Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson Higher Education Leader Graduate Fellowship

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Bay Path University proudly announces a gift from the family of Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson and Glenn Olson to establish the Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson Higher Education Leader Graduate Fellowship. This newly endowed fellowship marks a historic moment as Bay Path’s first-ever graduate-level endowed fund, dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in higher education.

The fellowship provides merit-based financial support to graduate students enrolled in the EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies (HELOS) program. This prestigious program is widely recognized for its innovative approach to preparing future leaders in higher education. The fellowship prioritizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, scholarly research, and community service, with the goal of fostering innovative leadership in colleges and universities.

A Legacy of Leadership

Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson’s impact on Bay Path University spans 15 years of visionary leadership.

Dr. Morriss-Olson played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies (HELOS) program at Bay Path University. This groundbreaking initiative has been designed to prepare future leaders in higher education with the skills, vision, and strategies needed to drive institutional success in the ever-evolving higher education landscape.

Key elements of the online program's success include its focus on transformational leadership, data-informed decision-making, and fostering organizational change.

Complementing her work and teaching with the HELOS program, Dr. Morriss-Olson also spearheads IngenioUs, a podcast and blog exploring the pressing and provocative topics reshaping higher education. Through insightful conversations with university and college presidents, authors, and thought leaders, IngenioUs engages with bold ideas and strategies that align with the core mission of HELOS—challenging and re-defining the status quo while opening the doors of possibilities for a new vision of higher education in America.

She has also had a significant role in shaping the university’s academic offerings, creating over 40 innovative programs, and leading Bay Path’s transition into becoming a leader in online education. She also introduced groundbreaking initiatives such as the Thumbprint, an aspirational educational framework, and the We Empower as Learners and Leaders (WELL) program, which fosters personal and professional growth, self-awareness, and leadership skills in undergraduate students.

The HELOS Fellowship reflects her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and student success. By establishing this fund, Melissa and her family are ensuring that Bay Path University continues to attract and support graduate students who exhibit outstanding promise as future leaders in higher education.