Dr. Melanie V. Tucker Named New Vice President and Dean of Students
Maryville College will soon be welcoming to campus a new Vice President and Dean of Students, Dr. Melanie V. Tucker. MC President Tom Bogart sent out a memorandum on Feb. 6 officially announcing Tucker’s acceptance of the position.
The search committee responsible for filling the open position was led by Dr. Drew Crain and was put together by Bogart. The committee consisted of faculty and staff members as well as students.
“We cast out our net internationally,” said Crain.
“We had about 78 applicants to sift through initially,” Crain explained.
Through an intricate process of elimination, the committee eventually narrowed the applicant pool down to three candidates who then visited the campus.
“They were here in the hot seat for two days and they were all three phenomenal candidates. The days were spent running around meeting with all possible constituents,” said Crain.
After careful consideration, Tucker was called to the position. Tucker is excited to serve the Maryville College community.
“I am honored to become the next Vice President and Dean of Students at MC,” said Tucker. “The students I interacted with during the interview process impressed me with their thoughtful questions and insights into the MC community.”
The position of VP and Dean of Students involves itself in every aspect of the student’s life on campus with a wide range of responsibilities. According to Bogart’s memorandum, Tucker comes to MC equipped with an Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education from Northern Illinois University, an E.Ds. in Counseling Education from Southeast Missouri State University, an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of New Orleans and a B.A. in Applied Psychology from Eastern Washington University.
With so much emphasis on diversity as of late, Tucker is well prepared to lead our school into the top realm of institutions that truly understand and implement all the aspects of diversity.
“The construct of diversity has played an integral role across my entire career, and drew me to the role of Chief Diversity Officer . . .” said Tucker.
According to Tucker, the history of Maryville College is unique and was one of the reasons she was drawn to MC and the position.
“I knew it was a special place when I came to interview, and have continued to feel that way,” said Tucker.
Prior to her filling the roll of VP and Dean of Students at MC, Tucker has most recently held the title Vice President of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at Dickinson State University, in North Dakota.
“I invite students to let me know what excites them about being a Scot, and how I can best serve the campus community,” said Tucker.
According to Bogart’s memorandum, Tucker will be starting her services here on campus on March 20.