She's a creative, optimistic educator-leader focused on big goals with innovative and elegant solutions.
Melissa has a wealth of experience across education ecosystems including higher education and K12, private and public, not for profit and for-profit, charter and vocational. Her background demonstrates a proven track record in delivering and designing effective curriculum and training programs, resulting in substantial improvements in faculty performance and increases in student outcomes across diverse environments. Her leadership philosophy is firmly grounded in affirmation and empowerment, underpinned by a profound ability to foster strong interpersonal connections and dedication to assembling and nurturing effective teams, united in their pursuit of common goals. She is driven by a personal mission to improve the lives of individuals and communities through education
Education
Honors & Awards
Interests
Media
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2011 Ed.D., Educational Administration & Leadership Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton School of Education, Tempe, AZ D.E.L.T.A. doctoral program, International and Global Issues in Education Study Abroad:
Institute of Education, University of London
Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, Mexico
2004 M.Ed., Curriculum & Instruction Arizona State University, Mary Lou Fulton School of Education,Tempe, AZ Thesis:
Sleep Deprivation, Start-Times, or Poor Time Management? The Problem with Motivating Adolescents
1999 B.A., Creative Writing University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Concentration: Non-fiction and poetry
Language: Latin
Staff Appreciation & Recognition Award Queens University of Charlotte, 2021 Classroom Champion Award College of Humanities & Sciences, University of Phoenix, 2017 President's Award Nominee University of Phoenix, 2016 Outstanding Teacher of the Year City of Phoenix, 2007 Excellence in Teaching, Apple Award Paradise Valley High School, 2006 PVHS Innovative Technology Grant Paradise Valley High School, 2004
Travel & Photography Few things bring me as much joy than discovering a new place. Photography freezes a place, its people, and the culture in a moment in time.
Television
McCartney, M. Interviewed by John Carter. (2020, August). Part 1: pandemic back to school & beyond, a WBTV Special 8/13. Charlotte, NC.
Magazines
McCartney, M. Featured Editorial in Educational Technology Insights. (2023, March). Adapt or fail: the imperative for universities in meeting the graduate education needs of millennials and gen z. Education Technology Insights (online magazine). https://lnkd.in/dCcwkr-c
McCartney, M. Profiled in The Education Magazine. (2024, April). Dr. Melissa McCartney, Ed.D.: Championing accessible education and distinction in lifelong learning. https://www.theeducationmagazine.com/melissa-mccartney/
Press Release
McCartney, M. Quoted by Queens Communications. (2023, June). Queens collaborates with industry partners to launch unique data program. https://www.queens.edu/blog/2023/06/15/queens-collaborates-with-industry-partners-to-launch-unique-data-program/
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Melissa exudes the strength of Lara Croft, the unremitting personality of Mary Poppins, the perseverance of J.K. Rowling, and the educational commitment of Maria Montessori. She is an authentic leader who demonstrates genuine loyalty, understands the challenges and needs of her staff, and advocates for purposeful change. More important, Melissa’s “door” is always open—and quite often occupied because EVERYONE loves and trusts her. If I could work with her for the rest of my life, I would willingly volunteer.
Jason Covert
Instructional Designer
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University of Phoenix
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Dr. Melissa McCartney is a top-notch educator and a world-class manager. I had the extreme pleasure of working with Melissa for over a year at the School of Advanced Studies, during which time she was my manager and supervisor. Dr. McCartney’s steadfast dedication to her work and team were unparalleled and rare to find. No matter how busy or swamped she was, she always had an open door policy and dropped whatever she was doing to help those in need. She handled every single difficult situation or obstacle with grace, compassion, and a smile. Dr. McCartney exemplified everything it meant and means to be a true servant leader.
Dr. McCartney consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of andragogy, curriculum design, and management. She had high professional and personal expectations, yet she was fantastic to work for and with because she always led by example, and with soul, enthusiasm, and a contagious sense of humor. Her wonderful and professional sense of humor brightened the whole team's days, inspired our office, and helped make our work environment enjoyable. Effectively collaborating with all stakeholders, both internal and external, was also one of her greatest strengths. Dr. McCartney is an amazing individual and leader, and anyone who crosses paths with her will always better off than he or she was before meeting and working with her. Any organization would be lucky to work with Dr. McCartney.
Zachary Zipser
Instructional Designer
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University of Phoenix
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Melissa McCartney exemplifies supportive leadership. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Melissa for over a year during which part of that time she was my direct manager. Melissa made herself available to her employees through regular one-on-one meetings as well as informal check-ins. I was impressed with Melissa’s ability to deliver quality content and process recommendations while allowing employees to take ownership of their work. And, of course, her good-natured humor always created a fun and positive work environment. Any employee and organization would be lucky to have Melissa as a manager and comes with my highest recommendation.