Melanie Heath is the strategy director for participation at Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making learning opportunities beyond high school available to all. Melanie leads a portfolio of work designed to increase student enrollment and re-enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs.
Prior to joining Lumina Foundation, Melanie worked for nine years at the Utah System of Higher Education, most recently as the associate commissioner for student affairs and access. During her time at the Utah system office, she led the system’s strategic plan development, advocated for and oversaw the 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.
Melanie has a bachelor’s from Texas Tech University and master’s from Portland State University. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of Utah. Melanie is based in Salt Lake City, Utah.
