Title

Coordinator, Student Leadership
Instructor, Minor in Leadership Studies

Department

Center for Student Leadership Development

Contact

210 Memorial Union | mjcamba@uri.edu | p: 401.874.2561

Education

MBA, specialization in organizational leadership, University of Rhode Island (expected 2023ish)
MS, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Colorado State University
BA, English with a minor in human development, State University of New York – College at Geneseo

Biography

Melissa was born in Queens, NY and grew up on Long Island. It was during her time as an undergraduate at the State University of New York (SUNY) – College at Geneseo that Melissa realized her passion for working with college students. After completing her undergraduate studies, she took time to work professionally before pursuing her Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Colorado State University. Melissa has close to 20 years of experience in the field of student affairs, working in campus activities, student centers, orientation, residential life, intercultural affairs/diversity initiatives, and leadership development. She has also presented workshops at professional conferences on both the regional and national levels. Melissa joined the the URI community in September 2009. As a staff member in the Center for Student Leadership Development, she spends her time teaching in the classroom, advising students and facilitating leadership development workshops and training programs to address campus needs in leadership issues, including team building, effective communication, inclusive leadership, social justice, skill development and outdoor adventure programs.

Publications

Vaccaro. A. and Camba-Kelsay, M. J. (2016). Centering women of color in academic counterspaces: A critical race analysis of teaching, learning, and classroom dynamics. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Personal Interests

In addition to my work, I am a parent to two young boys. My husband and I continually attempt to work on house renovations when the kids allow. Once in a while I’m able to squeeze in a kayaking adventure in the area, a visit to the zoo, or a walk with the dogs and family.