Melissia Brannen, Ed.D.

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Melissia Brannen, Ed.D.

Executive Director for Civic and Community Engagement

Harrelson | 210

(803) 786-3888

Biography

Dr. Melissia Brannen continues her service to the Columbia College community as the Executive Director for Civic and Community Engagement where her passion for service will be instrumental in providing strategic leadership and vision to advance the College's mission of civic responsibility, public service, and community engagement. As an AmeriCorps alum and former Bonner Leader who remains involved in the community, Melissia is most excited to assist our campus community in building connections to local, regional, national and international communities for mutually beneficial partnerships that serve the common good. Melissia will also continue to serve as the Principal Designated School Official for the College managing federal compliance reporting to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and assisting all students who self-identify as an international student.

As a member of the Division of Student Affairs, Melissia plays a pivotal role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community where each person has an opportunity to connect their purpose with the needs of our greater community. Melissia strives to be a catalyst for civic innovation while promoting a culture of active citizenship and social responsibility through cross-campus collaborations.  She takes considerable pride in advocating for students and enjoys sharing opportunities that build capacity for acceptance and belonging in higher education communities and beyond. 

Memberships & Honors

  • SC Women in Higher Education, Board Member, 2023-present
  • SC Women in Higher Education, Institutional Representative, 2018-2023
  • Omicron Delta Kappa, inducted 2018
  • Chi Sigma Alpha, inducted 2010
     

Awards & Accomplishments

  • Chi Sigma Alpha
  • SC Women in Higher Education, Institutional Representative
  • Spirit of Inclusion Award
  • Inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, 16-17
  • Advisor of the Year, 18-19

What do you love about working at Columbia College?

Working at Columbia College has been an amazing experience. I love getting to know our students—their passions and their loved ones supporting them on this journey too.

I love meeting alumni who share their experiences on campus and who shed light on how our campus continues to strive for positive and productive change.

I adore and admire my colleagues as we share a passion to educate with a purpose to provide our students with the best collegiate experience possible that prepares them personally and professionally for success.

I love the beauty of our campus too. It is all one very lovely package, but most of all I love our commitment to doing what is right and good. We learn together here and in my honest opinion that concept alone makes Columbia College absolutely the best.