Advocating for the Environment Through Development: Melissa Lee’s Journey at UGA

Introduction to Melissa Lee’s Role

Melissa Lee, an alumna of the University of Georgia (UGA), thrives as the Development and Alumni Relations Coordinator at the Odum School of Ecology. Her role reflects her deep-seated passion for advocating environmental conservation and fostering community relationships. With a background rich in arts and fundraising, Melissa’s journey highlights her dedication to both her profession and personal values.

Discovering a Passion for Development

Melissa’s academic journey began at UGA, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from the Lamar Dodd School of Art in 2010. She furthered her education at Florida State University, obtaining a master’s degree in nonprofit arts administration. It was here that she discovered her interest in fundraising—a skill she initially hoped to utilize within museums.

After her postgraduate studies, Melissa’s career commenced in Atlanta as an administrative assistant for Terry College’s Executive Education and MBA programs. Her interactions with the Development and Alumni Relations team sparked a desire to transition fully into development roles. This ambition led her back to Athens in 2015, where she embraced various stewardship roles over seven productive years at UGA’s Development and Alumni Relations.

Embracing the Call of Environmentalism

In 2021, a personal tragedy struck Melissa’s life with the loss of her husband, a fellow UGA development professional passionate about environmentalism. This profound experience prompted Melissa to align her career with environmental advocacy, seeking a role that would honor her husband’s commitment to ecological causes.

In December 2022, Melissa took on the role at the Odum School of Ecology, where she was eager to contribute to both her personal and professional growth. “I was excited when this job opening came up at the School of Ecology because I could stay at UGA and move up in my career while also honoring something that he cared about,” she noted.

Fostering Relationships and Raising Funds

Melissa’s role is dynamic, involving collaboration with faculty, students, and donors in various capacities:

• Development Initiatives: Working alongside Dean Mark Hunter, Melissa helped design a strategic fundraising plan to support the school’s missions, including coastal ecology, pollinator conservation, and clean energy research.
• Alumni Engagement: Melissa plays a pivotal role in shaping the new Alumni Board and Dean’s Advisory Council, crucial platforms for securing funds for student and faculty projects.
• Community Building: Events like Waffle Wednesdays and Spring Fling are a testament to her commitment to nurturing a sense of community within the school.

For Melissa, “supporting the Odum School means supporting both students and the planet.” Her daily tasks are centered around donor management, from acknowledging contributions to facilitating impactful alumni relations.

Synergy Between Art and Ecology

Melissa’s background in art uniquely complements her work in ecology. She likens the study of relationships in ecology to recognizing beauty in art: “There’s an inherent crossover in the way we view the world,” she explains. This synergy between creative and ecological perspectives deepens her appreciation and effectiveness in her role.

Advancing Collaborative Initiatives

A critical aspect of Melissa’s work involves cross-campus partnerships to maximize fundraising effectiveness. “You need to partner with an ecologist in order to make a real impact, whether that’s science, policy, or sustainable circular economies,” she asserts. By engaging multiple UGA schools and colleges, she enhances collaborative gifts that create widespread impact.

Melissa emphasizes the importance of introducing new faces to the Odum School and retaining established connections. “Some of our most generous donors support schools across campus. Ensuring they have the best experience with UGA is really the bigger goal,” she adds.

Balancing Work and Passion

Outside the professional sphere, Melissa’s love for art persists. She enjoys painting, engaging with her two dogs, Hubble and Banjo, and immersing herself in art museums. Her commitment to the arts extends to volunteer work with arts organizations, accompanied by a love for live music and films.

Melissa’s profound appreciation for nature, which she fondly calls her “love for the dirt,” is central to both her personal life and professional endeavors. “It makes me feel grateful and connected to everyone when I remember we’re all sharing our environment,” she concludes.

Conclusion

In her role at the Odum School of Ecology, Melissa Lee is not just fostering development but is also bridging the gap between ecological conservation and community collaboration. Her work embodies a vision where supporting education directly translates to nurturing our global environment, making her an inspirational figure at UGA and beyond.

Source: https://news.uga.edu/odum-development-coordinator-sees-beauty-in-her-environment/