Melton Steps Down as Dean of Education
The beloved dean & professor will take a sabbatical starting in the summer of 2025.
After twenty-four years at Mississippi College, Dr. Cindy Melton is stepping down from her position as the Dean of the School of Education. Although she is taking a sabbatical as opposed to resigning, she will not be returning to her role as Dean. She will return to the classroom as a professor in the spring of 2026 after taking a sabbatical during the summer and fall of 2025.
“I’m looking at doing some different certifications and professional developments,” Melton said. “I always try to keep up with different certifications in my different areas of academics, but there are definitely some trainings and some seminars, there’s some writing that I want to do and some research, and I’m still working on some grant opportunities.”
Melton first came to MC as a freshman in college before serving in public school education and then as a professor at MC. Now, her son attends MC and will be graduating in May. Her favorite role at MC has been MC mom.
Melton loves her career, especially her time in the classroom with students. One of her favorite aspects of her job is being able to discuss with students what their future mission field will look like and being able to minister to them. With her son graduating and the recent passing of her mom, she feels that it is time for her to take a break.
“I think it’s always nice to be able to recharge,” Melton said. “Self-care is really important. Precious time with family is vital. It’s crucial, always, to say family needs to be at the first and foremost, along with your faith. I think it’s going to be good to recharge and come back even more excited, energized, reinvigorated, focused, and be able to use some of my energy and some of my excitement towards some new projects.”
Although students and staff are excited for Melton, she will be missed. She ensures that all of the students feel loved and seen and reaches out to all the different departments that fall underneath the Department of Education. She is an encouragement and is loved by the students in addition to running the department well.
“I am certain that Dr. Melton has left a phenomenal foundation for anyone that steps into the role,” Chip Wilson, Director of Student Wellbeing, said in an email response. “Dr. Melton leads in a way that she comes alongside individuals, and I know that standard will be maintained as they are seeking the next dean of the department.”
Dr. Christopher Washam, Professor and Chair of Kinesiology, will be assuming the role of interim Dean of Education until the department is able to find a permanent replacement for Melton.
“I hope it brings the two departments together because they are in two separate buildings,” Lilly Pillow, a senior education major, said. “I just really hope that while they’re looking for someone that is going to fill Dr. Melton’s spot, they’re going to look for someone who is as passionate and kind and compassionate as her.”
While her position may be changing, Melton has made a lasting impact on campus.
“Even though her specialization is in elementary, she’s still very in touch with the secondary,” Pillow said. “I think she’s very in touch with the kinesiology department, and all of us feel so seen and loved by her.”
Both students and staff are curious to see what the future of the department will look like under the direction of Dr. Washam and, eventually, someone else. While they are saddened by Melton’s leave, they are eager that she will not be permanently missing from the department and are anticipatory for the future.
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