Melinda Carlson

Creating a vibrant, supportive university community requires thoughtful planning and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections. This belief is at the heart of Melinda Carlson's work as Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Memphis. With more than 30 years of experience in Higher Education (HE), Melinda is leading efforts to rebuild and revitalize student life, ensuring every student feels supported and engaged throughout their academic journey.

In today’s conversation, Melinda sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss her career path, strategies for enhancing campus engagement, and how the University of Memphis is evolving to support its diverse student body.

Melinda's Journey

Jack: Can you start by introducing yourself and your institution?

I’m Melinda Carlson, Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Memphis. I’ve been in HE for a little over 30 years, starting my career in Housing and Residence Life – as many generalists in this field often do. The University of Memphis is a public Carnegie R1 institution with about 20,000 students across 13 colleges and schools. At the University of Memphis, we proudly serve a large population of first-generation students and Pell Grant recipients, which shapes much of our work and focus.

Jack: What inspired you to pursue a career in Higher Education?

Like many people in this field, I fell into it. I was studying to become a teacher as an undergraduate, but after some placement experiences, I had a moment of reflection and realized it might not be the right fit for me. I reached out to mentors from my undergraduate experience who introduced me to the field of student affairs. That led me to pursue my master’s degree, and I never looked back. This work became a true passion for me, driven by the opportunity to engage with students and make a positive impact on their lives.

Jack: You’ve been at the University of Memphis for a few years now. Can you tell us about your current role and responsibilities?

I’ve been at the University of Memphis for two and a half years, serving as Vice President for Student Affairs for the past year. The division of Student Affairs had been dissolved about seven years ago and was recently reestablished under our new president and strategic plan. My focus has been on rebuilding and restructuring the division – creating a clear vision and bringing together a team that had been dispersed across the university.

Jack: How are you working to create a positive and welcoming campus environment?

We are completely revamping the University of Memphis "Tiger Experience," focusing on the student journey from orientation through graduation and beyond. This involves creating opportunities for students to connect – with each other, faculty, staff, and the greater Memphis community. Whether it’s through our College of Fine Arts, athletics, or community engagement programs, we are identifying pathways that foster a sense of belonging and support students’ development and success.

Career readiness is also a major priority. Given the current skepticism around the value of HE, we’re working hard to demonstrate to students and their families that their investment is worthwhile. We are explicit about how leadership roles in student organizations develop competencies that translate into career success – and not just for a job, but for building a fulfilling life.

Jack: Many students today juggle academics with work and other commitments. How are you addressing this challenge?

We have a significant number of Pell-eligible students, many of whom need to work while studying. Instead of viewing student employment as a barrier to campus involvement, we are creating seamless employment experiences that integrate work with belonging. Student jobs on campus are becoming more than just a paycheck – they’re opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

Jack: Mental health is a pressing issue on campuses. How is the University of Memphis supporting student well-being?

We take a comprehensive approach to mental health. Faculty partnerships are crucial – we ensure that faculty feel confident recognizing when students may need support and know how to refer them appropriately. We focus on prevention through education and proactive strategies, in addition to offering traditional counseling services, group therapy, and online communities.

Our Counseling Center staff are exceptional – they’re innovative, proactive, and deeply committed to student well-being. They stay ahead of best practices and aren’t afraid to try new approaches to meet students where they are. This wraparound support ensures that students can access the help they need in ways that work best for them.

Jack: Peer-led initiatives can be powerful tools for student engagement. How are you incorporating peer leadership into your strategies?

We’re currently auditing all the spaces where peer leadership happens, both formally and informally. Peer education is happening organically across campus, and we want to recognize and strengthen those efforts. Our residence halls are a key example – Resident Assistants (RAs) provide structured, impactful peer support. We’re exploring how to adapt similar models in student leadership programs, multicultural affairs, and other areas to amplify peer-to-peer engagement.

Jack: Are there any exciting innovations you’re introducing as part of the Student Affairs restructuring?

We are rethinking how we engage with student communities, shifting away from transactional services towards transformative experiences. One example is how we support veteran and military-affiliated students. They have access to unique benefits and scholarship opportunities, but navigating those systems can be complex. So we are redesigning our outreach and support to make those interactions meaningful – connecting students with not just their benefits but also with broader campus opportunities.

This shift reflects our broader philosophy: every point of contact with a student is an opportunity for connection and engagement, not just a service transaction. We want students to feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Jack: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Don’t be afraid of having difficult conversations. As a field, we can sometimes become preoccupied with making sure everyone is happy. But we need to remember that feedback, good or bad, is a gift. That’s something that has reframed my professional growth and development more than anything else.