Melanie Heath is the strategy director for participation at Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. She leads a portfolio of work designed to increase student enrollment and re-enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs.
Prior to joining Lumina, Heath worked for nine years at the Utah System of Higher Education, most recently as associate commissioner for student affairs and access. During her time with the Utah system, she led the development of its strategic plan, oversaw statewide expansion of the Utah College Advising Corps, established the first regional college access partner network, and helped to lead the statewide common college application initiative.
Heath has a bachelor’s degree in English from Texas Tech University, and master’s in writing and publishing from Portland State University and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah. She is based in Salt Lake City.
