MELISSA RECHT

melissa.k.rechts@gmail.com | 937-510-5118

SKILLS & Experienced operations professional with exceptional communication skills. Talented
ABILITIES collaborator and manager, skilled at leading and motivating teams.
Extensive professional experience in higher education and corporate environments, including
program coordination and support, business writing and editing, customer service, student
advising, office management, event-planning, marketing, and fundraising.
Skilled user of Microsoft Office, Adobe programs, and Drupal website software. Fluent user of
Mac and PC platforms. Completed professional development workshops in customer service,
public speaking, emotional intelligence, and inclusion.

EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

Testing Coordinator, Office of Learning Resources, August 2017-Current
Coordinates exams given through the Testing Center. Informs students, proctors, Testing
Center personnel, faculty, and other stakeholders regarding software, hardware, and testing
procedures, coordinates the test scheduling process and test materials, provides and assists with
training and dissemination of information to Testing Center personnel, acts as a liaison with
Disability Services staff and students, and coordinates efforts to improve and refine usage of the
Testing Center. Hires, trains, and develops graduate student employees. Secures interpreting
services, problem-solves complex testing and accommodation issues, and educates students,
faculty, and staff on Testing Center and other Disability Services-related processes. Works
closely with the Office of Learning Resources to implement ideas that facilitate student success.

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

Executive Assistant, October 2012-July 2017
Responsible for development and implementation of communications with college constituents
and stakeholders, including creating and distributing annual reports and newsletters and
creating social media content. Expertly planned college activities, including meetings, large-
scale receptions, retreats, and fundraising events. Developed, directed, and maintained
effectiveness of operations in the Office of the Dean.

Program Coordinator, April 2012-October 2012

Expanded and developed programs through recruiting, student follow-up, and advising
assistance. Managed and trained program graduate assistants. Created community connections
and fostered partnership between programs and local schools, as well as within the department.
 Administrative Specialist, October 2010-April 2012
Interacted daily with students, visitors, and University staff, using customer service skills to
help them navigate the complexities of a large department. Assisted in the hiring, management
and training of graduate assistants and student workers. Provided administrative support to the
department, including faculty members, adjuncts, and the department Chair and assistant Chair.

DENISON UNIVERSITY
Academic Administrative Assistant, August 2007-October 2010
Coordinated lectures, student events, and alumni events. Updated and refreshed department
website. Designed and created flyers, programs, annual newsletter, and other departmental
correspondence as needed.

EMORY UNIVERSITY
Program Coordinator, May 2005-November 2006
Coordinated events and activities for Asian Studies Program, including lectures, concerts, and
meetings. Produced flyers, press releases, and web listings for events. Created and regularly
updated website. Provided administrative support to program director and faculty members.
Arranged travel for visiting scholars and dignitaries.

BWD PUBLISHING COMPANY

Writer and Editor, 2002-2003
Wrote stories for women’s magazine, “Spotlight on Women.” Edited book manuscripts and
magazine stories. Helped sell advertising and worked closely with authors to provide support
and guidance.

EDUCATION WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY, DAYTON, OH

Master of Education, Student Affairs in Higher Education
Current student. Completed courses in student development theory, diversity, higher education
law, budget and finance, and workshop design. Graduation date: December 2019.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, KENT, OH

Bachelor of Arts, English
Graduated summa cum laude with University Honors. Awarded Kent State University Wick
Poetry-Honors Scholarship, poet in residence for Honors College. Awarded Kent State Toerne
Scholarship for outstanding English student.