Meet A Deac

Happy Spring Break, Daily Deacdom! Even though many (most?) of our Deacs are away this week, Meet A Deac continues! Today I am pleased to introduce you to my colleague Melody Martin.

Melody, glad to have you with us as today’s Meet A Deac. Let’s start with your job title. I have the pleasure of serving as the Director of Presidential Advancement within the Office of University Advancement.

And how long have you worked at Wake? It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been at Wake Forest for six and a half wonderful years! In addition to my current role, I’ve also served in varying roles on our University Events team, and for four years as the Director of the Call to Conversation program.

Tell me about your educational background. I received both my Bachelor of Science in Communication with a focus in Broadcasting/Electronic Media and a minor in Spanish, along with my Master of Arts in Higher Education: Community College & University Leadership from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. That’s also where I started my career in higher education.

How would you describe your job in layperson’s terms? I serve as the key partner between the Office of University Advancement and the Office of the President at Wake Forest. It’s my job to plan and manage requests for the president’s time and to ensure she is prepared at the highest level. I also oversee the president’s suites for athletic events, and travel to various events where the president will be engaged in University business. Often, the engagement opportunities that I coordinate involve our students. This position allows me to combine my passions for customer service, project management and exceptional events on a daily basis!

I know we are moving more towards normalcy, thankfully, but take a moment and reflect on what your biggest pandemic challenge was. It wasn’t until my office began working fully from home that I realized how much getting ready, coming into work and engaging with my co-workers was a part of who I am. Seeing each other on Zoom just isn’t quite the same! After being at home for 14 months, I was eager to get back to in-person work and have now returned to working in the office full-time.

If a student stopped you on the Quad and asked you for advice, what would you say? I’ll actually share some advice that I learned from a very wise Wake Forest student a few years ago: between 9 am-5 pm, manage your time like a work day. Be intentional and place priority on the things that bring you joy and/or create success. Four years passes quickly, so take advantage of every opportunity that you have in front of you. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, create it!

Now let’s flip that question – what advice would you give Wake families? Wake Forest is full of amazing people who care so much about your student! We work hard to create a space where they can thrive, take risks, and make mistakes in a safe environment. Those mistakes will help them grow. Trust the process!

What you do like best about working at Wake Forest? There are two things that come to mind: first, the people! I’ve never met kinder or more talented people than the faculty, staff, and students at Wake Forest. Second, from the moment I arrived at Wake in 2015, I’ve always felt like if you could dream it, you could do it. I still feel that today!

Favorite place on campus? I love leaving Alumni Hall around 6 p.m. and catching a pink/orange sky just behind Wait Chapel — the remnants of a beautiful sunset.

We’ve now reached the bonus round questions. Let’s go!

Book you are reading now/podcast you are listening to, etc.: Because I recently started a new position, I’m re-reading The First 90 Days. My go-to podcast is How I Built This. I love hearing how great ideas come to life!

Favorite music: There’s nothing better than a country music concert in the summer! The past few years, I’ve really enjoyed listening to Luke Combs.

Movies/TV/Netflix picks: While I’m a little embarrassed to say this, I enjoy watching The Bachelor/Bachelorette and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team. I’m also a big fan of Law and Order SVU and Sex and the City.

Websites you frequent: Can I share a few apps instead? I often find myself on Instagram, Amazon and EveryDollar (the tool I use to manage personal finances).

Things you love?: Estate sales, Trader Joe’s tempura cauliflower (yum!) and Coca-Cola!

Introvert or extrovert? Introverted extrovert. I love interacting with other people, but as I’ve gotten older, also appreciate my alone time.

Something most people don’t know about you: I like fishing. I grew up going fishing with my Dad and have many fond memories hanging out by the pond.

What question didn’t I ask you that you want to answer? “What is your hometown?” I grew up in Walnut Cove, a small town about a half an hour from Winston-Salem. My parents still live there and it’s also where I go to church. My husband Alex and I bought our first home in Pfafftown last year, and we (along with our little brown dog, Millie) have really enjoyed it so far!

Many thanks, Melody, for being our Meet A Deac, and for all your contributions to our campus community!

Reminder: read past Meet A Deacs here.

— by Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)