Melissa Wells

Excellence in Teaching, 2014

Social Work

Dr. Melissa Wells is an Associate Professor in Social Work and teaches courses in both the Durham and Manchester campuses in the area of research methodology, statistics and program and practice evaluations. Dr. Wells has integrated unique and innovative teaching methodologies to improve student learning and retention, and the application of information in the workplace.

Dr. Wells takes a very personal approach to teaching to ensure that every student is learning and assimilating the course material. One student wrote "I did not anticipate actually ENJOYING research methods class" while another student commented "I was intimidated coming into the class but was amazed how supportive Dr. Wells was throughout the semester, I've never had a professor so willing to assist their students".

Dr. Wells incorporates applied projects in her course assignments to make her students "job ready" when they enter the work force. For example, in her Program and Practice evaluation course has involved community based projects for multiple human services agencies. Students have conducted surveys, implemented focus group research and performed analyses of existing data."

"In my graduation from the MSW program," says Meredith Stidham '11, Assistant Vice President of Community Impact Operations at Granite United Way for the Southern region of New Hampshire stated; "I found that the program and practice evaluation course had the most application and influence on my work in the field." She adds, "The nonprofit sector and its funders are undergoing significant transformation. Instead of ignoring the changing tide, Dr. Wells pushes her students to embrace change so they have the skills to create incredible change in their communities."

By: Michael S. Ferrara, Dean, College of Health and Human Services