GREENEVILLE – An experienced professional who earned two degrees from Tusculum University has been selected as director of alumni relations at the higher education institution.
Dr. Melissa Bryant
Dr. Melissa Bryant will further build Tusculum’s connections with alumni and collaborate with stakeholders throughout the university to leverage the strengths of former students. Her ultimate goal is to celebrate Tusculum’s alumni and help ensure they remain a vital part of the university and its mission.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Bryant leading our efforts with our alumni and know that her status as a graduate provides her with tremendous insight that will prove beneficial to her and the university,” said Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement. “She is also an accomplished professional at an early stage in her career, and that will generate respect from our alumni and inspire our current students. She has hit the ground running, and we are excited to see the fruits of her work.”
Dr. Bryant earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2018 and a Master of Arts in talent development in 2019 from Tusculum. She achieved her Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Franklin University this year.
She most recently served as DeltaCare coordinator for UnitedHealth Group/Optum at Home for two years. Before that, she served for five years at Camelot Care Centers, earning a couple of promotions during her service. She began her career as a paraprofessional/behavior interventionist with Greene County Schools.
“As a proud two-time graduate of Tusculum, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformational impact of its mission and values,” Dr. Bryant said. “Throughout my career, I’ve led large-scale operations, trained hundreds of professionals and built programs empowering individuals and communities. Now, I’m eager to use those skills to strengthen alumni connections, enhance engagement efforts and elevate the visibility of Tusculum’s legacy.”
Her goals are:
- Strengthening the sense of connection and pride among Tusculum alumni
- Creating consistent, thoughtful communication that keeps alumni informed and inspired about what is happening on campus
- Building strong partnerships across departments to align alumni engagement efforts with student success, fundraising and institutional growth
Dr. Bryant said Tusculum alumni are some of the most dedicated and resilient people she has known. She said many had to balance their academics with work, family, friends and athletics while they pursued their degrees. She said that showed their determination and grit.
“Our alumni care deeply about their communities and often continue to serve in meaningful ways,” Dr. Bryant said. “What stands out most is their pride in Tusculum and their willingness to stay connected and give back. It’s clear that their time here made a lasting impact, and I’m excited to help celebrate and strengthen that lifelong bond.”
Dr. Bryant also sees many excellent qualities in the university as a whole.
“Tusculum University’s greatest strengths are its sense of community, its mission-driven approach and the personal attention it gives to every student,” she said. “As an alumna, I experienced firsthand how Tusculum combines academic rigor with real-world, hands-on learning in a way that truly prepares students for their careers and lives of service. The university’s caring Christian environment, small class sizes and supportive faculty create a space where students feel seen, supported and encouraged to grow. There’s a strong sense of pride here, rooted in Tusculum’s rich history and its commitment to shaping not just professionals, but responsible, engaged citizens.”
Alumni will have a chance to meet Dr. Bryant during a special event on campus. The Office of Institutional Advancement will hold Alumni Night at the Flyboys at Pioneer Park Tuesday, June 24, starting with a barbecue meal at 6:30 p.m. Alumni and their guests will be able to enjoy food, fun and fellowship and stay to watch the Greeneville Flyboys play the Kingsport Axmen in Appalachian League action. The two teams will play a doubleheader that night.
To register, please visit https://iasite.tusculum.edu/alumni-night-at-the-flyboys/. The cost is $5 per person and includes the meal and a game ticket.
More information about the university and alumni initiatives is available at www.tusculum.edu.