Kelley Melvin ’08 Named Director of Alumni Engagement

Office of Alumni and Career Services
November 7, 2022

“Kelley brings not only a wealth of professional and relationship-management experience, but also a tremendous, fresh energy to this organization as a loyal alumna.”

~ John Jensen ’01, executive director of alumni and career services

Kelley Melvin, a 2008 Washington and Lee graduate, has been selected as the university’s new director of alumni engagement. In this role, Melvin will lead alumni chapter programming, reunions, inclusion and affinity programs and alumni communications strategies.

Melvin joined W&L in 2017 in the Office of Career and Professional Development, first as director of employer development and then as director of communications. In July 2022, she took on the role of director of constituent strategy for the newly-restructured Office of Alumni and Career Services. She was tapped for her most recent role in October.

John Jensen ’01, executive director of alumni and career services, said Melvin was the obvious choice for this role. “Kelley brings not only a wealth of professional and relationship-management experience, but also a tremendous, fresh energy to this organization as a loyal alumna,” said Jensen. “With her unique perspective and ideas, combined with a natural leadership ability, she has already made a positive impact on engaging our alumni in meaningful ways.”

Reporting to Melvin are Michelle Jones, Kristy Speers, Taylor Meeker and Pilar O’Valle Martínez. Jones and Speers will continue to oversee reunions, events and alumni chapter programming. Meeker and O’Valle, the newest additions to the team, will provide marketing and communication strategy and support across all Office of Alumni and Career Services functions including alumni engagement, lifelong learning and career and professional development. A currently unfilled position in the organization will focus on affinity group programs.

Melvin said her years spent in the Office of Career and Professional Development prepared her well for this position. “I look forward to combining the perspective, experience and relationships I gained during my time working with students and alumni with my love of the university as an alumna, former student-athlete and Lexington native to contribute to the vision of the newly-merged Office of Alumni and Career Services.”

As a W&L student, Melvin majored in business administration, ran cross-country and was a member of the lacrosse team, where she served as co-captain her senior year. Before returning to her alma mater in 2017, she worked in advertising in New York, Denver and Boulder, Colo.