Dr. Melissa McCartney, Ed.D. is an esteemed educational leader who advances the transformative power of education. As the associate provost for digital learning and dean of the Graduate School at Queens University of Charlotte, she has a wealth of experience and a visionary perspective.
McCartney believes that colleges and universities are catalysts for societal progress. Therefore, she fosters environments where learners acquire knowledge and develop the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world.
She draws from her diverse background in the higher education ecosystem and champions meaningful transformation while empowering students to be leaders of innovation and positive change. McCartney’s leadership reflects her profound purpose and her relentless dedication to unlocking the potential of every individual and shaping a brighter future through education.
Leadership in Digital Learning and Educational Equity
As an associate provost for digital learning and dean of Queens’ Graduate School, McCartney shapes the institution’s educational landscape. She oversees initiatives that leverage digital platforms to enhance learning experiences. Her leadership ensures inclusive access to education, especially during the pandemic, by migrating critical systems to accessible platforms.
McCartney champions the causes of accessibility in digital learning resources, ensuring that each student is afforded equitable chances for achievement. Her unwavering commitment reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in education.
With McCartney’s guidance, the Graduate School has launched over 20 stackable graduate certificates advancing education at Queens University of Charlotte. These initiatives not only broaden the spectrum of educational prospects but also underscore her dedication to narrowing the divide between the demands of the workforce and academic readiness.
Evolution and Commitment to Excellence
Queens University of Charlotte has a rich history dating back to 1857. It has become a renowned institution of higher education committed to excellence and inclusivity. Founded as the Charlotte Female Institute, it became co-educational in 1987, showing its dedication to providing education for all. In 2002, after nearly a century and a half of growth and change, it became Queens University of Charlotte.
Today, Queens University is a distinguished center of comprehensive learning. It offers an extensive selection of programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels in various disciplines. With over 40 undergraduate majors in diverse fields such as business, communication, education, health sciences, liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences, the university adapts to the needs of the modern world.
Beyond academics, Queens University is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of its scholars. Providing students access to invaluable hands-on learning experiences, such as internships and study abroad opportunities, to cultivate practical skills and real-world wisdom.
Moreover, the university is committed to helping students develop five attributes to prepare students to be engaged and active in their communities. Queens graduates are: Honorably Connected, Intellectually Agile, Civically Engaged, Professionally Prepared, and Globally Informed.
Fostering Accessibility Through Scholarships, Work-Study, and Community Collaboration
Queens University’s financial aid department works with students and their families to provide support and create sound financial plans. The university offers a variety of scholarships and grants that recognize excellence in academics, athletics, and leadership.
Queens University provides work-study programs for eligible students. These programs let students earn income and gain valuable work experience while accommodating their academic schedules.
Queens University collaborates with local organizations and businesses. These partnerships expand scholarship opportunities and support underserved communities. For example, the Charlotte Talent Initiative, backed by companies like Ally Financial and Lowe’s Companies, Inc., shows the university’s commitment to economic mobility. These programs offer academic pathways, career guidance, and support. Moreover, these programs empower individuals from historically underserved backgrounds to access education and pursue their dreams.
Strategies for Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment
McCartney identifies several significant challenges in creating an accessible and inclusive campus environment. These include physical and technological barriers and cultural and social inclusion. She suggests retrofitting older buildings and ensuring digital platforms are accessible to overcome physical and technological obstacles. However, she asserts that cultivating a campus culture that prioritizes diversity and belonging necessitates commitment, collaboration, education, and adequate resources.
To address these challenges, McCartney advocates for education leaders to articulate a clear vision for inclusivity, engage with the community, provide education on diversity topics, allocate resources for accessibility upgrades, and create spaces for dialogue and collaboration. She says these strategies can lead to an accessible and inclusive campus where all members feel valued and supported.
McCartney emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and investing in training and resources to overcome accessibility and inclusion barriers. She also advises education leaders to communicate and be transparent, listen to diverse community members, and implement policies and practices that promote equity and belonging.
Getting Started Early and Fostering Academic Success: Advice for Parents
McCartney emphasizes active engagement and communication between parents and their child’s school. She advises parents to attend conferences, events, and activities to stay informed about their child’s progress and challenges. By fostering a collaborative relationship with educators, parents can provide their children with tailored support when needed, ensuring their academic success.
She also encourages parents to create a nurturing learning environment at home. This involves having a space with educational resources and a routine that prioritizes time for academics. She believes that praising effort and perseverance and instilling a growth mindset in a child can help build confidence in their academic journey.
McCartney values lifelong learning and urges parents to emphasize this to their children. Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking and exposing children to diverse learning opportunities are essential for their education. By exemplifying a model of perpetual learning and self-improvement, parents can prepare their children to excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal and professional lives.
Furthermore, McCartney advises parents to prepare financially for their child’s college education by considering dual enrollment or early college programs and saving early. Exploring tax-advantaged savings plans and encouraging early college programs can reduce costs and prepare for their child’s future.
Striking the Right Balance
McCartney knows how hard it is to juggle work and personal life in a world that never stops. That’s why she follows some simple rules to keep her balance. One of these rules is to set clear limits on her work time and avoid checking work emails when she is at home with her son. This way, she can focus on her family and enjoy quality time with them.
Another rule that she follows is to take care of herself by doing things that make her feel good and relaxed. She likes to walk, meditate, do yoga, or go to new places with her family. She also manages her time well by making lists, planning, and taking breaks.
The last rule that McCartney follows is to build strong connections with her family, friends, and coworkers outside of work. She also has a network of people who support her.
In addition, she enjoys hobbies, like photography, that let her see the world through different perspectives. For her, finding work-life balance is an ongoing journey, so she experiments with different strategies to discover what works best for her.
Empowering Students Through Resilience and Determination
McCartney inspires students to pursue education as a journey of growth, encouraging students to embrace obstacles as stepping stones to their dreams. She also emphasizes determination and a positive mindset are tools to overcome adversity.
She instills confidence in students by reminding them of their strength, resilience, and courage. She urges them to believe in themselves and their abilities, recognizing that they have the power to conquer any obstacle.
Furthermore, McCartney encourages students to move forward with perseverance. She understands that setbacks are setups for success. By embracing the journey with resilience and determination, students can navigate their education and emerge stronger and empowered.
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