Melinda Messineo, Ph.D.

While serving as a professor of Sociology, Melinda also serves as a distinguished faculty fellow in the Office of Inclusive Excellence. She has 25 years of higher ed experience in classroom and academic leadership roles, and over a decade furthering DEI work through learning and development initiatives. She is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Schnabel Teaching Award from the North Central Sociological Association and the Hans O. Mauksch Award from the American Sociological Association Section on Teaching and Learning. She has served as President of the North Central Sociological Association, Vice President of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociological Honor Society, and was Chair of the Section for Teaching and Learning for the American Sociological Association. She is passionate about removing barriers to inclusion and works to empower all voices so our community can thrive.