Dr. Melinda Messineo has been promoted to the rank of Professor of Sociology, effective at the beginning of the fall semester of 2018.
Dr. Messineo’s career at Ball State began in 1999 as a contract instructor. She became an assistant professor the following year, and has been active in a multitude of initiatives across the campus, region, and nation since that time.
Her dedication and prowess as a teacher is reflected in the many instructional awards that she has amassed, including two-time recognition with Ball State's Excellence in Teaching Award, the Accessible Teacher of the Year Award from the Office of Disability Services, the John H. Schnabel Award for distinguished contribution to teaching from the North Central Sociological Association, and the Hans O. Mauksch Award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Education from the American Sociological Association.
As an active researcher focusing on the scholarship of teaching and learning, Dr. Messineo has collaborated on numerous interdisciplinary projects, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She served as Director of the University’s Freshman Connections program for nine years, served as department chairperson from 2012 to 2017, and has held a number of regional and national leadership positions, including a current term as President of the North Central Sociological Association.
“I greatly appreciate the efforts of the letter writers and various committee members who evaluated my work,” says Dr. Messineo. “I am also appreciative of everyone who gave me opportunities to engage in such varied and interesting experiences. I look forward to continuing to serve in a wide range of roles. Lastly, I encourage all of the associate professors out there to get your materials together and go for it!”
Congratulations, Dr. Messineo!