Melissa Wells

Dr. Melissa Wells (B.A. and M.A., Furman University; Ph.D., University of South Carolina) is an associate professor in the College of Education at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Her teaching and research interests include literacy, arts integration, culturally responsive pedagogy, and family engagement. In 2024, she received the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)’s Outstanding Faculty Award, which is the highest honor recognizing faculty in Virginia. Prior to becoming a professor, she taught in public schools in South Carolina, where she worked as a third-grade teacher, kindergarten teacher, and literacy coach.