Biography
Melissa Russell is a dedicated faculty member in the Department of Human Performance and Recreation and an Associate Dean of Student Success in the Office of Academic Support and Interdisciplinary Studies. She currently teaches in the Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation Management, and Interdisciplinary Studies programs. Melissa has previously enjoyed teaching at institutions such as Brigham Young University, Florida International University, and Grambling State University. She has a deep love for her students and their success.
Passionate about mental health, Melissa is committed to enhancing well-being through education and practical initiatives. She created and currently runs the Thrive mental health program on campus, which helps students navigate their mental health and find joy in life.
Beyond the classroom, Melissa has years of experience helping clients with mental health in rehabilitation services. She has loved the agencies and the clients she has had the opportunity to serve. Her latest pursuit involves spearheading programs that bring therapists to orphanages internationally. This past summer, many alumni and friends joined her in offering therapeutic services at an orphanage in Ghana.
In her personal life, Melissa loves sports, the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family, especially her nieces and nephews.