Rick Melson

Background

About Rick Melson

Leadership Philosophy:"To create life-giving environments where individuals, teams, and organizations thrive and grow for enduring success and impact." President Melson brings more than 30 years of transformational leadership to SBU’s administrative team, serving as SBU’s 26th president. He is passionate about equipping the next generation of servant leaders to impact the world for Jesus Christ. He joined SBU from Cedarville University, where he served as Vice President for Advancement and Associate Professor of Business Administration. He led the most ambitious fundraising effort in the university's history, raising over $205 million upon the campaign's close. He also served on the President’s Cabinet and enjoyed teaching leadership to Cedarville’s students in the School of Business Administration, speaking in chapel, and mentoring students across campus. Dr. Melson previously served as the Vice President for Advancement and External Relations at Houghton College in Houghton, N.Y, from 2012-2016. He provided leadership to the institution's $70 million campaign, led the college to its highest level of giving in its history, and raised more than $34.1 million in four years, surpassing the previous seven years of giving combined. He also led his team to raise more than $1.1 million in one day, with 1,737 donors giving during a One Day Giving Challenge, garnering national recognition. He earned his doctoral degree in leadership studies from Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Melson holds a master’s degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor of arts degree from Murray State University. He has also completed post-doctoral studies at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education in educational management and advancement leadership.