Melanie Conrad

Associate Dean & Senior Lecturer
Department of Mass Communications School of Communication, Film, and Media

678-839-4930
mconrad@westgaRngFNNButcgfCLAchQdroN1ck2hyQj90njKCDBTRNSsykAxvLr7qMXLqD.edu

Miller Hall - Room 2306
Office Hours
Mon & Wed 12:30-3:00pm
and by appointment

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Melanie Conrad
Dr. Melanie Conrad serves as the Associate Dean in the School of Communication, Film, and Media, where she focuses on student‑centered initiatives and works closely with learners navigating academic and personal challenges. She is known for her ability to help students solve problems, remove barriers, and find a path toward success — work she considers the most meaningful part of her role.

She holds a BA in Speech Communication from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, an MA in Communication from Minnesota State University–Mankato, and a Ph.D. in Rhetorical Theory from Wayne State University. She is also certified in Mental Health First Aid, Workplace Learning, and Elements of High Impact Practices.

Before stepping into academic leadership, she taught and coached forensics at the University of Nebraska–Kearney and Berry College, and also served as faculty at Midwestern State University. These experiences shaped her commitment to supporting students not only as learners, but as whole people.

As a mother of college students, she understands firsthand how the decisions made within higher education ripple outward into students’ lives and families. Her guiding philosophy — be the person who solves the problem, even when it requires navigating difficult conflict — informs her leadership and her approach to student advocacy.

Her work is deeply influenced by her mentor, the late Dr. Jack Kay, whose wisdom, compassion, and unwavering support continue to guide her. In challenging moments, she often asks herself, “What would Jack do?” and finds clarity in the legacy he left behind.

When she’s not working with students or colleagues, she unwinds through “cooking therapy” or by taking her dog, Cosmo, for long walks.

  • B.A., Speech Communication, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1990
  • M.A., Communication, Mankato State University, 1993
  • Ph.D., Rhetorical Theory, Wayne State University, 1998

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