After a conference call meeting, the Board of Trustees confirmed Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.’s appointment of Dr. Melody C. Pierce as the new Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs in a teleconference just moments ago.
Martin also worked with Pierce when he was chancellor of Winston Salem State University.In a press release, Martin explains why he selected Pierce out of the four other finalists.
“Dr. Pierce brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, student affairs and enrollment services,” Martin said.
“She is the ultimate professional and student advocate who will strengthen our focus to holistically develop young people into successful, contributing citizens.”
Dr. Judy Nazirah Rashid, who was appointed interim vice chancellor on Feb. 8 to replace retired Vice Chancellor Sullivan A. Welborne Jr., will continue in the post and serve on the Chancellor’s Senior Cabinet until Pierce assumes her duties no later than July 1.
Pierce was named vice chancellor for student affairs at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) in 2001 by Martin. From 2006-2008, she was vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment services providing leadership, coordination and budgetary supervision for 15 units.
Prior to 2001, Pierce served in a variety of administrative roles including vice chancellor for student affairs at Southern University, vice president for student affairs at Albany State University, assistant vice president/director of residence life and the student union center at Chicago State University, and director of student life at the University of the Virgin Islands.
In addition, she served with the New York State Education Department, the State University of New York, Michigan State University, Stephens College, Lincoln University, and Southern Illinois University.
Pierce has been a SACS Reaffirmation Committee Campus Visit consultant, she has sought grant activity to support WSSU’s Division of Student Affairs, and she has led major student affairs partnerships like the Mission of Good Hope Project to South Africa, collaboration between WSSU and Wake Forest University in 2007 and 2008.
Presently, Pierce is a member of the Crosby Scholars Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Northwest North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross in Winston-Salem.
She has received national academic and civic awards and is actively affiliated with many professional organizations, associations, activities, conferences and workshops.
Pierce received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in child and family studies from Southern Illinois University.
Her Ed.S. in higher and adult education is from the University of Missouri and Ph.D. in college and university administration is from Michigan State University.
- Dexter R. Mullins