Hometown: Kankakee, IL
Undergraduate Institution & Major: Grambling State University, Biology
Graduate Institution & Major: Nicholls State University, Education Leadership W/ Concentration in Higher Education Administration
Bio: Melvin J. Harrison serves as the Director for Academic Affairs for the Illinois Community College Board. He is responsible for implementing and evaluating academic policy and initiatives across the 48 community colleges in the State of Illinois. His work primarily focuses on improving the access and transfer infrastructure, supporting developmental education reform, assessing academic program quality and student success, and advancing faculty development and work. Melvin is excited to have returned home to Illinois after living and working professionally in Louisiana for nearly 15 years in higher education roles. In addition to his serving as an educator and administrator, he engages in Christian education ministry. He is a certified Dean of Christian Education by the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., collaborating with affiliates to develop and design engaging religious education and training opportunities targeting Millennials and Generation Z.
Relevant Professional Experience: Former Director for Student Affairs, South Central Louisiana Technical College-Reserve Campus; Former Assistant Dean, United Theological Seminary & Bible College-Houma Extension; Community & Educational Services Consultant, Forward Leading Management Consulting.
Research Interest: Education Policy and Finance, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, student success, and black male achievement.
Professional Affiliations: Higher Education Leadership Foundation Fellow (Zeta Cohort), Association of Blacks in Higher Education, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Volunteer Activities: National Baptist Congress of Christian Education (faculty), Ideal Missionary & Educational Baptist Association, United Theological Seminary & Bible College-Houma Extension Campus Advisor Committee, and Council on Occupational Education (certified visiting team member).