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Melissa Jones

Associate Director Trent Lott Leadership Institute and Director of Leadership Endorsement Programming

Melissa Jones

Biography

Dr. Melissa Jones is the Associate Director for the Lott Leadership Institute and the Director of Leadership Endorsement programming. She received her MBA with a specialization in Human Resources from the New York Institute of Technology, her Juris Doctor from ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø School of Law, and her EdD in Higher Education from ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø. Dr. Jones is a member of the Mississippi Bar Association. Throughout her career, she has worked in the insurance and healthcare arenas as well as representing clients in private practice and in the corporate arena as in-house counsel. Dr. Jones joined the Trent Lott Leadership Institute in 2017 and teaches multiple courses in leadership, legal studies, criminal justice, and hospitality law. Through her leadership and partnership with The Center for Practical Ethics, ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø received its first fully-funded institutional impact grant in the amount of $1M titled the Character of Leaders Initiative. The work of the grant centers on integrating character education into every aspect of a student's experience at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø (UM) as well as producing opportunities for faculty and staff development. 
As a non-traditional, first-generation student, Dr. Jones is passionate about increasing access and success for first-generation students. Her research to date has focused on leadership perspectives and barriers to success for first-generation students. Away from campus, she enjoys spending time with her family and their 5 dogs as well as serving pro bono clients.

Education

Ed.D. Education, University of Mississippi (2019)

J.D. , University of Mississippi (2013)

M.B.A. , New York Institute of Technology-Old Westbury

Recognitions

  • Faculty/Staff Unsung Hero, The Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union, 2026
  • Student Organization Advisor of the Year, The Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union, 2022

In the News

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Events

Trent Lott Leadership Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary

OXFORD, Miss. – As the Trent Lott Leadership Institute at ·¬ÇÑÉçÇø celebrates its 25th anniversary, it continues to break new ground in developing future leaders through its unique programs.