Melanie Lawrence, 25 years

Melanie is the Senior Associate Dean of Finance, Operations, & Technology and Chief Business Officer for Oxford College.

Tell us about your career at Emory.

I began my career at the Law School as a part-time temporary Assistant Accountant. While finishing my undergraduate degree at Georgia State University and raising my daughter, I worked my way up. I completed my MBA at Emory's Goizueta Business School in 2013 and transitioned to Central Research Administration, where I advanced to Chief Business Officer and Assistant Vice President of Research Administration. Last year, I was honored to join Oxford College as Senior Associate Dean and Chief Business Officer. I am incredibly proud of my career at Emory and the numerous opportunities for continued growth I’ve experienced.

What are some of your favorite Emory memories?

I have many favorite memories, especially the 21 months I spent with my MBA cohort. Choosing the MEMBA program was the best decision I've made for myself and I'm still reaping rewards from my time in the program. The people I’ve worked with throughout my career are also central to my favorite memories. I value having experienced Emory from multiple perspectives—school, central administration, student, alumni, staff, and administrator—giving me a well-rounded view and knowledge of the institution. I particularly enjoyed my time on the board of the Executive Women of Goizueta and am currently thriving at Oxford College with its incredible staff, students, and faculty.

What are some of the most significant changes you've witnessed?

The most significant change I’ve witnessed is the extensive growth across the entire enterprise, including students, technology, programs, research, healthcare, and facilities.

What do you miss from “back in the day”?

In the past, there was a wonderful sense of community where people would stay late to support one another on busy days, often collaborating across departments. We knew each other’s families and enjoyed many opportunities for inclusion. I'm thrilled to be rediscovering that same spirit on the Oxford campus. It’s been a pleasant surprise to realize how much I missed that sense of connectedness until I found it again.

What do you hope for the future of Emory?

I hope that OneEmory becomes ingrained in us all. Emory is large and siloed in many ways, but when we all work together, brainstorm with one another, listen to new ideas and perspectives, and drive toward common purposes, it shows that we are smarter and stronger collectively and have the ability to take Emory to new and better heights.

Anything else you would like to share?

I joke that I bleed Emory blue because of the many years and varied ways I’ve been part of the university. Although I’ve considered leaving over the years, I’ve stayed for various reasons and am very happy to continue growing, leading, learning, and doing everything I can to enhance Emory and support those around me.