Chinese Flagship Program Faculty and Staff

Melinda earned her bachelor's degree in French and Religious Studies from Western Kentucky University, and her master's degree in Intercultural Relations with a focus on International Education Exchange, from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. Since 2004, Melinda has worked within the field of higher education, including positions such as Education Abroad Advisor at the University of Kentucky, Administrative Director of the University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology Joint Doctoral Program in the Study of Religion, and Study Abroad Advisor at Western Kentucky University.

A long-time advocate of international academic and professional experiences, Melinda has studied abroad in Ghana, taught English in China, lived in the Netherlands, and has traveled to all continents except for Antarctica. She has formally studied French and Spanish, with short-term language coursework in Chinese, Italian, German, and Dutch. She draws upon these experiences to prepare her students for working and studying overseas, and encourages students to explore internal and external funding for these experiences.

In addition to her passion for travel, Melinda enjoys running near the back of the pack in races, reading, playing competitive four square with her sons in the driveway, and snuggling with her two retired greyhounds.