Dr. Melissa Hodge-Penn

An accomplished and visionary higher education leader, Dr. Melissa Hodge-Penn brings over 15 years of executive-level experience in research administration, institutional strategy, and oversight of complex enterprise-wide research portfolios. Throughout a distinguished career, she has demonstrated an exceptional ability to scale research infrastructure, foster interdisciplinary innovation, and ensure rigorous regulatory compliance.

Hodge-Penn has uniquely served across the full spectrum of research leadership, including critical roles as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research, and Interim Vice Chancellor for Research. In these capacities, she successfully managed multi-million-dollar research expenditures, optimized operational frameworks, and spearheaded strategic initiatives that significantly elevated the institution’s national research profile and funding competitiveness. A collaborative partner to faculty, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, Dr. Hodge-Penn is recognized for driving academic excellence while championing a culture of research integrity and inclusivity.

Dr. Hodge-Penn's Response to Spotlight Question:

"Serving on this board allows me to directly invest in the critical pivot point of a young girl's life, turning communal support into tangible leadership, resilience, and a brighter future for our next generation. By equipping these young women with essential life skills at no cost to their families, we actively break generational cycles and build a safer, more prosperous local infrastructure."