Melinda Lowe has been named the director for Outreach & Innovation and coordinator of education at Mississippi University for Women.
“Melinda Lowe brings the right skill set to this position. We could not ask for a better match with the division’s redefined structure and goals,” said Marty Hatton, head of the Division of Education & Outreach.
Lowe has served as the interim director of Outreach & Innovation since March of 2015. Prior, she served as the associate director of Outreach & Innovation since August 2013.
According to Hatton, Lowe’s experience with program development and educational-based partnerships are respected throughout the state.
Hatton also said, “Her proven leadership in mentoring teachers and developing new mentor teachers is absolutely essential for the division’s plans to provide complete support for education students well into their initial placements as new teachers.”
As director and academic program coordinator, Lowe will oversee the coherence and integrity of the Education program’s curriculum. She is now being recognized as a member of the Education faculty with credentials to teach in the Master of Education’s concentration in educational leadership.
“I appreciate the opportunity to continue building relationships and partnerships across campus, as well as throughout the state. Whether it is developing and supervising programs, recruiting new students, and/or writing and implementing grants, I want to highlight the many assets that our university has to offer so as to strengthen our opportunities for more individuals,” said Lowe.
In her new role, Lowe looks forward to continuing to promote regional stewardship that will benefit both The W’s campus and the region by strengthening K-12 partnerships, increasing health and wellbeing collaborations and contributing to the creative economy.
The Office of Outreach & Innovation facilitates collaboration, innovation and outreach between the university and the community while also providing lifelong-learning opportunities through programming design to addresses personal and professional development goals.
Lowe has served on the Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee five years, one year as chairman. She has served on the Chamber’s board of directors for five years. In addition, she is a member of the Lowndes Young Leaders advisory board.
On campus, she has served as the co-project director for CHAMPS, a multi-million dollar educational research grant, since 2012 to 2018
Before joining The W, Lowe worked for the Columbus Municipal School District for 16 years as an elementary teacher, curriculum coordinator, professional development coordinator and developed the STAR New Teacher Induction program.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Mississippi State University and her Master of Education in educational leadership from The W. Lowe is a National Board Certified Teacher, IC3 certified and has conducted numerous trainings for educators, parents and various nonprofit organizations.
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