When Ramona Mellott arrived at Northern Arizona University in 1991 to begin her career as an assistant professor in educational psychology, she didn’t know what to expect. She had never been to Flagstaff or even seen snow before. But what she did know: “Something about NAU just felt right.”
More than three decades later, that feeling has only deepened.
Mellott recalled her early days in the United States, having moved from India to pursue higher education: “I came with very limited resources. I could barely spend $20 to buy a bike to get to school.” She credits NAU with providing her with an incredible career, a strong community, and opportunities beyond her imagination, adding, “My whole working life has been shaped by this place, and I’m deeply grateful.”
After a distinguished administrative career—as department chair, dean of the Graduate College, and most recently, dean of the College of Education for close to two decades—Mellott is stepping down from her leadership role. She will return to the classroom, lead the college’s American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral program in Combined Counseling/School Psychology, and continue co-leading the Community Centered Addictions Research Training (C-CART) program, a federally funded initiative that addresses substance use disorders in underserved communities. Mellott co-leads C-CART alongside Julie Baldwin, regents’ professor, NARBHA vice president for NAU Health, and executive director of NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research.
Mellott’s commitment to NAU extends beyond her professional roles: She established a planned gift—a future-focused contribution made through a will, trust, or other long-term arrangement—to benefit the College of Education.
“I’ve worked hard, but I’ve also been incredibly fortunate to have colleagues who supported and guided me, students who inspired me, and a career that I’ve loved. This is a way for me to give back.”
Ramona Mellott Dean, College of Education
Mellott’s philanthropic endeavors began when she helped establish scholarships in memory of a beloved colleague, Jerry Petersen, and a student, Meagan Danielson, ’03, both of whom passed away in the early 2000s.
As a first-generation college graduate, Mellott understands the transformative power of education and the vital role faculty and staff play in student success.
“More than half of NAU students are, like me, the first in their families to earn a college degree. Planned giving is a way of supporting them for generations,” she said.
Mellott is optimistic about the future of NAU’s College of Education. From the newly launched Early Learning and Development Center to the university’s recent R1 designation, she sees growing opportunities for students, faculty, and the communities they serve.
“For 125 years, NAU has prepared educators who make a difference. With the support of our community, including faculty and staff, we’ll keep doing that for the next 125 years.”
To learn how you can leave a lasting legacy through a planned gift to NAU, visit foundationnau.org/giftplanning or contact Shannan Rice at [email protected].
