Manhattan College today announced that Melinda Wilson, Ph. D. has been named the Director of the Center for Academic Success (CAS). The on-campus learning center is devoted to assisting any Manhattan College student in enhancing his/her academic performance in any subject area offered at the College. The majority of the one-on-one tutoring is done by student tutors who have achieved a grade of A- or better in the given subject. A professional English language specialist is also available through CAS for those students whose native language is not English and would like to improve their English writing and speaking skills. CAS is located on the Manhattan College campus in Thomas Hall’s Learning Commons and in the Leo Learning Center. CAS also offers evening hours in Lee Hall, the dormitory for first-year students.
Dr. Wilson has been a visiting Assistant Professor of English at the College where she taught first year composition courses. She has dedicated her career to classroom teaching as well as supporting students through writing centers at institutions including Baruch College (part of the City University of New York), LIM College, St. John’s University, Fordham University, and Florida State University. A former professional Writing Consultant at Baruch College, Dr. Wilson has been involved in student mentorship and academic support initiatives for over 15 years. She has experience in assessment, tutor training, CRLA certification, and academic support initiatives. Additionally, she is the author of a forthcoming English composition textbook from Kendall Hunt Publishing as well as the author of a debut book of poems titled, What It Was Like to be a Woman, scheduled to be published in early 2025 by Indolent Books.
“The spirit of community at Manhattan College is one of the main factors that attracted me to the School,” said Dr. Wilson. “Whether it be with colleagues or students, there is a general sense of camaraderie, respect, and caring that people show to one another day in and day out that makes Manhattan College a particularly lovely environment.”
Kelly Marin, Ph, D, Interim Associate Provost stated, “We are thrilled to have Melinda join our team as the Director of CAS. Her depth of knowledge and deep passion for student support and success gained from student mentorship and academic support initiatives for over 15 years will greatly enhance our ability to assist all Manhattan College students regardless of their major area of study.”
Dr. Wilson received her BA in English from the University of New Hampshire, her MFA in Creative Writing from The New School, and her Ph.D. in English from Florida State University.