerships between the Peace Corps and higher education institutions to strengthen global engagement. Since joining SEES in May 2021 as a doctoral graduate assistant and later serving as interim director of special projects, she has made significant contributions to advancing our division’s priorities, including raising $7 million to date to support student recruitment, retention, and attainment. Prior to her time at ODU, Melanie served as a Fulbright Scholar and Peace Corps Project Manager.
In her new role, Dr. Graham will lead strategic initiatives that align with our division’s goals and promote collaboration and organizational effectiveness across division teams and committees. She will also advise high-impact student groups, including Blue Crown Society, SEES Student Leadership Council, and the ODU BOV Student Representative.
