Melissa Atkinson (’94)
Melissa Atkinson, who obtained her B.S. in Mathematics with a secondary teaching certification from ACU in 1994, is passionate about teaching and serving others. Melissa taught math, algebra and computer lab to 6th – 10th graders at a small public school in Ralls, Texas where she enjoyed helping students who struggled with arithmetic begin to build confidence in their skills.
Although Melissa appreciated the opportunity to teach arithmetic to young students, she also knew that her love for organizing information and helping others with their information needs would be a better fit working in a library. In 1997 she moved back to Abilene to be closer to family, and began working on her Master’s degree which she received in 2000 from the University of North Texas in Library Science and began working at ACU as faculty Librarian. She explains, “I love helping students with their research needs – from locating a book or article to discussing their dissertation topic; it’s a good feeling knowing that I have a hand in helping a student achieve.”
Melissa not only gives of herself to ACU students, but also serves ACU on various boards, councils and committees working with other faculty to ensure students are educated for Christian service and leadership throughout the world, and says, “I appreciate opportunities that allow for service and commitment for the good of our campus and its students.”
Currently, Melissa is pursuing a Ph.D. in Distance Education from Regent University and is the Online Learning Librarian at ACU. She helps ACU Dallas students with online research and electronic access and is also collaborating with ACU Dallas faculty and staff to create, share, and purchase resources that help students succeed.
by Mollie Scherer, Library Communications and Development Officer